“Kini, meskipun ia gagal, ia juga berhasil, dan dampaknya bahkan lebih baik daripada sebelumnya. Dengan menggunakan hidupnya sebagai alat tawar-menawar dan mengandalkan jutaan pengikut Buddha untuk membelanya, pemuda itu pasti berada di titik kritis di hadapan istana Dinasti Yu Agung. Kecuali jika ia bersedia mengakui kesalahannya dan menerima hukuman, jika tidak…”Pada titik ini, melihat alis berkerut dari Santo Pewaris, dia dengan hormat berkata,”Begitu pemuda itu dicemooh jutaan orang, dia pasti tidak akan lagi bertindak atas nama Dayu. Menurutku, selama kita menghindarinya saat waktunya tiba, menyingkirkan penghalang pemuda ini, dan melanjutkan rencana awal, lalu jika kita pergi ke Surga Belantara Agung untuk mencari beberapa Raja Iblis yang akan mendukung kita, kita seharusnya bisa mengakhirinya dengan cepat.”Wanita anggun bercorak ungu itu meliriknya, ragu sejenak, lalu berkata, “Mereka tidak mungkin sebodoh itu, kan? Dia sekarang mampu membunuh Sang Buddha. Apakah Dinasti Dewa Dayu benar-benar akan memutuskan hubungan dengannya hanya demi orang yang sudah mati?”Pemuda berjubah hitam itu menjawab dengan suara rendah, “Kau baru saja menghabiskan sedikit waktu di Dunia Fana, tidak seperti kami. Meskipun mereka juga menghormati yang kuat, mereka selalu suka berpura-pura adil dan jujur. Meskipun ada perbedaan yang jelas antara pejabat, bangsawan, bangsawan tinggi, dan rakyat jelata, dengan masyarakat yang terbagi dalam beberapa tingkatan, mereka tetap ingin orang-orang merasakan adanya keadilan dan kejujuran. Jika demikian, mereka jelas tidak bisa sepenuhnya bersikap tidak masuk akal, jika tidak, mengapa Sang Buddha membutuhkan kami? Bukankah Beliau juga terikat oleh hal ini?””Tapi pemuda itu, bagaimanapun juga, mampu membunuh makhluk-makhluk di Alam Pemahaman Tao,” wanita anggun bercorak ungu itu masih tidak optimis.Melihat hal itu, pemuda berjubah hitam itu tidak berkata apa-apa; hal-hal seperti itu tidak berani dia jamin.Keduanya menatap ke arah Sang Pewaris Suci, sementara lelaki tua dengan tongkat itu tetap diam sedari tadi, ia sangat memahami bahwa semakin banyak seseorang berbicara, semakin banyak pula kesalahan yang diperbuatnya.Mendengar kata-kata pemuda berjubah hitam itu, tatapan kontemplatif muncul di mata Pewaris Suci, yang kemudian mengangguk dan berkata,”Itu memang sebuah metode. Aku hanya perlu meminjam seratus tahun di Dunia Fana ini. Setelah seratus tahun, apa pun yang terjadi di sini tidak akan kupedulikan. Semoga mereka bijaksana.”Mata wanita anggun bercorak ungu itu berkedip dan ia bertanya dengan ragu, “Santo Pewaris, Anda berkata bahwa setelah kami menduduki Dinasti Ilahi Dayu, kami akan membangun Dao Tong untuk Anda dan menyebarkan Api Dupa. Apakah Api Dupa ini benar-benar bermanfaat?”Sang Pewaris Suci meliriknya, seolah-olah melihat isi pikirannya, lalu melihat ke arah lelaki tua dengan tongkat, yang kepalanya langsung tertunduk lebih rendah.
“You are not yet in the Dao Law Realm, naturally you wouldn’t know.”
The Saint Heir spoke coldly: “On the path of cultivation, one seizes the essence of heaven and earth. Below the Saint Realm, one only needs ability, but the Saint Realm has Three Calamities, and one must rely on Incense Fire to transcend them. Otherwise, why do you think the Jiang family left the Great Wilderness Heaven and came here?”
