Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 115 The Ming Cult enters the scene
Wu Chengsi returned to the Prince's Palace.

Wu Sansi was still "confined" to his study.

The so-called confinement was just a way to fool the officials. As long as their private affairs were not exposed, Wu Zetian was too lazy to care. Therefore, Wu Sansi stayed at the Prince of Wei's residence with Wu Chengsi to "reflect" on his actions, which also saved him from going out in private and giving others a handle to use against him.

Moreover, the facilities of the Crown Prince's palace in the Prince of Wei's mansion were far more luxurious than those in the Prince of Liang's mansion. There was no shortage of food, drink, entertainment, fine wine, beautiful women, singers, dancers, and everything else was top-notch.

Wu Chengsi pushed open the door and entered, his face ashen.

Wu Sansi was leaning against the window drinking when he saw him return. He immediately put down his wine cup and lowered his voice, asking, "How is it? What did Aunt want with my elder brother? Have you dealt with those old geezers?"

"deal with?"

Wu Chengsi sneered and slammed the jade belt in his hand onto the table, his eyes blazing with fury: "Qu Baichuan is dead, the White Bone Guanyin is crippled, and the Seven Stars of Chasing the Moon are completely wiped out!"

"what?!"

Wu Sansi was shocked and exclaimed, "How is this possible? Lin Hanyi made a move? Didn't she leave the capital to find a gigolo? How could Yuan Qingshuang alone possibly stop Qu Baichuan, Zhu Yue Qixing, and the White Bone Guanyin? Could it be that Princess Taiping made a move? Or is there another secret hidden in the Princess's residence?"

Wu Chengsi gritted his teeth and said, enunciating each word clearly: "Lu, Chen, Yuan!"

"It's him?"

Wu Sansi was even more surprised, and frowned, saying, "He's only at the third realm now, right..."

"And there's also the hidden immortal artifact, 'Azure Netherworld Hundred Ghosts Painting'!"

Wu Chengsi recalled the battle he had witnessed and thought of Qu Baichuan's fate, and was filled with hatred.

Qu Baichuan and Fang Jing were his two stewards, both of whom were extremely loyal. Qu Baichuan, in particular, not only managed the lucrative Yixiang Garden for him, but was also a master at handling dirty business. Losing him was like losing an arm!

In this day and age, a severed arm can regenerate, but a dead person is hard to bring back to life.

It will be difficult to find such a loyal and capable person in the short term.

My deepest condolences, elder brother.

Seeing the bulging veins on his cousin's temples, Wu Sansi handed him a cup of warm wine at the right moment: "Mr. Qu's loyalty is as clear as day. It's just that the heavens favor him. Lu Chenyuan is born with keen insight. All illusions are meaningless to him. That's why the 'Azure Netherworld Hundred Ghosts Painting' fell into his hands... It can only be said that fate plays tricks on people, not that we failed in our battle."

Wu Chengsi understood perfectly. He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, then said coldly, "I'll remember this debt for now. Sooner or later, I'll make him pay tenfold!"

Wu Sansi breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "What about my aunt...?"

Wu Chengsi paused for a moment: "Dismiss him from the post of Special Envoy."

Wu Sansi's hand trembled. This punishment was different from the previous charades. Losing the position of prime minister meant losing real power, and his voice in the court would naturally be greatly reduced.

Even more frightening is that it sends a signal that the banner of the samurai family is unstable, and its followers will no longer act as decisively as before, which is a huge blow to morale and the hearts of the people.

Wu Sansi couldn't help but say, "My aunt is truly ruthless. We were just helping her rid the country of a traitor..."

"That's always been her way."

Wu Chengsi didn't take it seriously; a temporary setback was nothing, he could always make a comeback.

The current Wu Zhou dynasty still cannot do without him. With Zhou Xing no longer charging into battle and Lai Junchen having eliminated many of Zhou Xing's followers, the power of the cruel officials will inevitably weaken, making it even more necessary for him to protect the emperor from harm.

In his view, the dismissal of the prime minister was secondary; the real problem was that he still lacked power.

The fact that the Netherworld Palace was able to use the [Yuanrong Divine Crossbow] to carry out the assassination attempt, and that Lu Chenyuan was able to use the [Azure Netherworld Hundred Ghosts Painting] to reverse the tide of battle, is essentially due to the Hidden Immortal Artifacts. Fortunately, there are more than just one or two Hidden Immortal Artifacts.

