I was to be executed by Zhu Yuanzhang, and Empress Ma smashed Zhu Yuanzhang's jade seal.

Just when Zhu Yuanzhang was feeling uneasy and anxious.

Zhang Sanfeng finally spoke again.

He slowly turned his head, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, and asked a question that Zhu Yuanzhang had not expected.

"Your son, Zhu Muying... how old is he this year?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback by Zhang Sanfeng's question.

He didn't expect that after all that buildup, talking about the past, playing the victim, and labeling people, he would end up with this mess.

As a result, this uncle didn't care about the sorcerer or the rebellion, but instead became concerned about his son's age.

What kind of approach is this?

Are all immortals so peculiar in their focus?

"Replying to... Uncle," Zhu Yuanzhang replied honestly, though he was inwardly puzzled. "That child, Mu Ying, just turned twenty this year."

twenty.

Zhang Sanfeng silently recited the number in his mind.

Finally, a genuine ripple appeared in his eyes, which had been as calm as still water.

A twenty-year-old immortal on land?

This……

How is that possible?

Zhang Sanfeng prided himself on being a martial arts prodigy. He began learning Taoism at the age of three and martial arts at the age of seven. He devoted his entire life and spent over a hundred years to finally touching the threshold of the boundary between heaven and man.

How could a twenty-year-old kid possibly reach that legendary level?

This completely overturned his understanding of martial arts and the world.

Could it be... that I sensed something wrong?

That golden light wasn't because someone broke through to a higher realm, but... there was another reason?

For example, what kind of rare and precious material was born?

Or perhaps it really was the "demon" Zhu Yuanzhang spoke of, performing some kind of evil magic?

For the first time, Zhang Sanfeng's heart was in turmoil.

He discovered that the water in Nanjing was much deeper than he had imagined.

As Zhu Yuanzhang watched Zhang Sanfeng's ever-changing expression, his cunning mind began to work at lightning speed once again.

Why did Uncle ask Mu Ying's age?

After asking the question, why did you fall into deep thought?

He thought of a possibility!

Did his great-uncle also think that a twenty-year-old couldn't possibly possess such great power? Therefore, he was even more convinced that there must be a demon behind this!

Yes! That must be it!

Zhu Yuanzhang felt that he had once again accurately grasped the "immortal's" line of thinking.

Feeling reassured, he decided to add fuel to the fire.

"Uncle, you have no idea!" He put on that heartbroken expression again, "My unfilial son, because he was too young and his mind was not strong enough, was taken advantage of by that evil man!"

"That sorcerer, using some kind of evil magic, not only healed his injuries but also granted him some... some inconceivable power!"

"Right now, he lies in the Prince's mansion, seemingly unconscious, but the entire city of Jinling is probably under his surveillance! Even I, his father, wanted to go see him, but his men stopped me at the gate!"

He was implying to Zhang Sanfeng that his every move might be under surveillance, and that they were now in the same boat.

"Uncle!" Zhu Yuanzhang's tone became extremely sincere and sorrowful. "I know that you are a highly accomplished person and do not wish to interfere in our mundane family affairs."

"But now, this matter is no longer just a family affair! That wicked man has used my son to wreak havoc on the court; his intentions are despicable! If we allow him to grow stronger, the Ming Dynasty will be in imminent danger! The people of the world will be in imminent danger!"

He elevated the matter directly to the level of national affairs, the world, and the common people.

He refused to believe that Zhang Sanfeng, as the leader of the Taoist sect, could remain indifferent to this!

After saying that, he suddenly slid off his seat again and knelt down in front of Zhang Sanfeng.

"This junior humbly begs Uncle, for the sake of all living beings, and for the sake of the friendship you once shared with me, to intervene and vanquish the demons and restore order!"

"If you can help me subdue that sorcerer and rescue my deceived and rebellious son, I... I am willing to offer you the rule of this Ming Dynasty!"

"No! This junior wishes to acknowledge you as my national advisor and worship you as a deity! On Wudang Mountain, I will build a golden hall for you and sculpt your golden statue, so that the millions of people of my Great Ming Dynasty may offer incense to you day and night!"

