Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 116 Persian Princess and Ming Cult Saintess (6.1k)

Just do it.

Lu Chenyuan greeted his father and then took Lu Ke'er towards Anle Pavilion in the West Market.

He knew very well that by helping out, he had saved Wu Zetian's thorn in her side, and she would definitely find fault with him and issue a warning. Considering the two great divine arts and Li Lingyue, she would not punish him severely, but confinement or something similar would be inevitable.

Once back at the princess's residence, I definitely won't be able to leave for a while. Before the imperial decree arrives, I should seize the time to have some fun!
"Brother, let's go now..."

"Going right now!"

"Why are you so anxious?"

"Because after today, I estimate I'll be locked up in the princess's residence..."

What did you do now?

"Why ask so many questions? Do you still want to go? Don't worry, it's just a stay-at-home order."

"Go! I'm going to find Sister Celine to play~ Brother, do you know? She's so beautiful! Her fiery red hair is like the sunset, and her emerald green eyes are brighter than jade! She also has a white cat with one blue eye and one gold eye; it's so cute!"

"is it?"

Lu Chenyuan asked with ill intent, "Is it as beautiful as the Goddess?"

"Uh……"

Lu Ke'er fell silent, glancing guiltily at the Empress—not that the Empress was inferior, but rather that their temperaments were different, which she had forgotten.

She subconsciously categorized the goddess as someone her age or family. Just as adults would praise a child for being cute or pretty, but generally wouldn't say she was "beautiful," the "good-looking" she referred to was the beauty of a mature woman.

"Sister Lingxi!"

Lu Ke'er lunged forward and hugged her arm like a spoiled kitten. The Empress's fairy dress was made of ice silkworm silk, which felt cool to the touch but was exceptionally soft.

Lu Ke'er said sweetly, "You are the most beautiful! More beautiful than all the flowers in the capital! Brighter than the moon!"

The goddess didn't mind, she just smiled and took her hand.

Lu Chenyuan chuckled twice.

Lu Ke'er's face immediately turned red. She pounced on him fiercely, grabbed one of Lu Chenyuan's hands, and started biting it. But she bit so hard that her teeth hurt, and she frowned and said, "Ptooey! It's so hard!"

Just as they were laughing and joking, a commotion suddenly broke out ahead.

A group of constables slowly escorted a prisoner wearing iron shackles—it was Zhou Xing, the once powerful and ruthless official.

His skills were ruined, he was disheveled, covered in rotten vegetable leaves and rotten eggs, and walked with a limp.

People on the street cursed and swore, and some even picked up stones to throw at him.

"You corrupt official! You've finally met your match!"

"Give my son his life!"

"The Martial Emperor is wise and sagacious!"

Zhou Xing lowered his head, the heavy iron shackles pressing down on him so much that he could barely straighten his back.

At the same time, another squad of Imperial Guards approached, escorting a cart covered with a white cloth—the body of Qiu Shenji. The white cloth was lifted by a corner in the wind, revealing his bruised and twisted face, his eyes wide open, unable to close in death.

Two once-powerful and ruthless officials, one now a prisoner and the other a cold corpse, brushed past each other on this long street, as if mocking fate.

Lu Chenyuan watched coldly from the sidelines. Lu Ke'er was a little scared and hugged his hand, hiding behind him.

"The Martial Emperor is wise and benevolent..."

Lu Chenyuan muttered to himself, shaking his head and chuckling, "He really deserves it."

Lu Ke'er looked up at her with a puzzled expression and asked, "Brother, what do you mean?"

Lu Chenyuan gently ruffled her hair and said softly, "Do you still remember the story of Yuwen Tai and Su Chuo that your brother told you?"

"remember."

Lu Ke'er nodded: "When Yuwen Tai, the prime minister of Western Wei, asked Su Chuo about the way to govern the country, Su Chuo said that he should 'use corrupt officials and fight against corrupt officials'... But Father said that you are talking nonsense. There is no such thing. Neither Yuwen Tai nor Su Chuo are such people."

