Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 1004 White Lotus Methods
Although they did not enter Suiyang City, they traveled around several surrounding counties. Although it seemed ordinary, the subtle sense of vigilance and patrol could still be sensed by perceptive people.

A large net, loose on the outside but tight on the inside, is being quietly drawn open under the will of King Liang.

Meanwhile, the mastermind sat deep within the palace, coldly observing every movement in the outside world, waiting for the fish to take the bait, or... waiting for the other party to reveal a flaw first.

Inside Linji Temple, Xu Xuan sensed the undercurrents beneath the seemingly calm surface and seemed lost in thought.

"The North is truly a land of outstanding people and talents, producing many heroes. I thought everyone in Liang was of the same 'caliber' as the Crown Prince of Liang."

In retrospect, his forbearance and shrewdness are somewhat unexpected.

then……

"It's even more interesting now." Xu Xuan's lips curled into a playful smile. Only when you meet a worthy opponent can you truly enjoy the game.

Unfortunately, the imperial examinations are just around the corner, so I cannot stay here any longer.

Otherwise, I really want to have a good go at this old man and slowly dismantle his scheme.

"But now... don't blame me for being unethical and resorting to unconventional methods."

With a thought in mind, he first summoned the Stone King and whispered his instructions.

"Go out and try to spread a 'truth'," Xu Xuan said calmly, but his words were enough to stir up a storm. "Say that Prince Liang is secretly colluding with the White Lotus Sect and plotting a rebellion!"

The stone spirit was usually taciturn and naturally not good at the delicate task of spreading rumors.

Xu Xuan's true intention was to have him mobilize some of the Bao'an Hall's men who had already infiltrated the northern perimeter, and have them carry out the plan.

Moreover, the messages were not mainly spread within the territory of Liang, but in the surrounding counties of Pei and Chenliu, especially in areas closer to Luoyang where news could travel more quickly!
We strive to get this message to the right people as quickly as possible.

Xu Xuan's insistence on having the Demon King Stone personally go out to "spread rumors" was actually a cover-up.

Its true purpose is to take the opportunity to go out and quietly "plant" some "evidence" in key locations!
A demon king at the third realm, skilled in concealing his aura and understanding celestial calculations to evade detection, wants to infiltrate some less heavily guarded but still "sensitive" areas.

Then, without anyone noticing, they would secretly place some "99% new," perfectly preserved, and even somewhat "sacred" White Lotus Sect tokens on the premises, which would be extremely safe.

It's one thing for three people to spread rumors and for public opinion to be so powerful, but if the imperial court really wanted to investigate, there would certainly be "evidence" to be found.

Xu Xuan's move was incredibly ruthless.

Even if the White Lotus Sect's own people heard the news and came to investigate, upon seeing those tokens, they would only assume that King Liang had secretly colluded with a core figure within the sect, such as a Dharma King or a branch leader, to carry out a major plan, but accidentally leaked the information and had it exposed.

As for what explanation the King of Liang might offer?

Wasn't that strange phenomenon in Dazexiang, Pei State, which shocked the court and the public, orchestrated by that "Great Wisdom Dharma King" of the White Lotus Sect?
Since the White Lotus Sect has been found in Pei State, why is it that Liang State is completely clean and has no collusion with them?
Such associations and the "presumption of guilt" are often fatal in political struggles.

Hui Ren, who was listening to Xu's announcement, was the first to be frightened.

The monk's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief:

"Zen... Zen Master... when... when did you discover this clue? Didn't you just arrive in Liang Kingdom the day before yesterday? Didn't we go to Ebo Terrace together and look at the fire seed clue together? I... how come I didn't know that the White Lotus Sect was involved?!"

He felt as if he had missed an entire season of the story.

Xu Xuan immediately adopted a profound demeanor and began to spout nonsense without batting an eye:

“Amitabha. This humble monk comes from the Pure Land School, so I am naturally more sensitive to the influence of the White Lotus Sect, which is of the same origin but different from it, than ordinary people.”

"When I went to the backyard of the Prince's mansion to treat patients the other day, in addition to the scorching fire poison, I vaguely sensed a faint, obscure aura belonging to the White Lotus Sect lingering in it, but I was not sure at the time."

"After combining what I learned from Ebotai today, and reflecting on it carefully and repeatedly, I suddenly feel that I am even more certain that this matter is related to the White Lotus Sect!"

He looked at Huiren, his tone becoming extremely solemn, carrying an unquestionable authority:

"In short, this matter concerns Bai Lian, trust me."

Looking at the "Zen Master Fahai" before him—a man from the Pure Land school, profound in Buddhist teachings, skilled in illusion and Nuo dance, and now vehemently accusing the White Lotus sect—and recalling the fact that the White Lotus sect did indeed originate from the Pure Land school…

This... it sounds... quite believable!
At the same time, Xu Xuan changed the subject and solemnly asked Hui Ren to do another thing:

"I urge you, Master, to use your temple's connections to quietly pass on another message within the Buddhist community of the North. It would be best to spread the word to as many people as possible. The Imperial Preceptor in Luoyang is also a high-ranking Buddhist monk, so he should naturally know as well. It is also acceptable to subtly inform some reliable individuals outside the Buddhist community."

