There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 297 I can join too!

Early years of the Celestial Dynasty? Taiyuan period?
Hearing these words, Chen Qing's heart stirred.

If we calculate it according to this timeline, isn't this the era when my first incarnation, "Chen Xu," was active?

But then I thought about it again. The Immortal Dynasty is vast and full of secrets. Even if you experience it firsthand, you may not know everything. How much more so when it comes to rare treasures related to Buddhism?

It should be noted that before this, there was no fertile ground for the spread of Buddhism within the Immortal Dynasty.

However, since these two crucial periods are involved...

"It seems we really should take a look at the treasures of this Kuchan Temple."

Chen Qing had a plan in mind, but having learned from the previous surprise attack by the Sky Patrol Division, he would not easily follow the two to any unknown stronghold. So after leading the two away from the danger, he found a place to recuperate.

After what had just happened, Zhang and San had nothing more to say and stayed quietly to the side.

Chen Qing ignored them and sat cross-legged to the side, focusing his mind on exploring the many memories left behind by his body's autonomous actions in the dream after his consciousness had left him.

As a result, fragments of related memories gradually surfaced in my mind.

It turned out that after his main consciousness left, the dream body, driven by the obsession to "get away with it as much as possible," took the initiative and suddenly attacked, using its powerful cultivation to forcefully suppress the two. Then, it used mysterious methods to forcibly infuse the magnificent imperial aura of the Taiyuan Immortal Emperor into the bag that Li Fei was collecting the dissipating light, thus confusing the audience and creating a false impression.

Subsequently, Meng Zhongshen seized the opportunity to forcefully seal off the two, and found an excuse to temporarily part ways with Zheng Qingtian and the others, saying that he would personally deal with the two, and even refusing to let Mang Shoutuo accompany him.

Although Zhang San and Li Fei, who were being suppressed, were filled with doubt and uncertainty, they did not fiercely resist. Instead, they proposed a plan to have Chen Qing accompany them to the stronghold, where the inherited tokens would prove their identities and loyalty. Perhaps because he wanted to use the power behind the two, Meng Zhongshen did not refuse.

"Clearly, the strategy of not answering the questions in the dream, but instead asking them, was a lucky accident and gave them the upper hand!"

As Chen Qing sighed, he realized that his main consciousness had returned, and he was right at the moment when he was attacked while on a boat.

"Now that we've already formed a grudge with the Sky Patrol Bureau, it's probably difficult to completely sever ties. However, if this force can be used properly, it will still be of great benefit to our search for the Demon Buddha's Dao Fruit. The key is to firmly grasp the initiative in our own hands and never let ourselves be used as pawns, let alone get caught up in their internal power struggles."

Considering this, he looked at Zhang San and Li Fei and said, "Let's put the matter of the stronghold aside for now. The situation is tense right now, and going there rashly would be tantamount to walking into a trap."

Upon hearing this, Zhang San's face showed anxiety, and he wanted to persuade him further: "Your Majesty, there is indeed a crucial token inside the stronghold. Although this place has been destroyed, there are other places..."

"No need for further words." Chen Qing waved his hand to interrupt him, and then said, "Tokens are inanimate, but people's hearts are alive. If you truly serve me, where can't you prove it?"

Seeing this, Consort Li's eyes flashed with a sharp light. She stepped forward and said softly, "Since Your Majesty is unwilling to go in person, then I will go myself and report the situation here. I will ask several capable people to come and see Your Majesty so that Your Majesty can examine it personally. What do you think?"

Chen Qing glanced at her, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, but did not say anything to stop her.

Consort Li understood and immediately bowed, saying, "This servant will make the arrangements immediately and will give His Majesty an explanation as soon as possible." After saying this, she transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into the depths of the mountains and forests.

After Consort Li left, Chen Qing turned his gaze to Zhang San and suddenly said meaningfully, "Zhang San, do you think it's too much of a coincidence that we just approached that stronghold and ran into the Sky Patrol Division's ambush and encirclement?"

Zhang San was taken aback at first, then his expression changed slightly, as if he had thought of something.

Before he could answer, Chen Qing continued, "I suppose your organization isn't monolithic; there are various factions and cliques, aren't there? Some people are hoping for my return as the Holy Emperor so they can rally the people; others, of course, don't want to see a new master appear out of nowhere, and they certainly don't want the existing order to be broken."