"Haha."

Lu Chenyuan chuckled and ruffled her hair: "But there are people like that. I'm trying to make you understand this principle. Zhuangzi's 'Wei Sheng Embracing the Pillar' and Han Feizi's 'Waiting for a Hare to Fall into a Trap' are fictional, but the principle is real. In the Spring and Autumn Period, Yanzi used greed to combat greed; Emperor Wu of Han used Zhang Tang; and Emperor Huan of Han used Hou Lan—all were examples of this. Emperor Huan used Hou Lan to amass wealth, then killed corrupt officials to appease public anger when public resentment boiled over. He gained wealth and fame. But if the people only know how to curse corrupt officials without considering why they exist in the first place, then that is—"

He lightly touched his sister's forehead with his fingertip: "Blind as a bat."

Lu Ke'er blinked: "Just like these people who only curse Zhou Xing, but dare not..."

"Shhh."

Lu Chenyuan held up a finger and laughed, "I see through it but I won't say it. Let's go see the Hu Xuan dance."

As the sun rises, the gilded animal head shines brightly in the morning light, and the nine-phoenix bronze bells ring softly in the wind.

Lu Chenyuan, dressed in a purple robe, was followed by the Empress and Lu Ke'er. The three of them walked along the bluestone path to the front of Anle Pavilion.

"Squeak-"

The vermilion gate was slowly pushed open, revealing two exotic flowering trees, each as tall as a story.

In the depths of winter, the branches are adorned with crimson blossoms, their petals falling in the wind and carpeting the ground with a red carpet.

Behind the flowering trees, a four-story pavilion stands majestically, with red silk lanterns hanging from the eaves of each floor. The gauze curtains hanging by the windows dance lightly in the wind, like the languidly outstretched sleeves of a beautiful woman.

The faint sounds of string and wind instruments drifted over, mingled with the coquettish laughter of women, yet they did not come across as vulgar; instead, they exuded the opulent and elegant atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty.

"Lord Lu's presence is an honor to our humble abode!"

A Persian merchant dressed in brocade robes strode out to greet them, his deep-set eyes and high nose beaming with a smile.

He placed his right hand on his chest and performed a standard Hu salute: "I am Kangsabao, and I have long admired your demeanor, sir."

Lu Chenyuan wasn't surprised that he knew him. Anyone who could do business in the capital city had connections and knew about influential figures. He nodded slightly, "Manager Kang, you're too kind..."

Before she could finish speaking, Lu Ke'er's eyes lit up and she waved excitedly, "Sister Celine!"

Just then, a red-haired woman gracefully approached from the corner of the corridor.

She was extremely beautiful.

Her fiery long hair cascaded down in curls, making her skin appear as white as snow; her emerald eyes sparkled with starlight; her features were deep and defined; a scarlet gauze dress draped her graceful figure, and she moved with the sway of a willow in the breeze, yet with the unrestrained spirit unique to Hu women; golden bells adorned her ankles, jingling with each step, each step feeling like stepping on the tip of one's heart.

"Little Ke'er".

Celine's red lips curved slightly, her voice carrying a languid tone unique to foreign lands.

She bowed to Lu Chenyuan, the ruby ​​hanging from the gold chain on her chest swaying gently with her movement, reflecting a bewitching light in the sunlight in the courtyard.

A hint of disbelief flashed in Lu Chenyuan's eyes.

His obsession with the Sogdian Whirlwind Dance stemmed not only from his simple appreciation of the art, but also from the fact that a wealthy woman he once knew was Persian. She shared his fiery red hair, alluring figure, and exceptional dancing skills. She was the only client who wasn't actually a customer, and Lu Chenyuan was almost completely captivated by her. Unfortunately…

Celine looked up and saw a fleeting look of pity in Lu Chenyuan's eyes, and was slightly surprised.

She clasped her hands together in front of her chest, palms facing upwards, in a gesture of support. This was a Ming Cult custom, symbolizing the receipt of light: "May pure light always accompany you, and may the god of light protect you!"

