Inheriting a Taoist temple, the story begins with Wu Zetian offering incense.

Chapter 160 Pomegranate, Bring the Dragon-Slaying Sword! [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

Inside the Hunyuan Palace, Zhou Yi was stewing pork bones.

When Wu Zetian left last time, she marked the day Gongsun Da Niang would return on the calendar and wrote the words "Big Bone" on it so that Zhou Yi wouldn't forget.

Early this morning, Zhou Yi went down the mountain and bought more than ten kilograms of large bones, cleaned them, and stewed them on the stove.

When Aunt Gongsun returned, humming "Socialism is Good," she smelled the aroma of stewed pork bones filling the yard, and was immediately overjoyed.

"He said he'd stew big bones, and he did! Immortal Master is so reliable!"

Zhou Yi came out of the kitchen and, seeing the girl's excited expression, felt even better.
"I bought ten jin (5 kg). I'll put in a few more corn cobs and make some cornbread later... How's Li Longji doing? Is everything alright?"

Before even putting down her backpack, Aunt Gongsun took a small crispy cone from the freezer, peeled it open, and took a bite:
"The purge of the court is still ongoing, and quite a few officials have recently hanged themselves. The eldest grandson is gradually turning the tide of the court, and overall, things are stabilizing and improving."

After saying this, Granny Gongsun changed the subject and started talking about Xue Chongjian:

"Although Xue's grandson has been pardoned for all his crimes by his eldest grandson, all the officials in the court are ostracizing him. Little Taiping suggested that Xue's grandson go to overthrow Japan and turn that island nation into a prefecture of China. When I came, the mother and son were still talking about this... Immortal Master, when Xue's grandson sets off, can you pray for him in the Sanqing Hall?"

Zhou Yi nodded:

“No problem. Rather than dying in despair, it’s better to take a different path. It’s a way of defying fate.”

Historically, Xue Chongjian changed his name to Li Chongjian and survived the Xiantian Coup, but it was of no use. The court officials who had been suppressed by Princess Taiping did not let him go at all. He was demoted again and again, and finally died in Yuanzhou, which is now Yichun, Jiangxi, ending his unfulfilled life.

Xue Chongjian played a significant role in overthrowing Empress Wei's faction and worked closely with his cousin Li Longji. On the eve of the Xiantian Coup, he also tried his best to ease the relationship between Princess Taiping and Li Longji.

As a result, in the eyes of Princess Taiping's followers, Xue Chongjian was a traitor who betrayed his mother for personal gain; and in Li Longji's faction, he was also seen as a thorn in their side, and he was not well received by either side.

If he can truly conquer Japan, even if he only occupies a portion of its territory, it will be considered a contribution to territorial expansion. At that time, if anyone dares to criticize him, Hunyuan Palace will stand up for him.

After finishing her crispy snack, Aunt Gongsun happily returned to her room, charged all her power-saving devices such as her phone, power bank, and outdoor power supply, took a shower, changed into a casual short-sleeved shirt and shorts, and wore rubber duck flip-flops barefoot. In the blink of an eye, she transformed from a beautiful girl in Hanfu ancient costume into a lazy, long-legged high school student.

"Master, do you have any plans after lunch? I'm a wood-fired girl from over a thousand years ago, and I've never really been to the city. I wonder if there's anyone kind enough to show me around?"

Zhou Yi said with a smile:

"If you want to go shopping, we can go this afternoon."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Uncle Ming called:
“Master Yi, I’ve finally sorted out my business these past few days and freed up some time… Could you take some time to go to the Fangcheng Leopard 4S store in Yiyang City? I’ve ordered a top-of-the-line Leopard 8 for you. They have one in stock, so you can drive it away as soon as you get there and complete the formalities.”

Zhao Wei mentioned before that the Leopard 8 costs around 400,000 yuan. Zhou Yi didn't expect Uncle Ming to give him such an expensive car, and he hesitated a bit.
"Isn't this too expensive?"

Uncle Ming was immediately displeased:

"What do you mean by expensive? This is my life. In your eyes, my life isn't even worth 400,000?"

In the realm of metaphysics, the most taboo thing is to owe favors, because the debt of favors can accumulate and potentially turn into karma. Zhou Yi had saved Ming Shu's life, which can be considered a top-level favor.

Therefore, Uncle Ming could only buy a better car to reduce the risk of incurring favors.

To be honest, if Zhou Yi hadn't said not to drive imported cars, and if it weren't for the fact that monks driving million-dollar luxury cars would have had a bad influence, Uncle Ming would have directly chosen imported cars like the Land Rover Range Rover or the Mercedes-Benz G63.

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhou Yi hung up the phone and said to Aunt Gongsun:

"I saved someone's life a couple of days ago, and he gave me a car. Didn't you want to go to the city to take a look around? Come with me to pick up the car this afternoon."

Aunt Gongsun turned to look at the Wuling Hongguang van and the motorcycle parked not far away, and asked in surprise:
"We already have a car, we have two more, why do we need to buy a new one?"

Zhou Yi was amused by the girl's reaction:
"Shouldn't you be happy to have a new car? Why are you reacting like this?"

Gongsun Da Niang shrugged:

"I feel like we have enough cars already, but it's nice to have a new car to drive. I went when I bought my new car, and I'll definitely go again this time... Is there any food there?"

Zhou Yi nodded:

"The rest area of ​​a 4S store usually has free fruits and snacks, but don't expect them to taste very good."

Lady Gongsun was not picky:
"As long as it's free, it tastes good to me!"

At noon, the two ate a big bone meal, changed into casual clothes, and rode their motorcycle down the mountain.

Zhou Yi parked his motorcycle in the police station yard, and then he and Aunt Gongsun boarded a bus to the city.