“Do you truly believe they were defeated in the power struggle within the Ancient Holy Clan and were forced out of the Great Wilderness Heaven? Heh, the Jiang family simply acted opportunistically, trying to revive their ancestor, that Saint of the Jiang family!”
Hearing this, the elegant woman with purple patterns was shocked and looked at the Saint Heir.
The Jiang family, attempting to revive a Saint?
“Do you think the Incense Fire from the Gan Tao Palace is all for that True Person? It’s merely using him to gather it. The first emperor of the Dayu Divine Dynasty was also a remarkable figure. He used the mountains and rivers as Formation, and the Divine General Mansion as the base, to redirect and graft the Incense Fire. If I hadn’t wandered here and happened to have some understanding of Formations, I probably wouldn’t have noticed.”
The Saint Heir sneered.
“Then, does that True Person know?” The elegant woman with purple patterns couldn’t help but blurt out.
“Of course, he knows, he is even likely cooperating.” The Saint Heir’s eyes held scorn for such willingness to be used by others, finding it ridiculous.
“What’s the point of them going to such lengths?” The elegant woman with purple patterns was puzzled.
“It’s naturally to deceive others. If they brazenly revived the Jiang Family Ancestor, someone would have interfered long ago. But when a True Person cultivates and accumulates Incense Fire, few will pay attention. After all, it’s unknown if they can cultivate to the Saint Realm; even with Incense Fire, it’s useless. Just like the Buddha Lord, two thousand years of Incense Fire, and to think he wasted it all like that, truly the height of foolishness!”
The Saint Heir huffed coldly, then said to them, “If that young man no longer comes to interfere with our affairs, you also do not need to bother with him for the time being. Once I become a Saint, I will squash him with one slap.”
“But the cultivation speed of that young man, it’s terrifying,” the elegant woman with purple patterns couldn’t help but say.
“Did you not understand what I just said? To become a Saint, one must have Incense Fire. If that young man breaks with the Jiang family, even just superficially, now that he has lost his reputation, who else will give him Incense Fire? The Jiang family certainly won’t!”
“With no Incense Fire, he cannot become a Saint, his cultivation has reached its limit!”
“However strong, he’ll be forever stuck at the threshold of the Tao Comprehension Realm, merely standing outside the door. Below the Saints are all ants, you’ve never seen a Saint, believing you’ve leaped out of the well, glimpsing the true world, yet little do you know, without ascending to the high heavens, you’ll never comprehend the vastness and the remoteness of the heavens!”
At this point, the Saint Heir snorted coldly and said,
“Your time is running out, don’t forget, a thousand years ago a group entered the Immortal Gate, to cultivate in the Land of All Saints. They are the true foundation of the major Divine General Mansions, even if they perish in the Mortal World, when those from the Immortal Gates return, they can rebuild the mighty Divine General Mansion on the ruins.”
“You need not contend with the Divine General Mansion, just contain them. Once the Jiang family is destroyed, plunder their accumulated Incense Fire Power.”
The three of them smiled bitterly to themselves. The old man with the walking stick knew it was his turn to make a statement and said, “Rest assured, Saint Heir, we will give our utmost effort.”
“Here are three Incense Fire Treasures; upon absorbing the Incense Fire Power, you must cherish them well and not disappoint me again!”
The Saint Heir flicked his sleeve and distributed three treasures, which landed before each person.
“We will not fail your high expectations again,” the old man with the walking stick quickly said with respect.
“Now that All Saints are contemplating opening the Immortal Gate again, hasten your actions. Don’t wait for the Immortal Gate to reopen and cause trouble.”
The Saint Heir said, his brow revealing a hint of agitation.
He turned and stepped into the ancient temple, a ray of golden light emerged in his palm. The golden light sliced open the ancient temple, and he immediately stepped through, disappearing from view.
