The First Lackey Under The Empress

Whoosh—

The hard, cold mountain wind beat against the tent, making a soft sound.

Inside the large tent, the light of day faintly filtered through the fabric. Zhao Du'an sat cross-legged, his eyes tightly closed, his hands held in a virtual embrace before him.

With each breath, two thin streams of white rushed from his nostrils, then retreated, incredibly mysterious.

And as he completed a full cycle of breathing, his body's energy surged to its peak, and the thumbs of his virtual embrace suddenly crossed.

Centered on him, ripples of air spread out in circles, and then a blurry, illusory "Golden Bell" slowly appeared, enveloping him.

After maintaining it for a moment, it collapsed and disintegrated.

"Hoo—"

Zhao Du'an opened his eyes, the cyan lotus mark between his eyebrows slowly fading away, and the corners of his mouth slowly rising:

"As expected of the most classic 'Golden Bell Shield' of Buddhism, it is indeed difficult to learn, but at least I have finally grasped the knack."

Some days had passed since the Spring Festival. After leaving the city, Zhao Du'an repeatedly pondered, trying to learn the Buddhist protective techniques from the "Sea of Consciousness Cyan Lotus."

Mainly because when the Empress used her sword to slay the Divine Dragon Temple, Abbot Xuan Yin used the Great Golden Bell Shield to protect the entire temple, resisting the three swords of the Celestial Realm Empress with great momentum.

Although Zhao Du'an was a martial artist, he could also condense his astral energy to protect his body, but in terms of defense, among all the techniques, the Buddhist Golden Bell Shield was indeed the most exquisite.

"Although I haven't fully mastered it yet, even in its initial form, it's comparable to my full-strength astral energy body protection. As for the radiant light body protection, it's already a bit behind my realm."

"Once I completely master it, my ability to protect myself will be greatly enhanced. Coupled with the current pile of buffs on my body, even if I encounter Great Purity Monk again, I can withstand a few moves without being instantly killed."

"It's a pity that my cultivation has slowed down during this period. I'm still stuck in the middle rank, and there's still a gap to the upper rank of the Divine Chapter... Well, it's already fast enough. One can't be too greedy..."

"But Zhenbao might be going to do some Fengshan ceremony in a few months, headache啊..."

As the "Imperial Consort," Zhao Du'an was anxious and apprehensive when he suddenly heard footsteps approaching.

Then, a scabbard suddenly pierced through the gap in the tent curtain, accompanied by the voice of his female colleague, Haitang:

"Come out to eat. We should enter Fengcheng this morning."

…

Zhao Du'an lifted the tent curtain, and the morning light of the mountains suddenly shone down.

This place was actually a sheltered mountain depression.

There was no snow around, only weeds, but the mountain wind that greeted him, slightly damp, was completely different from the cold of the capital.

Yesterday, this team disguised as an ordinary merchant caravan had crossed the border between Linfeng and Binhai, officially entering the territory of Binhai Road.

To be precise, it was the "Fengcheng" area where the headquarters of the Kuangfu Society was located according to intelligence.

At this moment, a whole convoy of carriages was parked around, and the ground was densely packed with tents.

At dawn, the sky in the east turned fish-belly white. Many Jinyi guards disguised as escorts or caravan attendants had already gotten up and started feeding horses, fetching water from nearby streams, and gathering firewood.

Preparing to make a fire and cook, a busy scene.

This time, in order to assist Zhao Du'an in capturing the rebellious party, Ma Yan waved his hand and extracted elites from each of the nine halls of the Zhao Ya, supplemented by Zhao Du'an's direct lineage of the Pear Blossom Hall, and formed this "merchant caravan."

And in the few tents in the very center of the team, besides Zhao Du'an, the other acquaintances were also emerging one after another.

"Good morning, Brother Zhao!"

From the tent opposite, a short, fat young man with a round face yawned and came out, still holding a hemp rope in his hand.

While pulling on his wrinkled cotton robe, he tied a large bamboo tube wrapped in cloth on his back with hemp rope.

It was actually one of the Zhu Dian boys of the Tianshi Mansion:

The inheritor of the Craftsman God, Gongshu Tianyuan.