He set his price.

The position of Imperial Preceptor is shared by all in governing the country, and is revered by the entire nation!

This is a temptation that no mortal could resist.

He believed that even immortals were not immune to worldly desires.

He knelt there with a devout expression, waiting for Zhang Sanfeng's answer.

He felt that he had already lowered his stance and shown the utmost sincerity this time.

Zhang Sanfeng had no reason to refuse.

However, Zhang Sanfeng simply watched him quietly.

Looking at this emperor kneeling before him, tears streaming down his face, shouting for the well-being of all people, yet his heart was filled with nothing but his own power and desires...

For the first time, a hint of disappointment appeared in his deep eyes.

There was also a trace of... pity.

He recalled the young Zhu Chongba, who lay dying in a dilapidated temple decades ago, yet whose eyes were filled with indomitable spirit and determination.

I also remembered that after the boy recovered from his injuries, he kowtowed to me and vowed that if he ever made something of himself, he would make sure that all the poor people in the world had enough to eat.

How simple and sincere he was back then.

But now?

Is the person sitting in front of me still the same boy from back then?

No.

He is no longer Zhu Chongba.

He was the Hongwu Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang.

He was a lonely man, completely consumed by power, suspicion, and desire.

Get up.

Zhang Sanfeng's voice was even fainter than before.

It even carried a subtle, almost imperceptible, sense of detachment.

"Your family affairs are none of my concern."

"Your empire was won by your own blood and sweat, and you should be in charge of it yourself."

"I have come here only to resolve my doubts. Once this matter is settled, I will depart."

His answer was crisp and concise, without any hesitation.

This directly thwarted all of Zhu Yuanzhang's fantasies and schemes.

Zhu Yuanzhang knelt on the ground, completely dumbfounded.

He...he was rejected?

So... I was rejected so simply?

Why?

Aren't the conditions you offered generous enough?

The position of Imperial Advisor, to jointly govern the world, is an unprecedented honor!

Why didn't he agree?

Could it be... that immortals are truly so free from desires and wants?

Do not!impossible!

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't believe it!

There is absolutely no one in this world who is without desires or wants!

He refused because what he offered wasn't enough!

Or rather, he's still observing!

He was observing himself and that "demon" to see who had a better chance of winning!

Yes! That must be it!

Even immortals know how to seek advantage and avoid harm!

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes instantly turned gloomy.

He slowly got up from the ground and sat back down in his seat.

The sorrow and sincerity on his face vanished without a trace.

Instead, there was a cold, imperial majesty.

Since neither emotional appeals nor financial appeals are working.

Then we can only... let our strength speak for itself.

"Uncle, you're right."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice also became calm.

"Our country is naturally our own to govern."

"We can handle that sorcerer ourselves."

"However, that sorcerer's methods are unpredictable and his supernatural powers are vast. I'm afraid that swords and spears have no eyes, and if... you are accidentally injured, Uncle, that would be a sin of this junior."

His words already carried an undisguised...threat.

The implication is:

Since you're not willing to help me, you'd better not get involved.

Otherwise, once I've dealt with that sorcerer and am free to deal with him, I can't guarantee I won't mistake you for his accomplice and take him out too!

He was telling Zhang Sanfeng, "You'd better think it through and figure out which side you want to stand on!"

The atmosphere inside the dragon carriage instantly plummeted to freezing point.

After the showdown, the game surrounding "fate to the immortals" has officially entered the stage of revealing the true intentions.

Inside the royal bedchamber of the Prince of England's residence.

Zhu Muying lay quietly on the bed, breathing steadily, her face rosy, as if she were just asleep.

But his divine sense had already transcended the barriers of space, and he had clearly "seen" every single word of the grand scene outside Zhengyang Gate and the conversation inside the dragon carriage.

When he "heard" that his father, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, in order to win over Zhang Sanfeng, had gone so far as to distort the truth and portray himself as a rebellious madman controlled by a sorcerer.