After watching the Saint Heir leave, the black-robed youth and the graceful woman with purple patterns both exhaled in relief and quickly rose from the ground.
They swiftly collected the Incense Fire Treasures before them, examining them carefully, with a look of delighted surprise in their eyes.
“It’s said that the original Saint Heart Treasure was but an empty shell, not having absorbed any Incense Fire Power, and was all show and no substance.”
“Is this the true form of the treasure? Such profound power.”
The graceful woman with purple patterns held a jade flute in her hand, feeling its depth.
“With this treasure, can we directly proceed to the Gan Tao Palace?” the black-robed youth also felt the Incense Fire Treasure before him.
However, the old man with the walking stick collected his without a change in expression and said irritably,”Seandainya semudah itu, Sang Pewaris Suci pasti sudah menganugerahkan harta karun itu kepada kita sejak lama. Perairan Dinasti Ilahi Dayu sangat dalam, dan keluarga Jiang tidak sesederhana yang kita bayangkan. Sang Buddha telah mencapai Alam Pemahaman Tao dengan mengintegrasikan Buddha dan iblis, namun beliau memilih untuk tidak bersaing dengan Istana Gan Tao demi supremasi. Hanya ada satu alasan untuk itu—beliau tidak bisa menang.””Orang Sejati yang tua itu, apakah dia begitu menakutkan?”Wanita anggun bercorak ungu itu berhenti sejenak dan menatap pria tua bertongkat itu. “Mereka sudah menyadari keberadaan kita, keberadaan kita di luar Kota Qingzhou sudah terbongkar. Bagaimana kalau kita coba dulu?”Orang tua dengan tongkat jalan itu meliriknya dan setelah berpikir sejenak, mengangguk,”Kita tunggu saja mereka berselisih dengan pemuda itu dulu. Suruh Kepala Istana Tianji mengumpulkan orang-orang dari sekte Buddha dan memberi tekanan pada Kaisar. Mereka mengandalkan orang-orang yang memasuki Gerbang Abadi seribu tahun yang lalu sebagai fondasi mereka. Aturan Dayu bukanlah sesuatu yang bisa dilawan oleh pemuda sendirian…”Wanita anggun bercorak ungu itu mengangguk kecil.Bahkan Sang Buddha pun tak bisa berbuat sesuka hatinya; ia hanya bisa mematuhi aturan Dayu untuk mengembangkan sekte-sekte Buddha. Jika tindakan pemuda ini dibiarkan begitu saja, bukan hanya nama baik Keluarga Kerajaan, tetapi juga nama baik semua orang di kolong langit akan tercoreng.
Dayu State, Imperial City of the Holy City.
Radiant mists loomed over the towering Imperial Palace where officials of all ranks residing within the Imperial Capital were solemnly dressed, heading to today’s court session.
In the remote Qingzhou region, an incident in Mount Wuliang had occurred, and the news had reached the central and most complex officialdom in the capital, causing an undercurrent of unrest. Countless people had a sleepless night.
When they heard this news, many suspected there was a problem with their intelligence, and only after contacting acquaintances did they realize that a serious breach had occurred!
One was the Buddha Lord, a leader who carried the incense fire of Buddhism.
The other was a figure shining brightly like the midday sun, an unrivaled prodigy.
At a young age, he possessed terrifying strength and prominent military achievements, his future being boundless.
That these two luminaries of the Human Race would collide was a shocker.
And the impact of this collision would spread to countless powers, large and small. Even though their leader was gone, the Buddhists were not going to disperse like animals, and even ordinary sects maintain their disciples who bide their time for years for revenge, let alone a religion like Buddhism with its cohesion and beliefs.
Buddhism had deep roots, even though Emperor Yu, centuries ago, had forbidden royal family members from converting to Buddhism citing the reason of thin royal blood and the need for progeny.
But beyond the royal lineage, many past dignitaries like retired officials had voluntarily or subtly been guided to convert, seeking mental peace and comfort.
Now, with the Buddha Lord slain, the spiritual leader of Buddhism taken down, it would be a significant blow to those who followed the faith.