"No need to be polite."

Lu Chenyuan spoke in Persian, which startled Kangsabao and Celine. Then they heard him say in Persian, "I came here today to watch the Sogdian Whirl Dance. I don't want to be disturbed during the process, so let's make things clear first—you may speak frankly about why you brought me here."

Since Kang Sabao and his men could recognize him, it couldn't have been just a coincidence that he came to the capital with the caravan to unload the goods at Langganxuan!
Consabo and Celine exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

Lu Chenyuan could guess the purpose, yet he still dared to bring only two people into the pavilion...

Is this trust, or... arrogance?
Lu Chenyuan calmly awaited their reply. Lu Ke'er, not understanding, tugged at his sleeve: "Brother, what are you saying?"

The Queen glanced at Celine and slowly suppressed her smile.

"My lord, please follow me."

Kangsabao's demeanor grew increasingly respectful as he bowed and led the way through the courtyard strewn with fallen petals. Lu Chenyuan followed, followed by the Empress and Lu Ke'er. Celine brought up the rear, still pondering the inexplicable look that had flashed in Lu Chenyuan's eyes.

As you pass by the main building, you can vaguely see the mica screen inside reflecting a rainbow of light, and hear the scattered sounds of a pipa being played.

The group went straight to the top floor, "Yuntai Pavilion," where they were greeted by a refreshing bamboo fragrance.

The floor of the private room was paved with a single piece of Tianshan white stone, which was slightly cool to the touch but not cold; instead, it had a warm feel to it.

The walls are adorned with paintings by famous artists, and a sandalwood chessboard sits in front of the window. The chessboard is made of warm black and white jade. Against the wall is a cloud-patterned couch with a nine-branched lamp beside it. The entire layout is exquisite and elegant, and has a strong Central Plains flavor.

After everyone took their seats, Kang Sabao invited Lu Chenyuan to take the seat of honor.

"Clap!"

Kangsabao lightly clapped his hands, and a tall, powerful Persian man slowly entered carrying a red box. The box was only a foot square, but it was covered with intricate patterns. The outer layer was made of crimson volcanic jade, and the inside was inlaid with nine active stars made of [Sun Essence Gold]. The surface of the box was engraved with the mathematical diagram of the Luoshu.

Lu Chenyuan understood immediately and said with a faint smile, "You're quite capable! You even managed to get your hands on the [Nine Luminaries Fire Box]."

This is one of the three treasures of the Western Regions' demonic sect, the Fire Worship Sect, and also... an item of the hidden immortals!
Zoroastrianism and Ming Cult share the same origin but follow different paths; they are actually two different things.

Both religions originated in Persia and both have dualistic doctrines, but Zoroastrianism emphasizes "fire" while Manichaeism (Mingjiao) emphasizes "light".

The Ming Cult can be seen as a reformist branch of Zoroastrianism. After Sassanid Persia was conquered by the Abbasid Caliphate, Zoroastrianism spread eastward with the Persian remnants and entered the Western Regions. The Ming Cult grew stronger during this period.

The Zoroastrian sect denounced the Ming Cult as a "fire-stealing heresy," while the Ming Cult mocked the Zoroastrian sect for being "rigid and inflexible." For many years, they had been constantly at odds in the Western Regions over the issue of missionary work.

During the Zhenguan era, Nangong Fen, a young talent of the Zoroastrian sect and the future leader known as the "Demon Lord," entered the Central Plains. He once played chess with the Hidden Immortal, winning six out of ten games, drawing three, and winning one, which made him famous throughout the world!
Even winning just one game has left countless people speechless.

Because Yin Xian only lost to two people in his life: Emperor Taizong Li Shimin and Princess Pingyang Li Xiuning. The former was the Emperor of Tang, the Heavenly Khan, and the latter was his confidante.