There was no anger in his heart.

There was only peace.

I even felt a little amused.

He was like a spectator sitting in the audience, watching the clown on stage, putting on a ridiculous one-man show with all his might.

He knew that the reason his father did this was because his heart had been corrupted and riddled with holes by power.

In his world, nothing was more important than the imperial power he held.

Family ties, morality, truth... all can be arbitrarily distorted, trampled on, and abandoned in the face of imperial power.

In order to regain power, he would not hesitate to pour dirty water on his own son.

In order to win over allies, he can be obsequious and even promise absurd conditions such as "jointly governing the world".

When attempts to win him over fail, he can immediately turn hostile and threaten him with the coldest words.

In Zhu Mu-ying's eyes, all of this was both tragic and... ridiculous.

He's even too lazy to get angry anymore.

Because he and his father were no longer on the same level.

Like an eagle soaring high in the sky, it pays no heed to the provocations and clamor of an ant on the ground.

Zhu Muying's divine sense was mostly focused on the white-haired old Taoist.

Wudang, Zhang Sanfeng.

Zhu Muying held a certain amount of respect for this legendary figure.

This is a true seeker who dedicated his entire life to the pursuit of martial arts and the Way of Heaven.

His heart is pure.

Therefore, he was able to remain true to himself and unmoved in the face of Zhu Yuanzhang's vivid performance and the enormous temptation of profit.

When he heard Zhang Sanfeng say in that calm tone, "Your family affairs are none of my business,"

Zhu Muying's lips finally couldn't help but curl upwards slightly, revealing a genuine smile.

interesting.

This old Taoist priest is quite interesting.

He did not blindly believe Zhu Yuanzhang's words.

They did not choose sides despite the emperor's threats and inducements.

He adhered to his principles, coming only to answer the "question" in his heart.

This state of mind is truly rare in today's corrupt world.

Zhu Muying could even "sense" that when Zhu Yuanzhang uttered those threatening words, Zhang Sanfeng's heart remained completely undisturbed.

He didn't take Zhu Yuanzhang's threat seriously at all.

Also.

With his Grandmaster cultivation, where in this vast world can't he go?

Even if Zhu Yuanzhang were the emperor with a million-strong army, what could he do to him?

No one can stop someone who is determined to leave.

"But... what is the source of your confusion?"

Zhu Muying's divine sense gazed at Zhang Sanfeng with great interest.

He was very curious about what this martial arts master was thinking after sensing his breakthrough.

At that moment, he "saw" that the cold confrontation inside the dragon carriage seemed to be coming to an end.

After hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's veiled threat, Zhang Sanfeng merely glanced at him indifferently.

Then he spoke.

"This humble Taoist priest wishes to meet the 'rebellious son' you speak of."

His request was simple and direct.

Since you say your son is being controlled by a sorcerer, then I'll go and see for myself.

seeing is believing.

This request made Zhu Yuanzhang's face instantly turn extremely ugly.

Go see?

How could he let Zhang Sanfeng go to see Zhu Muying?

just in case……

What if Zhang Sanfeng, upon meeting Zhu Muying, discovers that he wasn't controlled by a demon at all, but rather... possessed extraordinary talent and had broken through to a higher level on his own?

just in case……

Zhang Sanfeng, having developed a fondness for talent, also wanted to take Zhu Muying as his disciple.

Wouldn't that mean I've invited a wolf into my house, creating an even stronger competitor for myself?

No!

Absolutely not!

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately rejected the suggestion.

"Uncle," his voice turned cold and hard, "that rebellious son has become ruthless and ungrateful. You are of noble birth, and I... cannot let you take this risk."

He gave a plausible reason for refusing.

However, Zhang Sanfeng seemed not to hear him.

He simply said to himself, "Before entering the city, I observed the celestial phenomena last night."

"Auspicious purple clouds rise from the east, and golden lotuses bloom everywhere. This is a sign that a sage is born, or that someone with great merit is about to break through to immortality."