Gongshu Tianyuan, who successfully advanced to the "Worldly" realm on New Year's Eve, was radiant. Despite the fatigue of traveling, his complexion was much better than when he was in the craftsman's shop in the Tianshi Mansion.

At this moment, he turned his head to look at Haitang, who was combing a high ponytail and supporting the scabbard, and asked curiously:

"Sea Censor, has my junior sister come back?"

Haitang, who shared a tent with Jin Jian last night, glanced at this slovenly fat man, quite disgusted, and raised her chin to point to her tent:

"She came back as soon as it dawned."

It could be vaguely heard that faint, small snores came from the open tent.

The mysterious and ethereal genius girl Jin Jian, who had been wandering outside all night, wrapped herself in the tent to catch up on sleep, sleeping in a splayed position.

Hearing someone calling her, her ears trembled very thoughtfully, then silently curled up to block out external noise, and even kicked her legs.

"Who would have thought that the mysterious and ethereal genius girl god official is not only a night owl with a reversed schedule, but also snores?"

Zhao Du'an twitched the corners of his mouth, gaining a deeper understanding of Jin Jian on this short journey.

The appearance of two Tianshi disciples in the team was naturally Zhao Du'an's wooing.

After the Tianshi Mansion god officials advanced to the "Worldly" level, there were rules for going out to practice. Zhao Mouren would naturally not let go of such good thugs.

Jin Jian and Gongshu Tianyuan were also quite interested in catching the rebellious party, and they had a kind of excitement that they had finally completed their studies, the masters went down the mountain, and were ready to slay demons and eliminate demons.

It's a pity that Little Tianshi Zhong Pan had too high a status and was unwilling to participate in worldly struggles, and the relationship was not close enough, so Zhao Du'an could not use personal relationships to invite him over, which made him quite regretful.

"My Lord."

From the other two tents, Lang Shishi, who had been released from prison, with messy hair and a scimitar hanging from his waist, emerged.

And Ji Yue, who had already woken up early, but was hiding in her small tent because of social anxiety and was always unwilling to come out.

That's right, this time Zhao Du'an tricked the two of them out again. In addition to this, there was also…

"Junior Protector, let's go to the river to wash up, we can eat soon."

In the distance, Zhang Han, the poker-faced man who commanded the Jinyi guards, walked over without a smile, carrying a heavy kettle in his hand.

Zhao Du'an looked at his wet hair, the water on his face almost frozen into ice crystals, and the Jinyi guards next to him who had already started lighting firewood to make a fire and cook, and nodded with a smile:

"Thank you for your hard work. Just call me by my name."

"Okay, Junior Protector Zhao."

…

Soon.

Wisps of smoke rose from the camp, and when Zhao Du'an returned from washing up by the river, everyone had already started eating.

Camping in the wild, conditions were difficult, so they boiled water to heat up some leftovers and pancakes.

Fortunately, the group was disguised as a merchant caravan and carried many goods in a grand manner, which made it convenient for people to eat and horses to chew.

"Let's have a meeting."

Zhao Du'an took the soup bowl and pancake handed over by the soldier, sat on the small stool in the center of the camp and greeted him. Everyone also sat around, forming a circle, eating and holding a morning meeting.

"Ahead is Fengcheng. Before entering the city, it is necessary to unify the plan after entering the city in order to facilitate action,"

Zhao Du'an squatted on the small stool, a pancake in one hand and soup in the other, with a sense of sight from the war films of his previous life, where the army was discussing the combat plan on the way.

It was a pity that there was no baton in his hand, and there was no map on the ground, which was a bit of a scenery, but he still waved his hand and said:

"Sea Censor, please tell us about the situation first."

Haitang had already finished eating. As one of the top-notch powerhouses in the nine halls of the Zhao Ya in terms of investigation ability, she was the most serious-looking among the few people:

"As you all know, according to the information returned by the Shadow Guard, the nest of the Kuangfu Society is in the Fengcheng County area, the specific location is unknown, and the rebellious leader Zhuang Xiaocheng has been hiding here all year round, commanding the branch offices in various places."

"The number of enemies in the main rudder is not clear, but according to the known information, the former commander Qi Yuchun, and the second prince Jian Wen's retainer, the Earth God Warlock Ren Kun, are both veteran Worldly Realm powerhouses.