It was Gongsun Da Niang's first time taking an intercity bus, and everything seemed new and exciting. She even watched the video advertisements on the bus with great interest, not wanting to miss any details.

Zhou Yi wasn't interested in these things, but soon he saw an advertisement:
"Yiyang City's Golden Sun Shopping Mall has officially changed its name to Wankelai Shopping Mall. A grand opening ceremony will be held this weekend. During the opening period, all goods will be 15% off, and there will be generous gifts for recharging..."

Gongsun nudged Zhou Yi with her elbow: "Look, this is the shopping mall we saved, want to go for a look?"

Zhou Yi nodded:

"After I pick up the car, if it's early, I'll go and take a look. If I don't have time, I'll go tomorrow... Now that it's reopened, I, as the consultant, have to take responsibility."

As they approached the city center, Zhou Yi saw that Wan Ke Lai's advertisements were everywhere, even at the suburban bus stops, which had been replaced with the slogan "Wan Ke Lai, Fortune Comes."

After walking a few more stops, they arrived at the Fangchengbao 4S store. Zhou Yi and Aunt Gongsun got off the bus, went inside, gave their names, and were quickly led by a salesperson to see the car.

This is a black, rugged off-road vehicle, weighing 3.3 tons and nearly 5.2 meters long. Standing there, it's a behemoth.

“When Mr. Jiang called, we happened to have a top-of-the-line car here, equipped with luxurious 21-inch wheels, and all other optional extras were also included. If Mr. Zhou is satisfied, we can proceed with the formalities.”

Zhou Yi got in the car and took it for a test drive, and thought it was very good.

Aunt Gongsun, who had been grumbling that morning that there was no need to change cars, rolled around in the back seat and declared that this car had captured her heart.

Both were satisfied, and Zhou Yi began to process the formalities.

This time he registered it under his own name, distinguishing it from the Wuling Hongguang.

While going through the formalities, Aunt Gongsun found her way to the VIP lounge, saw popcorn inside, immediately went over and filled a box, then started popping the popcorn into her mouth.

By the time Zhou Yi finished the formalities, the girl had already eaten several buckets of popcorn.

Before leaving the 4S store, Zhou Yi first made an appointment with the after-sales department to have a home charging station installed at his home. Then he drove away and turned to a nearby gas station to fill up his tank.

Although the meter showed that the battery level was sufficient, Zhou Yi was still anxious about the battery until the tank was full, at which point he was finally relieved.

The two went shopping at the mall, where they played with a few plush toys, showing their childlike spirit. Zhou Yi also checked the feng shui of the Wankelai Mall to make sure there were no problems. Then, carrying their bags, they drove back to Yunwu Mountain.

Halfway there, Gongsun Da Niang suddenly noticed that the sky behind her, which had been reflecting the sunset, had turned inky black and was rapidly spreading toward her.

"Taoist Master, look what that is!"

Zhou Yi glanced in the rearview mirror and figured a thunderstorm was coming.

"The weather forecast last week said there would be heavy rain, but it came so quickly. I have to hurry back and collect the laundry before I get wet."

After he finished speaking, he increased his speed, but the dark clouds behind him came even faster, overtaking the car in less than ten minutes. After the dark clouds passed, the sky turned pitch black, and a violent storm followed with thunder.

This was the first time Zhou Yi had ever encountered such a sudden downpour. There was almost no transition time; from the first raindrop landing on the windshield to the torrential rain, it only took a few seconds.

The wipers were on the highest setting, but it still felt like they couldn't keep up. The rain didn't feel like it was dripping; it felt like a flood was pouring down.

Zhou Yi now understands why floods have occurred in various places recently; such sudden rain is indeed difficult to prevent.

He turned on the fog lights and hazard lights, reduced his speed, and even took off the twenty-four black beads from his wrist and threw them onto the dashboard for protection.

Gongsun Da Niang then began to chant the names of the gods of Hunyuan Palace, praying for their protection.

As she was thinking, the girl's mind wandered, and she remembered Princess Taiping's suggestion, saying to Zhou Yi:
"Daoist Master, Little Taiping said that we can try to find out the pattern and bring over that sickly emperor from the Song Dynasty, so that we won't have to trouble Sister Zhao'er with everything."

Zhou Yi, fully focused on driving, felt that Granny Gongsun's suggestion was worth studying:

"After we get back, let's go to the Hall of Longevity and give it a try."

Since Huo Qubing, a national hero who died young in his early twenties, came to the Hall of Eternal Life, Zhao Xu, who died at a similar age, should also be under the jurisdiction of the Emperor of Eternal Life.

After returning, hold a blessing ceremony for Zhao Xu at the Hall of Longevity, and also write Chai Rong's name on it... This emperor's lifespan wasn't very long, so he should be within the jurisdiction of the Emperor of Longevity.

The rain outside was getting heavier and heavier, and water had already accumulated on the road. The drainage ditches on both sides of the road were also full, making it look like a vast expanse of water.

Zhou Yi carefully controlled the car, and after a difficult journey of more than half an hour, they finally arrived at Yunwu Town.

The town was flooded, but the heavy rain showed no sign of stopping. Based on his memory, Zhou Yi carefully drove through the middle of the road and turned onto the road leading up the mountain.

The rain on the mountain had lessened considerably, and there was no standing water on the road. He quickly reached the summit.

As soon as he got out of the car, Zhou Yi sensed that something was wrong.

In the past, rain would make the air moist and fresh, and smell very pleasant. But today's rain has a faint fishy smell and doesn't feel fresh at all.

He looked up at the sky warily and instructed Gongsun Da Niang:
"Pomegranate, bring me the Dragon-Slaying Sword!"

(End of this chapter)