"It is said that Prince Liang secretly invited a master alchemist to his residence to try to crack and even replicate the court's 'Longevity Elixir,' and it is said that he has made considerable progress. However, his methods are extremely cruel. One of the test subjects had his heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys all... taken away and eaten alive."

"This...why is this?" Hui Ren had just digested the news about the White Lotus Sect, and was now stunned by this even more shocking revelation, completely baffled by Xu Xuan's purpose in spreading this information. Xu Xuan, however, appeared to know the truth and explained:

"That day, when I went to the backyard of the Prince's mansion, besides sensing the aura of the white lotus, I also glimpsed a large alchemy furnace in the corner. The Li family's retainer was ostensibly refining elixirs to heal the person tormented by divine punishment, but in reality..."

He shook his head, his tone carrying an unquestionable professional judgment:
"The methods they used were extremely evil, involving many inhumane medicinal herbs and practices. Even if they tried their best to hide it, they couldn't escape my eyes."

"Don't forget, I have a reputation for being 'unpredictable' in the South, and I believe I'm quite skilled in medicine and pharmacology."

"He even personally treated Governor He of Yangzhou, and he can recognize the properties of various medicines and even some sinister methods just by smelling them."

He elevated the motive, his tone becoming compassionate and sorrowful:
"In fact, compared to a major treasonous act like colluding with the White Lotus, using people as test subjects for drugs may be a trivial matter in the eyes of some powerful and influential people."

"But as a Buddhist monk from the Pure Land school and a physician, I value benevolence and skill. I cannot tolerate the cruel act of the Prince's Mansion, which disregards human life and uses people as test subjects for medicine!"

“I thought to myself, even if the Liang King used his power to suppress the White Lotus incident, I should use this incident to make those alchemists who aided and abetted evil hesitate to act rashly and temporarily restrain themselves, so that they would not easily harm innocent civilians again.”

"As for the root of divine punishment, we... will try our best to find out and solve it ourselves. We cannot let more innocent people suffer."

When Xu Xuan uttered these words, which were compassionate, reasonable, and well-founded, and fully incorporated his own "miracle doctor" persona, Hui Ren looked at the "Zen Master Fahai" before her, who possessed excellent medical skills, Buddhist teachings, and a compassionate heart. Her doubts vanished instantly, and she was deeply convinced once again.

Since the person in question did indeed personally go to the backyard of the Prince's Mansion and actually saw the patient who had been punished by the "divine fire," and the Prince's Mansion's attempt to treat the patient with elixirs and other means was logically sound and there was nothing wrong with it.

Furthermore, with a personal recommendation letter from a high-ranking local governor endorsing his "unfathomable" medical skills, he accused the Prince's mansion of using evil methods to refine elixirs and test medicines... This sounded as real as could be!

Huiren then clasped his hands together, sincerely expressing his admiration for Zen Master Fahai:

"Amitabha! Even at this critical juncture, when his own safety is uncertain and he is investigating the root of divine punishment, the Zen Master still has compassion for all living beings and prevents them from suffering. He truly has the countenance and heart of a Bodhisattva!"

However, in Xu Xuan's mind, this rumor about alchemy was the real trump card!

Although the White Lotus Sect's name was intimidating, it was ultimately too rampant in the north, causing trouble everywhere.

There are probably quite a few local dignitaries and military generals who have secret connections with them; none of them are exactly clean.

Therefore, the accusations made by the White Lotus Sect alone may not be enough to truly shake the Liang King's base of support and the foundation of his rule in the Liang Kingdom. The other side may very well have ways to maneuver, defend themselves, or even turn the tables on him.

But your secret "crack and imitation of the longevity elixir" is a completely different matter!

This directly touched the most sensitive nerve of the Jin Emperor in the Luoyang Palace!
Although it's unclear why this emperor was so obsessed with seeking immortality, he was daring and decisive, and when he took action against those who dared to cross his line, he displayed the ruthless and decisive style inherited from the Sima family.

Think about why Governor He of Yangzhou, who was in a "honeymoon period" with Xu Xuan before, suddenly changed his attitude after the New Year.

The political intrigue and dangers involved are unimaginable!

Thinking of this, Xu Xuan sneered inwardly.

"Yesterday, I deliberately stirred up trouble at Ebo Terrace, but you, King Liang, didn't give me any face and instead played the game of 'remaining still' and 'sitting on the fishing platform' with me?"

"Then don't blame me for not playing by the rules. I'll kill the 'snake' and uproot the 'weed' as well, leaving you no chance to even sit still!"

"This is the true 'white lotus' method. I wonder if you can continue to sit on the stage?"

The second round begins.

Looking back now, King Liang must be kicking himself.

She regretted letting Xu Xuan, that scourge, into the mansion that day, and even into the secluded backyard.

This guy doesn't make a move unless he's absolutely sure of it, but when he does, he throws out two "huge lies" that are enough to stir up a massive storm.

And they do whatever is most insidious and dirty.

Despite possessing a dazzlingly positive persona combining the attributes of "scholar," "high monk," and "miracle doctor," the things he did were quite different...

So dark!

The black sky had already enveloped the Liang Kingdom.

An atmosphere of intrigue and war is spreading.

Before even entering Kyoto, the White Lotus Demon King is already testing his skills against the serpents and other powerful beings, and he continues to evolve.

(End of this chapter)