Gu Yunsheng was not a stingy person. In his early years, when he helped Emperor Taizong conquer the country, he became friends with the civil and military officials under Emperor Taizong. Many of them, like Yuchi Gong, received generous gifts from him, some of which were martial arts techniques and others were magical artifacts.

From the founding of the Tang Dynasty until the establishment of the teaching platform in Qujiang during the Zhenguan era, there were at least eight or ten thousand talented people who received his guidance.

The two current imperial advisors, Ye Fashan and Pei Xuandu, both received his guidance.

Creating mechanical puppets requires materials, and setting up trials requires manpower. These things don't come from nowhere. Even if Gu Yunsheng asked, many people would be willing to give them away for free. He's not one to forget kindness, so he'd have to give them a return gift.

Just like that [Yuanrong Divine Crossbow].

It was originally a self-protection artifact given by a hidden immortal to Liu Wenjing, a meritorious official in the founding of the Tang Dynasty.

Liu Wenjing followed Emperor Gaozu in raising an army in Jinyang. He persuaded the Turks, conquered Chang'an, and pacified Western Qin. He rose to the position of prime minister, but was falsely accused of treason due to a power struggle with Pei Ji. On his deathbed, he lamented, "The high-flying birds are all gone, and the good bow is put away." Of the three divine arrows given to him by the hermit, two were for the Tang Dynasty, and the last one was never fired until his death. People at the time felt he had been wronged.

There were many others like Liu Wenjing and Yuchi Gong who received precious gifts.

There are quite a few legendary weapons like the Yuanrong Divine Crossbow that have ended up in the martial arts world.

"Let's take this opportunity to send everyone out to search for the Hidden Immortal Artifact!"

Wu Chengsi slammed his hand on the table, his eyes filled with malice: "The 'Azure Netherworld Hundred Ghosts Painting' is nothing more than using paintings to form formations and spiritual painting techniques to attack enemies. It is more than enough for defense, but not enough for offense! Divine weapons like the Yuanrong Divine Crossbow, which can strike unexpectedly and kill in one blow, are its nemesis. As long as he doesn't have time to unroll the scroll, he will surely die!"

Wu Sansi nodded and said, "We've been investigating for the past few years. We've made progress on [Heavenly Sin] and [Calamity Fire]. As for [Red Dust], Chu Ke is currently acquiring it. All three can kill without anyone noticing. Once we get them, we'll send Lu Chenyuan on his way first! That kid has ruined too many things for us!"

"Ah."

Wu Chengsi nodded slightly, his expression softening: "Chu Ke is always reliable in his work, much better than those incompetent ones. Is he still in Guozhou?"

"Yes."

Wu Sansi said, "After all, it is the Pei family of Hedong. Even if it is only a branch, it will not be easy to succeed."

Wu Chengsi pondered for a moment: "Since His Majesty forbids my men from staying in the capital, you shall secretly take over half of the manpower. As for the rest, thirty percent shall be used to search for the divine artifact, and the remaining seventy percent shall be used to secretly assist Chu Ke. We must obtain the divine artifact!"

Wu Sansi solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "I will obey my elder brother's orders and will do my utmost!"

……

Before the morning mist had dissipated, Cen Changqian, Di Renjie, and Ouyang Tong had already arrived at the city gate.

Lu Chenyuan stayed at the Cen residence all night, chatting with the three elders about everything under the sun. He was well-read, had a broad mind and a wide perspective. In addition, chatting was one of his core skills. He was willing to talk to people he admired. Once the conversation started, he could talk about anything from the classics of the Book of Documents to the trade routes in the Western Regions, from the miasma in Lingnan to the military system in the Northern Frontier.

When it comes to the most exquisite parts, he used tea instead of ink to casually sketch the terrain of the Hetao region on his desk, which even made Di Renjie nod in agreement; when discussing the profound meaning of the Spring and Autumn Annals, he amazed Ouyang Tong.

Cen Changqian couldn't help but sigh, "If this were during the reign of Emperor Taizong, with Lu Xiaoyou's talent, he would have been a scholar of the Hongwen Academy."

The moment the words left his mouth, all three fell silent—such a brilliant and talented man, yet he was a gigolo.