Zhang San understood the deeper meaning in Chen Qing's words, and a slight sweat appeared on his forehead. He hurriedly explained, "Your Majesty is wise! It is true that within the organization, we have indeed found several... well, people who resemble Your Majesty in the past, but they were ultimately proven not to be the true master. Therefore, some people are inevitably more cautious in their actions and have a greater desire to verify. But to say that anyone would dare to collude with external enemies to frame Your Majesty is absolutely impossible! Moreover, Your Majesty possesses imperial aura, and the awakening of your spirit has produced extraordinary phenomena, which is unprecedented! As Your Majesty's past memories gradually recover, all doubts will naturally disappear!"

"Caution? Verification?" Chen Qing shook his head. "I'm afraid it's not that simple. But it's too early to talk about these things now." He changed the subject. "Right now, I have a few things for you to do."

"Your Majesty, please give your orders!" Zhang San's spirits lifted, and he immediately bowed.

"First, I need to know all the relevant information about the extraordinary treasure that is about to appear in the world at Kuchan Temple, including its origins and functions, the more detailed the better."

"Secondly, I need a detailed map of all the forces in the current Immortal Dynasty, especially the various Buddhist sects, such as Lotus Dharma Realm, Great Wheel Temple, and Little Sumeru Mountain. Their mountain gates, the list of masters, and their connections with each other all need to be found out."

“Third,” Chen Qing’s gaze narrowed slightly, “investigate the Moon Wheel Temple. I remember it’s one of the Buddhist sects in the Western Wilderness, right? I need to know their background.”

Each time he said something, Zhang San nodded emphatically, making sure he remembered it.

"Your Majesty's command is my command! I will arrange manpower immediately and present the intelligence to Your Majesty as soon as possible!" Zhang San clasped his hands in acceptance of the order. Seeing that Chen Qing had no further instructions, he transformed into a streak of light and hurriedly left, clearly intending to use his own channels to gather information.

Chen Qing stood amidst the ruins of the deserted village, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

"I originally thought that there were hidden attacks behind the title of the reincarnation of the Holy Emperor, but I didn't expect there to be official hostility as well. In that case, rather than rashly stepping into that murky water, it is better to sit back and fish in the dark."

In the blink of an eye, he had already figured out the key to it.

The "organization" behind Zhang San is likely riddled with internal factions, each with their own agenda. Some may genuinely hope for the "Holy Emperor's" return to revitalize the dynasty; but others are undoubtedly content with the status quo, or even see him as a threat, wanting to eliminate him as soon as possible—the siege of their stronghold today is clear evidence of this!
"Offering ourselves up unsolicited might give them a handle against us, but if we hold the title of Holy Emperor and display enough strength to make them wary, then we'll be a valuable asset. If they want to use my banner, they'll naturally have to show sincerity and offer what I need. At that time, I'll use whatever force I can mobilize. Even if I can only borrow some of their information, it will be of great help to my search for the Demon Buddha's Dao Fruit!"

This is the best strategy: to use one enemy's strength against another!
However, the thought of that Demon Buddha Dao Fruit made Chen Qing's expression turn serious again.

In the present world, Moon Wheel Temple is clearly inextricably linked to the Demon Buddha, and it is highly likely that the temple holds crucial clues about the other half of the Dao Fruit!

"Even if the Moon Wheel Zen Temple doesn't currently have the specific whereabouts of Dao Guo, it must be an important pawn laid out after the Demon Buddha's resurgence. Closely monitoring its movements will surely yield results!"

That's why he ordered Zhang San to gather information about the temple.

"I am currently in the late years of the Immortal Dynasty, more than 20,000 years removed from the present world! If I can find any clues about the resurgence of the Demon Buddha in this era, or even... intervene in advance and thwart his plans, then..."

He squinted, his mind racing.

"Will the situation in the present and future generations change as a result? Will the ownership of that half of the Dao Fruit that has been lost and not yet reclaimed by the Demon Buddha also change hands?!"

Once this thought arises, it spreads like wildfire and becomes difficult to contain!
Transcending time and space, manipulating cause and effect, determining the future from the past!