Besides that, they were undefeated in every battle, and even draws were extremely rare!
Nangong Fen became famous for this battle. He also promised that after succeeding as the leader of the sect, he would lead the sect back to Tang and never rebel during the Zhenguan era. In fact, he did keep his word. The Fire Worship Sect stole the Hidden Immortal Secret Record and changed the method of absorbing power into the "Radiant Sun Demon Art" and became a demonic sect. This happened after the "Demon Empress Regent".

At that time, the Hidden Immortal, appreciating his talent and admiring his profound sense of righteousness, specially gifted him the [Nine Luminaries Fire Box].

This box is both a test and a gift.

Inside is a magical artifact that can maximize the power of fire-based techniques.

After opening it, Nangong Fen, grateful for the great kindness of the Hidden Immortal, specially designated this treasure box and the treasures inside as the inheritance of the Fire Worship Cult. Whoever can open it, no matter who it is, will be qualified to succeed as the leader of the Fire Worship Cult.

But now, this treasure box has actually appeared here...

It should be noted that "Demon Lord" Nangong Fen is still alive. He is 85 years old and is one of the most famous sixth-realm experts in the world today. He is a top expert at the level of two saints, an absolute overlord of the Western Regions, and a figure who can control the Zoroastrian Church.

Lu Chenyuan couldn't help but admire the Ming Cult's skill in stealing this treasure from him.

Little did they know, Consabour and Celine were also dumbfounded, their faces filled with shock.

"Lord Lu was able to recognize the origin of this item at a glance..."

Kangsabao took a deep breath, his right hand unconsciously touching his chest, and performed an even deeper bow: "I truly admire you!"

Celine's red lips parted slightly, her blue eyes filled with disbelief: "This item has been sealed away in the Western Regions for thirty years. Even the elders of the Fire Worship Cult may not know its story. Yet Lord Lu has revealed it in a single sentence..." Lu Chenyuan looked at the box and smiled: "You two have excellent skills. To be able to obtain this item from the 'Demon Lord', it seems that the Ming Cult's power in the Western Regions is even greater than rumored."

Kangsabao was momentarily at a loss for words.

Celine looked up at Lu Chenyuan, a pleading glint in her emerald eyes: "I've heard that you've obtained the secret techniques of the 'Heavenly Craft Scroll,' so I've come to ask for them..."

She took out a brocade pouch from her sleeve, untied the cord, and a metal ball the size of a pigeon egg rolled into her palm.

The bead seemed to be alive; when the wind blew, ripples appeared on its surface. Celine said, "This is a fourth-grade treasure armor, the Heavenly Net Mystic Scale Armor, a rare treasure created by the armor-smith 'Ghost Axe Hand' Fuqiu Sheng. It is made from the shed scales of the East Sea Flood Dragon and the silk of the Kunlun Ice Silkworm King, and then forged with the true fire of the earth veins. After recognizing its master, it can take on any form at will to protect the body, making it impervious to water and fire, and invulnerable to swords and spears!"

She placed the sphere on the table and said sincerely, "If you are willing to help, this is a token of my gratitude."

Lu Chenyuan glanced at the Xuanlin Armor, looked at Celine, and said in Persian, "Your real name should be 'Shirin'."

Celine was even more surprised: "You..."

"Let's dance."

Lu Chenyuan smiled, casually leaned back, and changed the subject: "I came to see the Hu Xuan dance. I've always wanted to see it, but I haven't had the chance... Don't misunderstand, I don't expect you to dance, nor am I trying to insult you. Anyone can come and make me give up on this idea. I'll help you with that."

What is past is past.

Lu Chenyuan simply wanted to see the differences between the modern and ancient versions of the Sogdian Whirlwind.

"..."

Kang Sabao breathed a sigh of relief and couldn't help but show his joy. Since Lu Chenyuan had agreed to help, the treasure box would definitely be opened! Celine's identity was extraordinary, so it would be best if she didn't lower herself to that level!
He immediately said, "Someone come here..."

Just as he was about to call for help, Celine looked into Lu Chenyuan's eyes and suddenly raised her hand: "No. I'll do it!"

Kangsabao was startled and instinctively took half a step forward: "Holy Maiden..."