Lu Chenyuan laughed instead: "If it weren't for this identity, in today's world, I'm afraid I would have been torn apart by cruel officials long ago, so how could I have met today? For me, the threshold of the princess's mansion is easier to cross than the court."

Upon hearing this, the three of them were left speechless, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

By this time, many righteous men who had heard the news had already gathered outside the city.
The Mohist disciples, carrying mechanical boxes on their backs, stood silently by the roadside;

The wandering knights of Guanzhong, with swords at their waists, scanned their surroundings with eyes as sharp as lightning.
The refined scholar held a folding fan, but secretly concealed an iron pen in his sleeve;
There were also a few ordinary-looking farm men dressed in coarse linen clothes, but they had poisoned sickles hanging from their waists.

An elderly man with white hair stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting: "I have been entrusted by someone to escort the three lords." He glanced at Lu Chenyuan and said meaningfully, "There are more righteous people in the world than some people think."

Cen Changqian and the other two were deeply moved: "Thank you all for your kindness." Everyone bowed deeply in return.

Lu Chenyuan clasped his hands in greeting and said to the three of them, "The journey through the martial world is long, take care. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will discuss the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals with you three again and talk about the magnificent landscape."

He paused, then took out three blood jade talismans from his sleeve: "These are the 'Crimson Phoenix Talismans' that Her Highness the Princess entrusted me to give you. With these talismans, you can call upon fast horses and provisions at any post station along the way. Although they are small items, they can be used for self-defense."

Li Lingyue cannot act openly; even sending such a small gift carries a huge risk.

Cen Changqian took the jade token and looked at the character "鸢" (Yuan) engraved on it. She was moved. This was a token that could mobilize the Yuan Guards.

"Young friend Lu..."

"Master Cen, there's no need for further words."

Lu Chenyuan smiled slightly, "Your Highness's kindness is appreciated. This junior only hopes to hear your three insightful opinions again in the court one day."

The three of them thanked him again, gave him a deep look, and then got into their respective carriages.

The escorts bowed to Lu Chenyuan, clearly aware of his righteous act the previous night.

Lu Chenyuan returned the greeting and watched the group disappear at the end of the official road.

Chi Mei said softly, "My lord, is it still necessary to escort him secretly?"

"No need."

Lu Chenyuan said, "These three are not weaklings. Unless they are vicious thugs, ordinary martial arts masters may not be able to do anything to them. In addition, there are members of the Mo family present... The [Non-Aggression Box] on that person's back is a secret weapon mechanism that only elders of the Mo family can use. To be an elder of the Mo family and to have cultivated the Compassionate Heart Technique to such a level, he is definitely not a bad person. Don't worry. You go back and report to the princess first. I'm going home for a visit."

I haven't been home for a few days, so I thought I'd check on how Ke'er's mechanical skills are going...

Chi Mei nodded, raised her hand, and the Twenty-Four Numbers disappeared.

Lu Chenyuan led the Empress towards Lirenfang. Thinking of Lu Ke'er, he couldn't help but laugh: "That girl probably has scolded me countless times."

The goddess smiled gently.

"elder brother--!"

As soon as Lu Chenyuan stepped into the backyard, a small figure darted out from behind a pillar. Eight-year-old Lu Ke'er puffed out her cheeks, flicked her finger, and the mechanical dragonfly hidden under the eaves "whooshed" towards Lu Chenyuan's face.

Lu Chenyuan remained expressionless, pinched the dragonfly between two fingers, its wings still buzzing and vibrating, and nodded in praise: "Not bad, the String Puppet Technique, it seems you've been studying it diligently these past few days."

"Humph!"

Lu Ke'er stomped her foot angrily and said, "Is the Princess's residence so much fun? You haven't come home for ten days!"

The goddess chuckled softly beside her.

The little girl had her hair styled in two buns today, and her apricot-yellow shirt was covered in sawdust, so she had obviously just come from the workshop.

"I'm too busy with official duties, there's nothing I can do."

Of course, Lu Chenyuan couldn't say that he spent more than half of his time in bed. Besides, having a male concubine accompany the princess was also considered official business.

He reached out and patted Ke'er's head, smiling, "You know you were wrong. Your brother brought an apology gift, do you want it?"