"This auspicious aura is magnificent, righteous, and boundless; it cannot be imitated by any evil magic."

His voice remained calm.

But every word was like a heavy hammer blow, striking Zhu Yuanzhang's heart hard.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned deathly pale instantly.

He understood.

He fully understood Zhang Sanfeng's implied meaning.

Zhang Sanfeng was telling him:

Stop acting.

Your nonsense about "demonic beings causing trouble" might fool ordinary people, but you think you can fool me? You're still too green.

The commotion last night was an auspicious sign, a sign of the right path!

It has absolutely nothing to do with the "evil spirits" you mentioned!

There's probably more to what happened to your son than meets the eye!

This realization stirred up a storm in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart.

His greatest reliance was to portray Zhu Muying as a "demon," thereby occupying the moral high ground and forcing Zhang Sanfeng to take action.

But now, Zhang Sanfeng, the only "authoritative appraiser" in his eyes, has personally denied his statement!

This threw all his plans into disarray.

"Uncle... what... what do you mean by this?" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice trembled slightly.

He was still trying, making a final struggle.

"Could it be... that you think my unfilial son...?"

"I don't think so," Zhang Sanfeng interrupted him. "I only believe what I see with my own eyes."

"Take me to see him."

This time, his tone was no longer one of negotiation.

Rather, it is an unquestionable...command.

Inside the imperial carriage, a deathly silence fell once again.

Fine beads of cold sweat appeared on Zhu Yuanzhang's forehead.

He knew he had no way out.

If he dares to refuse again, it will undoubtedly confirm that he has something to hide.

Zhang Sanfeng would probably turn and leave immediately.

They might even stand directly on the opposite side!

At that time, he will not only face a son who has "broken through the realm", but also an unfathomable "living god"!

He cannot bear the consequences.

"good……"

After a long while, Zhu Yuanzhang finally managed to squeeze out a single word through gritted teeth.

His eyes became incredibly venomous and ferocious.

He stared intently out the car window in a certain direction, where the Royal Palace of England was located.

"Mu Ying, oh Mu Ying..."

"You really are...our good son!"

"Even immortals are speaking up for you!"

"But don't get too cocky!"

"Once we get to the Prince's mansion, we'll see what tricks you and he can pull!"

"This Ming Dynasty is ours!"

"No one can take it away!"

Zhu Muying looked at her father's face, which was twisted with jealousy and anger, and the smile on her lips deepened.

The show is finally about to begin.

He was really looking forward to it.

When Zhang Sanfeng, the martial arts master who was single-mindedly seeking the Dao, saw himself, this "genuine" land immortal.

What kind of wonderful expression will it be?

The atmosphere inside the imperial carriage was so oppressive it was almost suffocating.

Zhu Yuanzhang eventually compromised.

He had no choice but to compromise.

"Prepare the carriage for the Prince of England's residence."

He looked out the car window and, in an almost icy voice, gave a new order.

Mao Xiang, who was standing guard beside the carriage, felt a chill run down his spine.

He didn't know what was happening in the car, but he could clearly sense that His Majesty's mood was at its worst.

It was a kind of rage and unease, like a plan spiraling out of control, or the prey about to escape its cage.

"As you command."

Mao Xiang dared not ask any further questions and immediately relayed the order.

The massive ceremonial procession changed direction again, marching grandly towards the Prince of Ying's Mansion in the south of the city.

The civil and military officials following behind looked at each other, completely bewildered.

What happened?

Weren't you supposed to be going to the palace for a banquet? Why did you suddenly change your plans and go to the Prince of England's residence?

This Master Zhang has way too much influence, doesn't he?

Wherever you want to go, His Majesty will accompany you.

Only Crown Prince Zhu Biao, standing in the crowd, suddenly narrowed his eyes when he heard the words "Prince Ying's Mansion".

The ominous premonition in his heart grew stronger and stronger.

Father Emperor, take this mysterious Master Zhang to Mu Ying's residence...

What exactly does he want to do?

Zhu Biao's heart jumped into his throat.