Celine shook her head to stop him, her blue eyes calm as she said, "It's alright."

She turned to Lu Chenyuan, her red lips parted slightly: "Lord Lu has done me a great favor. Since you want to see Hu Xuan, I should make a fool of myself!"

Consabo clenched his fist, then relaxed it, finally stepping back in silence. He tapped lightly on the windowsill twice, and a band of musicians approached.

Kangsabao took a gilded erhu and waved for the others to leave.

The erhu has a slender body, strings like silver threads, and the head of the instrument is carved with the image of the Ming Cult.

This is not an ordinary musical instrument, but a sonic weapon transformed from the Ming Cult's "Great Brightness Canon" technique.

"let's start."

Celine looked only into Lu Chenyuan's eyes, then suddenly took three steps back, her bare feet tracing a semi-circle on the cold jade ground.

"Zheng——"

As Consabao's fingers touched the strings, a sound like tearing silk suddenly rang out!
Celine flicked her finger, and a golden bell jingled. With a light touch of her toes, she spun away like a flame—

Her crimson gauze skirt fluttered like flames soaring into the sky. When her bare feet stepped across the cold jade ground, she left a trail of fiery afterimages behind her. Her dance was different from the graceful movements of women from the Central Plains. Instead, it carried the unique fiery and mysterious style of the Western Regions. Her red hair was like fire, splashing out a dazzling halo as she spun around.

With each step and turn, her skirt unfurled like a blooming datura, and the golden bells jingled sharply with her movements, as clear and crisp as shattered jade.

Her waist was supple like a willow, yet it possessed a sharp, powerful strength. When she turned around, her eyes flashed like lightning, and her emerald pupils shone brightly as she danced, seemingly capable of captivating the soul.

Lu Chenyuan's eyes flickered slightly, and his fingertips unconsciously tapped lightly on the table, as if he were tapping in rhythm with the dance steps.

Lu Ke'er opened her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open, completely captivated by the exotic dance she had never seen before, even forgetting to eat the pastries in her hand.

The goddess narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze falling on Celine's footwork—those seemingly casual dance steps actually contained some kind of ancient rhythm, like fire and wind, intense yet elusive. This was not just a dance, but also a kind of light footwork technique!
As the music quickened, Celine's dance moves became faster and faster.

As the red gauze fluttered, it resembled a burning flame, dazzling the eyes yet captivating the gaze.

"..."

The goddess secretly curled her lip. No wonder her brother couldn't forget her; the dance was indeed quite beautiful.

Lu Chenyuan stared at the familiar yet unfamiliar dance before him, lost in thought as if recalling something. But he quickly snapped out of it and grabbed the [Nine Luminaries Fire Box].

This box has nine layers of mechanisms, integrating mechanical arts, Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and the art of divination. It cannot be opened by anyone but those with exceptional comprehension. Each layer of mechanism corresponds to a hexagram in the I Ching, which must be solved in a specific order. The solution method for each hexagram is also different.

The first layer, the Li trigram, rotates the nine luminaries on the box to form the hexagram [Fire over Heaven, Great Possession].
The second layer, Xun Gua, involves striking the wind pattern on the side of the box with a rhythm of three long and two short strikes.
……

Up to the ninth level, the central palace, press the three stars "Sun, Moon, and Star" simultaneously.

click!
The box opens.

Inside is a small, nine-petaled gilded lotus platform, each petal inlaid with a star-shaped gemstone, corresponding to the seven luminaries (sun, moon, water, fire, wood, metal, and earth) and the two hidden luminaries (Ketu and Rahu). A Mani jewel floats in the lotus's heart, automatically adjusting its brightness day and night, and changing size; it can shrink to the size of a palm-sized jade pendant or expand to the size of a ten-foot-long altar.

The altar can absorb the essence of the sun and moon to aid cultivation; the essence of the sun increases power, and the essence of the moon nourishes the meridians.

Practicing while seated on a platform yields twice the results with half the effort.

——【Nine Luminous Wheels】.