Lu Ke'er's eyes lit up, and she immediately looked at his hands: "Are they snacks?"

"We'll talk about snacks another time."

Lu Chenyuan took out a small sandalwood box from his sleeve. "Take a look at this."

Lu Ke'er carefully took the box, opened it, and found a delicate silver crossbow inside. Small and ornate, the crossbow body was carved with intertwined branches, and a lapis lazuli stone was inlaid at the mechanism's pivot. Lu Ke'er's eyes widened. She took it out, put it on her right wrist, and pulled the trigger, aiming it at the pear tree in the courtyard.

"Crack!"

Nine fine needles, as thin as cow hair, pierced the tree trunk, forming a crooked "可" (ke) character.

Lu Ke'er had already begun learning mechanical arts and knew how powerful a crossbow that could pierce a tree trunk without using any internal force was. She couldn't help but feel proud and honored, and she couldn't put the crossbow down: "I can barely forgive you!" She happily jumped into Lu Chenyuan's arms, the scent of osmanthus mixed with the smell of pine in her hair: "Next time you have to take me to the West Market to see the Hu Xuan dance!"

"it is good."

Lu Chenyuan was just wondering what good reason to give, and Lu Ke'er's suggestion was perfect. He then asked, a little puzzled, "Why do you suddenly want to see the Hu Xuan dance? Did Uncle Zhai tell you about it? You're so irresponsible!"

"Not."

Lu Ke'er shook her head and said, "A lady from the Western Regions told me about it. She came to the capital with a merchant caravan a few days ago and unloaded goods at our house. She's incredibly beautiful! She also said that if I have the chance, I can go to Anle Pavilion in the West Market to see her dance, and she'll treat me..."

"Anle Pavilion?"

Lu Chenyuan frowned, recalling what Wang Yizhi had mentioned: "After the decline of Changyin Pavilion, another one, Anle Pavilion, grew up. It is not located in the red-light district, but in a relatively quiet place. I heard that the pavilion master is from the Western Regions, and there are quite a few beautiful women of foreign origin there as well."

This should be it.

Lu Chenyuan asked in surprise, "Is she a newly arrived dancer?"

Lu Ke'er thought for a moment: "I guess... right..."

Lu Chenyuan could tell from her expression that she was also confused and probably didn't even know what a dancer was.

He turned to look at Su Wanqing inside the courtyard.

In the shadows under the eaves, Su Wanqing, the elder of the Mo family, stood with her arms crossed.

She wore a blue robe and a wooden hairpin. Seeing this, she smiled and shook her head: "This girl said last night that she would not talk to you for three years... She is indeed a dancer, a Persian. She seems ordinary, but there is something strange about her. I can't see clearly, but you should be able to see the clues."

"Oh?"

Lu Chenyuan narrowed his eyes. Su Wanqing was a top expert of the Mo family, and her intuition was probably right.

Lu Chenyuan asked, "Was Su Dajia present? Did she make any unusual moves? Was it a deliberate seduction, or just something she did on a whim?"

Su Wanqing said, "There was no unusual activity. As for the seduction... I can't be sure. However, she cultivates Ming Cult techniques. If she is really a member of the Ming Cult, there is no need to worry too much."

The Ming Cult, also known as Manichaeism, originated in Persia and was introduced to China during the reign of Emperor Gaozong. Not long ago, during the coronation ceremony, Fuduodan, the Right Envoy of the Ming Cult, brought the "Two Scriptures" to pay homage to the emperor and presented the sacred elixir "Great Brightness Elixir" to congratulate the emperor. The emperor approved of this and allowed the cult to legally spread its teachings.

Its doctrine advocates "two principles and three periods"—the eternal struggle between light and darkness, which will eventually lead to a return to purity.

The believers mostly wear white clothes, abstain from killing, emphasize mutual assistance, and have a considerable influence among the people.

Lu Chenyuan nodded slightly: "A newly recognized sect will have to play along for a while, so there's no need to be overly wary. However..." He changed the subject: "We still need to find out her background. The Netherworld Palace is rampant now, and it's hard to guarantee that someone won't act in the name of the Ming Cult!"

While you're at it, check out the Hu Xuan dance.

Lu Chenyuan remained serious; he absolutely refused to admit that he went there solely for the singing and dancing...

(End of this chapter)