In addition, Zhuang Xiaocheng has about 30 Divine Chapter Realm subordinates... and a large number of members.

"Well, of course, most of these people are scattered in various places, stationed in branch offices, so the number of experts at headquarters is definitely far less than this number, but it should not be underestimated."

Gongshu Tianyuan said with a smile:

"That is to say, the enemy has two World Realm experts? On our side, we senior brothers and sisters, plus Brother Lang and Miss Yue, make four World Realm experts. In addition, although Brother Zhao has not yet advanced, his methods are also superb. Even if those rebels have trump cards, we are not afraid compared to them."

After a pause, he frowned and added:

"However, the manpower below… Although there are the members of the Nine Halls of the Imperial Court, I am afraid that the manpower is still not enough."

Zhao Du'an smiled and said:

"It doesn't matter, I have already ordered the Shadow Guards to pass the message to the military government of Bin Hai Road. As long as an order is given, the official army will arrive at any time.

It's just that our trip should be kept low-key to prevent alarming the other party. For now, let's wait until we enter the city, first find out the situation, and then make specific arrangements for action."

Gongshu Tianyuan spread his hands: "Then my junior sister and I have no problem."

Haitang continued:

"Compared to the combat power of the enemy and ourselves, what is more important is to determine the location of the rebel headquarters, and… whether there are local forces in Fengcheng that collude with the rebels…

Just imagine, Yu Country is so big, why would Zhuang Xiaocheng set up the headquarters here? There must be a basis for it."

Since being released from prison and determined to rely on Zhao Du'an, Lang Shishi gradually regained some of the military temperament he had in the Northern Territory. He swallowed the soup, wiped the water stains from his beard with his big hand, and his eyes were solemn:

"Do you already have someone you suspect?"

Haitang shook her head and said:

"Without any evidence, I cannot give an answer. But I do suspect one person, that is, the abbot of the Zixiao Palace Taoist temple in Fengcheng, the Purple Robed Taoist."

Zhao Du'an swallowed a pancake, his eyes calm:

"I also looked at the information here on the road. Within Fengcheng County, Zixiao Palace is considered a relatively famous Taoist temple. Its owner is said to have achieved success in cultivation and can control several powerful flying swords.

Decades ago, when the late emperor came to the south to escape the summer heat, he met this person and offered treasures. The late emperor was overjoyed and rewarded him with a mountain top to build a Taoist temple, and even personally inscribed a plaque and bestowed many fields."

Haitang nodded in agreement:

"That's right. It is said that after this Purple Robed Taoist became famous, he had many contacts with Jianghu people. In the Jianghu, he is also a big figure. Even the disciples who come down from Qingshan in Wudi City will go to Zixiao Palace to pay a visit when they leave Binhai Road…

Well, this legend is a bit of self-promotion, but it is enough to show the power and reputation of this Taoist in the local area. Among the people, he is even regarded as a 'Celestial Master' by the local people. He has many industries and manors under his name, and his cultivation is unknown."

Zhang Han, with a poker face, frowned and said:

"This person's status and position are probably greater than that of the magistrate of Fengcheng. Zhuang Xiaocheng founded the Kuangfu Society, and he has close contacts with Jianghu people. I am afraid that even if this Palace Master of Zixiao is not a rebel, he is still aware of it but does not report it."

Zhao Du'an's expression was surprisingly calm:

"Since there is no evidence, it is just suspicion, so don't rush to convict him."

He turned his head and looked at the Craftsman God Artificer, sincerely saying:

"Official Gongshu, the Tianshi Mansion is the leader of Taoist sects in the world. Do you know anything about this Taoist of Zixiao Palace?"

Carrying a bamboo tube, the gray-robed and dirty great inventor showed a look of disdain, and his contempt was evident:

"Lu Zhengchun of Zixiao Palace, I know him. Although this person holds a Taoist status, he insists on being the Palace Master of Zixiao Palace personally conferred by the late emperor, so he has always distanced himself from my Tianshi Mansion, probably wanting to establish his own mountain.

However, a mere local Taoist temple is not a big deal. It can only be powerful in this Fengcheng County, barely considered a figure in Binhai Road.