Outside the Xuanhuang Gate, a luxurious dragon-horse carriage arrived swiftly and descended gracefully.
The carriage door opened, and from it stepped an elegant and noble figure.
“The head of the Xia family has also come.”
“For many years, she never attended court sessions. Yet today, she has come.”
“It’s said that General Haotian managed to escape from Mo River and consecutively rescued Youzhou, Qingzhou, slaying the leaders of three Great Demonic forces. The Xia family is probably here pleading his case.”
Seeing the overwhelmingly beautiful Female General, although dressed as a noblewoman, she commanded immense prestige that made many officials take a second look but felt compelled to look away due to her imposing aura.
“That former Emperor’s important official has also arrived; it’s said he practices vegetarianism and debated with the Buddha Lord.”
People glanced toward another spot, observing an elderly man assisted by several high-ranking officials approaching.
Undoubtedly, today’s court session would be extremely intense.
As representatives of various powers arrived, within the grand hall of the Imperial Palace, on the dragon throne, Emperor Yu sat quietly, his majestic body mountainous, his eyes reflecting the sun and the moon, possessing a deterrence that was difficult to look directly at.
His eyes were deep and reserved, like a deep, serene ocean, indecipherable.
In front of the officials, Xia Linglong stood alone, her expression calm and collected, the other incumbent Xia family officials behind her.
Continue your adventure at empire
She had hurried to Dayu State immediately upon receiving the news yesterday, knowing full well the matter was of great consequence. Although the young man had tremendous combat prowess, this was the Dayu Divine Dynasty, its foundations unimaginable. Not to mention the True Person of Gan Tao Palace who ruled the land or those Jiang family stalwarts who entered the Immortal Gate a millennium ago—if they were to return, they could squash any monster.
Even the Buddha Lord dared not slaughter openly, all major powers adhering to an unspoken rule, and killing the leader was clearly a total fallout.
Now that the Buddha Lord was dead, the entangled Buddhist forces pulled at countless interests. Although they posed no threat to Li Hao, they could create troubles before His Majesty.
Moreover, the Emperor needed a reason to satisfy the public, and thus, there was a potential he might strip Li Hao of his honors to appease the masses.
A fallout between Dayu and Li Hao would offer demons a chance, something Xia Linglong knew the Emperor would consider; however, she was unsure of his final decision. If unable to satisfy the public, the disciples of Buddhism in various states and cities might also rebel, causing continuous strife within the states!
This too would give demons an opportunity to invade.
Considering from Emperor Yu’s perspective, Xia Linglong would also feel conflicted; long-term, it was wise to protect Li Hao, especially since he was still young with immense potential, highly likely to replace the True Person of the Daoist Palace.
However, she didn’t know if the Emperor harbored suspicions toward the young general.
After all, excessive merits could intimidate a ruler, and with Li Hao so young, if he continued to grow, he could even change the entire realm’s surname!
The human heart was unpredictable, and Emperor’s even more so; no one knew how the Emperor would decide.
But nevertheless, by coming here, she hoped that the Emperor, when making decisions, would consider the Xia family’s plea for a bit more deliberation.
This was her due diligence as a subject.
“Your Majesty, your Heavenly Heart surely sees clearly! General Haotian, acting arrogantly, defying heavens by killing the Buddha Lord, is utterly lawless. He does not deserve to hold the title of Duke and should be demoted to a commoner, to redeem himself by guarding the frontier, deprived of official rank for life!”
As soon as the court session started, an elderly official reported with great emotion.
“Indeed, Your Majesty, General Haotian has a pattern of misconduct, battling his father, deserting the Li family, and now murdering the Buddha Lord, causing tears among the common folk. He must be strictly punished!”
“He cannot act willfully just based on his contributions; what then is the dignity of royal authority and morals? If not curbed now, he will only grow more rampant and uncontrollable!”