As Kang Sabao's music came to an end, his erhu went out of tune with a sharp "clang," and one of the strings snapped.

Completely unaware, his eyes were wide open, staring intently at the gilded lotus platform in the box, his breath even catching in his throat for a moment.

Celine's dress fluttered down.

She walked barefoot on the cold jade ground, her chest rising and falling slightly, her red hair sticking messily to her sweaty neck, and the shock in her blue eyes was almost tangible—Lu Chenyuan had solved the secret box that had troubled the Ming Cult for several years in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea!
"This……"

Kangsabao's throat was so dry and painful.

He had been well-versed in the "Great Brightness Canon" since childhood and knew the power of the [Nine Luminaries Fire Box]—three years ago, four elders of the Ming Cult joined forces and spent seven days and seven nights, but they still couldn't break through the first layer of the Li hexagram. And this young man before him...

Celine slowly knelt back to her original position, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the golden bell on her ankle.

Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible: "Does Your Excellency know that this box is known as the 'Tomb of the Wise Man' in the Western Regions?"

Lu Chenyuan chuckled, picked up the Xuanlin Armor, and tossed it around casually: "Alright, I've finished watching the dance and solved the puzzles, I should go... There's still that jealous guy waiting for me, probably about to explode with rage..."

The words have not yet fallen.

At the entrance of Anle Pavilion, a chilling sword aura shot into the sky!

Everyone turned their heads in unison: "..."

Lu Chenyuan smiled and told the Empress to take Ke'er home. He then jumped out of the window and strode towards the door.

Li Lingyue, draped in a moon-white cloak that concealed her face and head, looked coldly at Lu Chenyuan: "Lord Lu, what refined taste you have!"

"Your Highness."

Lu Chenyuan dusted off non-existent dust from his sleeves and said in a serious tone, "This subordinate is here to investigate a case and is worried that people from the Netherworld Palace may have infiltrated this place!"

"Investigating the case?"

Li Lingyue gritted her teeth: "So they found out that watching the Hu Xuan dance is the only way to solve the case?!"

"How could the people of the Netherworld Palace know the Whirlwind Dance? They found out as soon as they tried it out, didn't they?"

"you--"

"I was wrong."

"...Where did I go wrong?"

"Let's go back and talk. Is there any punishment?"

"I'm making you copy 'The Rules for Ministers' a thousand times within ten days... Don't you dare lay a hand on me!"

"Then I won't move?"

"..."

"Look, you're not happy about it."

"Lu! Chen! Yuan! I'll bite you to death!!!"

Li Lingyue blushed and stomped her feet in anger, then grabbed one of his hands and started biting it.

Lu Chenyuan quickly raised his hands in surrender: "Mind your manners, mind your manners!"

"Humph!"

Li Lingyue glanced around, decided not to argue with him, glared at him and said, "Did she dance well?"

"Quite good looking."

"Um?!"

"Your dancing wasn't as good. Go back and dance for me again, okay?"

"You think beautiful!"

"Then I'll dance for you."

"I do not watch!"

"That's what you said."

"........."

Li Lingyue was silent for a moment, then suddenly drew her sword and slashed at Lu Chenyuan!
Lu Chenyuan grinned and ran away.

"Stop!"

"No way, hehehe~"

"You—pfft..."

Li Lingyue couldn't keep up the act any longer and was at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Up in the attic, Celine watched the playful couple chasing each other, leaning against the window, her red lips slightly parted: "Who is that...?"

Kang Sabao said, "Princess Taiping, Li Lingyue."

Celine nodded, turned around and called out, "Xiao Wu!"

A pure white Persian cat darted into the private room and jumped into Celine's arms.

Celine stroked its fur: "Did you remember his scent?"

The Persian cat tilted its head, looked at Lu Chenyuan's back outside, and nodded.

Celine smiled and said, "Great, I'll write a letter in a bit, and you can deliver it to him for me as a thank-you gift on our behalf. Just make sure it's given to the right person."

The Persian cat turned its head and meowed sweetly.

(End of this chapter)