As for how capable the few flying swords he refined are, I don't know, but I heard that he has some research on arranging formations… However, it cannot be compared with the orthodoxy of Tianshi Mansion."

Tsk, you are quite proud…

Yes, the Tianshi Mansion has a transcendent status in the Taoist sect, and Little Fatty is a disciple of the Tianshi, and his seniority in the cultivation Jianghu is extremely high…

Zhao Du'an sighed, who let himself know Lao Zhang first, which led to the filter for the Taoists in the world being shattered into a mess…

Gongshu Tianyuan thought for a while, and then added:

"By the way, I heard that this guy is quite lecherous… He has accepted a group of female disciples…"

"Ahem, there is no need to say this," Zhao Du'an interrupted:

"In short, this person will be investigated after entering the city. I have already contacted the Shadow Guards in advance. After we enter the city, we will first meet with the Shadow Guards in the identity of a merchant team, and then learn about the latest intelligence for reconnaissance."

Well, his so-called latest intelligence is to contact the spies who have been planted in the rebel party, led by Wu Ling.

After everyone finished discussing, they hurriedly finished breakfast, got up and loaded the tent onto the carriage, ready to set off.

"Ew…"

In the tent, Jin Jian, who was sleeping soundly on her back, suddenly felt a burst of dazzling light.

She opened her eyes, and the pupils without glasses reflected the brightening sky.

She sat up blankly and found that the tent was taken away by the little secretary Qian Kerou:

"No… I…"

Zhao Du'an walked over with a smile, resisting the urge to rub the girl's disheveled long hair:

"Get in the car, sleep again when you stay in the inn after entering the city."

"Inn? Where?" Jin Jian asked blankly, her mind not yet recovered, subconsciously.

"Jinfu Inn."

Zhao Du'an said casually, raising his eyes to look at the city at the end of the official road in the distance. This is the place where he contacted the Shadow Guards of the imperial court.

…

…

Fengcheng County Yamen.

When the sky was slightly bright, the magistrate of Fengcheng County was still asleep when he was awakened by a "dong dong" knock on the door.

This middle-aged innkeeper sleepily poked his head out of the quilt, wearing his pajamas, and roared angrily:

"What's the matter with smashing the door early in the morning? This master is sleepy."

The urgent voice of the yamen clerk outside the door came in:

"County Master, please come out and take a look, the Prefect has arrived!"

"Prefect?!"

The magistrate of Fengcheng County crashed for a moment, then jumped out with a whoosh, his sleepiness disappeared, and he put on his official robe in a few strokes. As he walked out, he asked about the situation.

The clerk replied:

"The little one doesn't know either, it's just that the Prefect suddenly came with a large group of arresters from the prefectural yamen. They are all murderous, and they should have entered the city before dawn."

The magistrate of Fengcheng County was at a loss. When he arrived at the front hall, he saw a large number of arresters filling the courtyard. These people were bulging, obviously wearing armor and carrying knives, swords, bows, and crossbows.

Inside the hall, a middle-aged scholar-like official in a scarlet official robe sat upright.

Beside him stood a black-faced warrior with sharp eyes and two knives hanging from his waist.

"Prefect, this official did not know you were visiting, please forgive me for not meeting you…"

The magistrate squeezed out a smile and greeted him flatteringly, feeling uneasy in his heart. Seeing this group of official servants, his liver and gallbladder trembled. In an instant, he went through every account of bribery he had received in the past few years in his mind, and his legs were weak.

Luan Cheng, the Prefect of Binhai Road, looked at him coldly, too lazy to exchange pleasantries, and went straight to the point:

"Do you know why this government came suddenly?"

"No… I don't know, please tell me, sir."

"Hmph," Prefect Luan Cheng pointed at him and said angrily:

"This government received news that an important figure of the rebel party arrived in Fengcheng County today, and I have come to arrest him."

"Ah? Rebel party? This official doesn't know."

Luan Cheng scolded him severely before saying:

"When you know, people will have run away! Let me ask you, is there an inn in the city called Jinfu?"

"Jinfu Inn? Yes!"

"That's right, prepare yourself and follow this government to arrest the rebel party!" Luan Cheng's eyes lit up and he said decisively.

…

Kavin