If he can truly succeed, the biggest hidden danger that is troubling him in this world may be solved. Even if he cannot find the clues to the Dao Fruit in this era, he can indirectly influence the flow of the Dao Fruit in future generations, which is equivalent to setting the problem for himself and solving it himself!
As he pondered, his thoughts flowed back and forth, and suddenly a flash of inspiration struck him!
"Since we can't delve into the organization of the Holy Emperor's reincarnation, why not find an opportunity to join the Demon Buddha camp of this era? If we can gain their trust and help them devise a plan for the Demon Buddha's revival, then we can truly set the questions and solve the problems ourselves when the Demon Buddha revives and the Dao Fruit is born!"

However, the risks and variables involved are also immeasurable.

A single move affects the whole body!

Any minor interference could trigger unpredictable chain reactions in the future, and could even lead to more serious consequences.

"This matter requires careful consideration and deliberation before taking action." Chen Qing suppressed the trembling in his heart and his eyes regained their clarity. "For now, let's use the power behind Zhang San to stir up this mess, find out the details of all parties, and then plan our next steps."

He looked up and gazed in the direction of the Kuchan Temple.

the other side.

Consort Li transformed into a stream of light, passing through layers of clouds and mist, traveling swiftly for a day and a night, and finally disappearing into a seemingly ordinary high mountain cliff.

As the light and shadow shifted, a bright and clear view suddenly appeared before my eyes!
But beyond the cliff, there was a hidden paradise!
Inside, flying eaves and brackets are hidden in the mist, making it look like a magnificent palace built in the mountainside!

She didn't stop and went straight into the main hall.

The palace was magnificent, with a high dome. Several figures sat on jade thrones, their auras profound, some as solid as a mountain, some as sharp as a sword, and some as ethereal as clouds. Each one was extraordinary!

On the left was a man in a dark robe with cloud patterns, his face sinister and his eyes gleaming like a hawk's. Beside him sat a young man in fine clothes, playing with a red pendant, his expression nonchalant. On the right was a thin old woman in a hempen robe, her eyes sunken, her hand holding a string of ebony prayer beads.

There were two other people to the right. One was shrouded in a large cloak, so his face was not visible. The other was a burly man who sat with his arms crossed and sharp eyes.

In the innermost seat sat an old man in a gray robe, his eyes closed and silent.

As soon as Consort Li entered the hall, her pretty face turned frosty, her phoenix eyes flashing with murderous intent as she swept over the people seated there and said coldly, "You have gone too far!"

The man with the sinister aura laughed upon hearing this, "Why is Consort Li angry? This was part of the test. Before you went, didn't you know that we always use the method of verifying the identity of these 'reincarnations of the Holy Emperor' that keep popping up? How come you seem to have been bewitched after going there, and even forgot the rules?"

“The plan?” Consort Li sneered. “Of course I remember the plan! It was precisely because I remembered it that I didn’t rashly lead him here, lest I disturb your peaceful cultivation! I originally intended to proceed step by step, treat him with sincerity, and slowly verify his abilities! But what happened? You all secretly provoked the Heavenly Patrol Division! If it weren’t for his great supernatural powers, he would have perished here today! How are you any different from a traitor who stabs you in the back?!”

"Consort Li! Watch your words!" another stern-faced old man shouted in a deep voice, "The Sky Patrol Division's siege of that stronghold was routine work, planned in advance. How could we possibly control it? You acted carelessly, exposed your whereabouts, and attracted a powerful enemy, yet you blame us?"

"Soliciting nonsense!" Consort Li retorted, "The timing and location, what a coincidence! Just as we were about to arrive? You know what you're all up to! You're just afraid that the person you've found this time is extraordinary, far surpassing anything before, and that he really is the real person returning, and that you'll lose your power!"

"presumptuous!"

"nonsense!"

Shouts and rebukes rose and fell in the hall, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense!
"enough."

Just as the two sides were locked in a dispute, a calm voice came from the main position, silencing all the noise.

All eyes turned to the old man in the main seat, dressed in a simple gray robe, who slowly opened his eyes.

“Consort Li, you need not make wild guesses. We are all loyal subjects of the Holy Emperor, sharing honor and disgrace. If we were to fight and betray each other, we would have fallen apart long ago. How could we have survived until today?” The gray-robed old man’s voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone’s ears. “Since you are convinced that this person is no ordinary person, words are not enough. Since you have brought back that thing that can intercept auras, whether it is true or not, we will know once we test it.”

(End of this chapter)