“Your Majesty, General Haotian is young and poorly guided, likely taking the wrong path. Although he saved Liangzhou, his meritorious deeds come hand-in-hand with malice. He must not be indulged; otherwise, disaster will eventually descend upon the realm.”
Officials successively presented their reports, four to five in just a moment, seemingly coordinating beforehand.
Others remained silent, curious to see the Emperor’s and various parties’ responses.
After all, the court and field are not exclusively for Buddha’s Path, although some are fervent, others have no relationship with Buddha’s Path, and now they worry that if the Haotian General is severely punished, it would be extremely detrimental for the Human Race facing the external threat of demons.
Before Emperor Yu could make a statement, Xia Linglong had already turned around, her purpose today was to shield the young man from all hardships with her own body.
“You all speak as if it’s easy, but when the demons attack the city, I wonder how many of you would dare to stand on the city walls to face the enemy?”
Xia Linglong said with a cold laugh, “Saving three provinces is spoken so lightly in your mouths, always saying that scholars’ pens can break warriors’ blades, your lips are indeed sharp!”
“I am a Military General, if demons attack the city within my jurisdiction, I will lead the troops as the vanguard!”
One person stood up, looking directly at Xia Linglong, “But while credit is due for credit, who among us doesn’t have credit? Not to mention killing the Buddha Lord, even killing commoners is a crime, if everyone relies solely on their merit to belittle life, how can the common people survive, how can the Dynasty continue, just by relying on you and me? Would that still be a Dynasty, or just a den of bandits?”
Xia Linglong’s expression changed, her eyes chilling as she looked at him, this man wasn’t one of the generals from the five major Divine General Mansions, but a general who later rose to make his mark.
But she could feel that his remarks were not targeted at Li Hao, but at the monopolization of military credits by the five major Divine General Mansions.
This brings us to the issue of earning distinctions on the battlefield by the five major Divine General Mansions. Special merit or first-class merit, typically given to closely related or own family members, she as a Family Head, although not endorsing it, couldn’t completely prohibit it, as this resembled corruption and could not be eradicated.
Other forces trying to make a name for themselves could only survive in the cracks of the five major Divine General Mansions, long-standing contradictions.
These people had also secretly formed an alliance, a force, although unable to confront the Divine General Mansion openly, but there was already a hidden animosity, with His Majesty watching over, no one would break the rules.
“You’re right, if having merit means you could kill anyone on the streets, what kind of public morals will that lead to? The populace living in constant fear, the Dynasty may flourish briefly but will surely decline long term.”
“Military can kill demons, civil officials run the country, this is an unchanging truth for a thousand years, if everything is suppressed by military force, the people indeed dare not speak, but what will happen over time?”
Several ministers then spoke.
Xia Linglong’s face darkened, knowing from a logical perspective, as long as they insist that killing is a crime, this aligns with the laws of Dayu Divine Dynasty, she could not argue.
“Now the realm is in chaos with demons, you have lived in this Imperial City for too long, perhaps even forgotten what demons look like. When the demons attack, I wonder if you can still reason with the demons with tough talk?” Xia Linglong said.
“We are giving General Xia reasoning, could it be that General Xia is comparing herself to a demon?”
“We pursue the great path of former sages, consider ourselves the most intelligent of all creatures, and not to be compared with beasts. Are we now disregarding life and moral decline?”
“Exactly, there are laws in the state; even if Haotian General has an unparalleled talent and great merit, he has made a grave mistake by killing the Buddha Lord, how can we blindly show favoritism?”
“Today he dares to kill the Buddha Lord, wouldn’t he dare to kill True Persons, or even us tomorrow?”
“How is he any different from the demons?!”
The others angrily chimed in.
Xia Linglong was almost amused by the quarreling, but she knew it was difficult to reason clearly with these people.
Unless she took action to suppress them, which would also mean admission of defeat.
“I see that you are the real demons, could it be that demons have infiltrated your homes and bewitched you?”
Seeing Xia Linglong out-argued by several voices, some other scholars from Hanlin Academy also started speaking up.