He had a strong intuition that something earth-shattering was about to happen at the Prince's Palace today!

He glanced at Liu Sanwu, the Grand Secretary beside him, who also looked solemn. The two exchanged a look and saw deep worry in each other's eyes.

……

Inside the imperial carriage.

After Zhu Yuanzhang gave the order, the two never spoke a word to each other again.

Zhu Yuanzhang leaned against the carriage wall, his eyes closed, his face so gloomy it seemed to drip water.

He was frantically thinking of a solution.

Since we can't stop them from meeting, we must find a way to regain the initiative when they do meet!

What should I do?

Got it!

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes snapped open, a ruthless glint flashing within them.

He came up with a solution that was hardly a solution at all.

That is... muddying the waters!

Once they arrived at the Prince of Ying's residence, he would denounce Zhu Muying's filial impiety and treason in front of Zhang Sanfeng.

He wants to expose all the family scandals!

He's trying to force Zhu Muying!

If Zhu Muying admits it, that would be perfect, confirming his treasonous crime. As an elder, Zhang Sanfeng would then be unable to show him any more favoritism.

If Zhu Muying doesn't admit it, or even dares to refute it, that would be even better!

The fact that a critically injured son suddenly becomes eloquent and energetic is itself the biggest flaw!

At that time, without him even saying it, Zhang Sanfeng would definitely suspect that he was really "possessed" by something!

As long as we can make Zhang Sanfeng suspicious of Zhu Muying.

Then you've achieved half of your goal!

A cold smile curled at the corners of Zhu Yuanzhang's mouth.

He felt that he had rediscovered the key to breaking the deadlock.

"Mu Ying, don't blame your father for being ruthless."

"If anyone's to blame, it's you! You shouldn't have blocked your father's way!"

Zhang Sanfeng, sitting opposite him, remained as calm and composed as ever.

He seemed completely oblivious to the chilling murderous aura emanating from Zhu Yuanzhang, simply closing his eyes and resting quietly.

But if someone could see into his heart, they would find that his usually calm and unwavering Dao heart was now experiencing unprecedented turmoil.

"A saint at twenty years old..."

"A sign of breaking through to a higher realm and ascending to immortality..."

"Is there really such a prodigy in this world?"

"Or perhaps... there's some mystery behind this that I cannot comprehend?"

For the first time in his life, he felt a slight unease about the "Tao" he firmly believed in.

He was eager to see the young man named Zhu Muying.

I want to see for myself what the answer to all this mystery is.

……

The Royal Palace of England.

When that grand royal procession reappeared on the main street in front of the mansion.

Xu Miaoyun, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, felt her heart leap into her throat once again.

Why are you back again?

Moreover, this time the scale is even larger than the last time!

Almost all the civil and military officials followed suit.

Standing inside the door, she could see the conspicuous dragon carriage parked in the very center through the crack in the door.

Her face instantly turned pale.

She knew that this time, there was probably no way to escape it.

"Your Highness, what should we do?" Green Willow asked anxiously beside her.

Xu Miaoyun took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.

"Open the door," she said in a deep voice.

"princess?"

"Open the main gate and prepare to receive the Emperor." Xu Miaoyun's eyes became incredibly firm. "Their coming is a blessing in disguise, and a curse we cannot escape. Our Prince Ying's Mansion acts uprightly and honestly, so we have nothing to fear."

She knew that under these circumstances, any obstruction would only bring about greater disaster.

Since that's the case, why not just let them in openly?

She wanted to see what tricks her father-in-law was up to.

"Yes."

The central gate of the Prince's Mansion slowly opened.

Xu Miaoyun led everyone in the Prince's Mansion to kneel at the entrance to respectfully welcome the Emperor.

The curtain of the imperial carriage was lifted.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Sanfeng got out of the carriage one after the other.

When Xu Miaoyun saw the white-haired old Taoist priest with an otherworldly air, she was slightly taken aback.

She immediately guessed that this person was probably the legendary Master Zhang who had caused her father-in-law to lose his composure like this.