“You dare judge the Haotian General, who suppressed the demonic threat in three provinces, without even investigating properly?!”
“It seems you have ulterior motives, attempting to harm a loyal official of Dayu, Your Majesty, I suggest we first investigate their family backgrounds, to see if demons are causing chaos!”
“Exactly, the merit of the three provinces, such great contributions, I see they deserve to be named Divine General, would you dare to despise a Divine General?”
“This matter is full of doubts, yet judged so abruptly, ultimately what are your intentions, to cause our Dayu to lose a great general of a thousand years?!”
As others joined, the debate became even fiercer.
Xia Linglong slightly opened her mouth, watching the civil officials quarreling, eventually choosing to step aside and silently observe, her eloquence good, but still insufficient compared to these folks.
She turned to look at His Majesty but saw no change in his expression, neither happy nor worried, she couldn’t help feeling anxious, wondering what His Majesty was truly considering.
As the argument dragged on, the words became repetitive, and Chu Jiuyue in the court coughed lightly.
Although his voice was soft, it quelled the ongoing arguments.
Everyone paused and turned towards His Majesty.
Emperor Yu’s face was serene, he said, “My beloved ministers speak reasonably, but reason is meant for the common people, for us, as we are part of the Human Race, but would the demons listen? Now with the external threat of demons, you suggest stripping Haotian General of his honors, I ask, after stripping his honors, when the demons attack, who can replace him in battle?”
Upon hearing Emperor Yu’s words, many exchanged looks, those on Xia Linglong’s side quietly gazed at those who previously denounced Li Hao.
Indeed worthy of His Majesty… Xia Linglong silently praised, not engaging in arguments but discussing the most practical issues.
However, she wondered if His Majesty’s move was to side with Li Hao, or out of concern for the demonic threat.
After a brief silence, a previous elder trembled and said, “Your Majesty, I have received the Buddha Lord’s plea, Buddhism promises that if Your Majesty grants fairness to Buddhism, eight million Buddhist disciples are willing to enlist and join the war.”
Upon hearing this, many faces shifted, stunned by Buddhism’s determination.
To exchange eight million Buddhist disciples for Li Hao.
“Eight million disciples…”
Emperor Yu murmured softly and spoke calmly, “I fear that’s still not enough.”
Hearing Emperor Yu’s whisper, the courtiers who had previously denounced Li Hao had a sudden change of expression.
Those who had defended Li Hao were also slightly startled.
When that young man gained fame in Liangzhou, some had praised him saying, “This man alone is worth a million troops!”
At the time, everyone felt that this statement was an exaggeration, too dramatic after all, what is the concept of a million elite troops? They could sweep across the borders with an awe-inspiring presence!
Later they realized that it really was exaggerated, far too much so.
A mere million troops, how could they compare to that young man?!
Could a million troops save Liangzhou?
Could they save Qingzhou? Could they save Youzhou?
They could not. Your journey continues with empire
The Li Family gathered three million elite troops from the entire state, and in Qingzhou, they were beaten back step by step, eventually forced to retreat and hunker down in Qingzhou City, barely surviving by clinging to the protection of the top-tier Array.
But that young man showed up for less than a day and slew the leader of the Demons, killed the incarnation of the Desolate God, and cut through the countless Demon Tide outside Qingzhou City with a single sword stroke.
How could this be a strength that mere numbers could make up for?
Just like the True Person of the Gan Tao Palace, stationed in Dayu, an existence that no army dared to offend.
A million or ten million, or even tens of millions, it made no difference, in front of such top-notch powerhouses, the tactic of overwhelming with numbers is meaningless!
Even if these tactics involved top elite troops led by Four Stands Realm generals and the Three Immortalities as vanguards, it still wouldn’t help.
Thus, now with Emperor Yu’s words, though quiet, they awakened everyone.
The eight million disciples of Buddhism sound impressive, covering the Nineteen Provinces, but one must consider who they are being compared to.