"Daughter-in-law, welcome Father Emperor, welcome Master Zhang." She said respectfully, bowing her head.

Zhu Yuanzhang merely gave a cold "hmm" through his nose, not even bothering to look at her again, and walked straight into the mansion.

His goal is very clear.

That is Zhu Muying's bedroom.

Zhang Sanfeng, meanwhile, glanced thoughtfully at Xu Miaoyun, who was kneeling on the ground.

His deep eyes seemed to see right through people's hearts.

He could sense that this young woman possessed a righteous spirit and an indomitable tenacity.

"She is... a rather nice girl."

He thought to himself, then started walking and followed Zhu Yuanzhang.

A large group of people, in a grand procession, passed through the courtyard and surged towards the sleeping quarters in the backyard.

At the entrance to the imperial bedchamber, Liu Shouzhen and several other imperial physicians who were ordered to stay behind were so frightened by the emperor's arrival that they immediately knelt down.

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't even look at them; he kicked open the door to his bedchamber.

"You unfilial son! We've come to see you!"

He stormed in, filled with rage and scheming.

Zhang Sanfeng, Zhu Biao, and several important officials including Xu Da and Li Shanchang followed closely behind and entered the hall.

Everyone's eyes immediately focused on the large bed.

Zhu Muying remained lying there quietly.

His face was rosy, and his breathing was even. He looked like a sleeping baby, peaceful and harmless.

If it weren't for the fact that he was seriously injured, everyone would probably think that he was just too tired and had fallen asleep.

Seeing his feigned death, Zhu Yuanzhang's anger intensified.

He walked to the bedside, looked down at his son, and sneered.

"What? You're still lying in bed pretending to be dead now that your old man's here?"

"Get up!"

His voice, like a thunderclap, resounded in the quiet bedchamber.

However, Zhu Muying on the bed still did not react.

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression grew increasingly grim.

He turned around, looked at Zhang Sanfeng behind him, spread his hands, and said, "Uncle, you see? This is our good son! Disrespectful to his father and father, unruly and incorrigible! We think he's possessed by evil spirits and has lost his mind!"

He began his performance.

However, he did not notice.

From the moment he stepped into the bedchamber, Zhang Sanfeng, standing behind him, never took his gaze off the young man on the bed.

His body was even trembling slightly.

For the first time, his face, which had remained calm and expressionless for over a hundred years, revealed a complex mix of shock, horror, ecstasy, and... a pilgrimage-like expression!

Because he "saw" it!

He "saw" it with his profound Taoist spiritual sense!

There was no demonic energy or evil spirit within that young man.

Yes, it's a whole area...

A vast and boundless expanse, resembling a sea of ​​stars... the Immortal Abode's Qi Sea!

Some are, however, unbreakable... immortal veins flowing with golden divine light!

Yes, there are streams of pure, unadulterated essence that resonate even with the heavens and earth... Primordial Immortal Essence!

This……

This is not martial arts!

This even surpasses the realm of terrestrial deities!

This is……

This is real...

A body fit for an immortal!

Zhang Sanfeng's breathing stopped at that moment.

He looked at Zhu Muying on the bed like a most devout believer meeting the true god he had believed in all his life.

At that very moment, Zhu Yuanzhang was still rambling on and on, accusing him of his son's "crimes".

"Uncle, look, he's still pretending! If this monster isn't eliminated soon, it will surely become a great scourge! We beg you, Uncle, to take action and rid our Great Ming of this menace!"

After he finished speaking, he waited expectantly for Zhang Sanfeng's thunderous strike.

However, what he got was not what he wanted.

He saw Zhang Sanfeng slowly walk to the bedside.

Then, in front of everyone.

Facing the young man who was "unconscious".

He straightened his Taoist robe, adopting an extremely solemn and devout posture.

He bowed deeply, performing the oldest and most revered Taoist kowtow.

"Wudang Mountain, this humble student, Zhang Sanfeng..."

"Greetings... to the terrestrial deity!"