Compared to that young man, just like Emperor Yu said, it’s not enough, far from enough!
Xia Linglong’s thoughts circled back and she immediately felt her spine straighten, her eyes slightly sparkling.
The Buddha Lord is dead, can eight million disciples trade for one Li Hao? Dream on?
At this moment, the denouncing minister also came to his senses, his expression somewhat ugly, with millions and millions of Buddhist disciples spread across each state and city, with hundreds of cities in each province, the numbers vast.
If it were anyone else facing this overwhelming power of Buddhism, they would surely bow and make way, but not that young man.
His status had become akin to that of the True Person of Gan Tao Palace, transcendent and detached.
“Your Majesty, although the eight million Buddhist disciples might not match this youth, his actions are not just!”
The previously denouncing minister gritted his teeth and continued:
“Even if his power is great, today he dared to kill the Buddha Lord, tomorrow he would dare to kill us, such a character, on the contrary, is like nourishing a tiger that brings calamity!”
“That’s right, under heaven, all land is the king’s, if we retreat from his strength, then facing the Demons we could also choose to avoid and retreat, what’s the difference?”
Upon hearing this, Xia Linglong almost burst with anger, her Divine Soul nearly rocketing out of her skull in rage:
“A bunch of scoundrels! What nonsense are you spewing!”
“Really, for the little benefits given by Buddhism, do you disregard everything? Do you really want to summon the True Person and order him to kill the Haotian General, let a hero who saved three states be removed by your flattering words?!”
“When corrupt officials dominate, it truly is ignorant and laughable.”
Some great scholars also laughed out of anger.
They knew, these people weren’t stupid, they were conniving!
Statements that sounded utterly foolish were actually full of malice, each harboring their selfish motives.
If they didn’t speak this way, how could they maintain their own interests?
“General Xia, this is in court, you openly insult us, I’m at least a third-class marquis, not someone to be insulted lightly!”
A minister furiously stated.
Xia Linglong’s eyes gleamed fiercely, were it not for being in court, with her nature, she truly wanted to chop these people down with one sword.
“To say you are foolish truly insults you, I must ask now, with the foreign threat of Demons still unresolved, if we strip that young man of his honors, with your critiques of the youth, since he’s so incorrigibly bad, taking his honors, wouldn’t he rebel against the court?”
Xia Linglong’s gaze was icy, she spoke word by word:”If he aids the Demons, which of you dares to take responsibility?”
“If that’s the case, then we can only call the True Person to execute him!”
A minister said.
Xia Linglong wanted to laugh with anger, yet her expression was even colder, saying:
“Is that so? Let’s see if you can prompt him then. He managed to slay the Buddha Lord, his power unknown, but at the very least he’s a top Grand Tao of Peace Realm, very possibly already at Tao Comprehension Realm, comparable to a True Person. Whether a True Person can suppress him is an unknown, yet you all seem quite confident.”
“Since you stand speaking without back pain, as if killing is as easy as cutting grass, that’s quite simple, today you propose to strip him of his honors, then let His Majesty announce it to all under heaven, that it’s your idea. I suppose entering the Imperial City as a Grand Tao of Peace Realm is not much of a challenge, later on finding your residences, you can explain it well to him?”
Hearing Xia Linglong’s words, the faces of those denouncing Li Hao suddenly changed.
Joking, a madman who dared slay the Buddha Lord, who would dare provoke him.
“To guard the Imperial City, that’s precisely the duty of your Divine General Mansion, yet you push the blame cleanly.”
“We too speak for justice, the Buddha Lord can’t just die obscurely like that, otherwise how are the Buddhist disciples to view it? If chaos erupts everywhere, who will quell it?”
Someone continued speaking.
Xia Linglong coldly laughed, ready to speak, when Emperor Yu’s voice rang out:
“Enough.”
Those two simple words stopped the argumentative squabble.
“Among the Buddhist disciples, is there anyone who could replace General Haotian in slaying the Demons?” Emperor Yu calmly asked.
The ministers condemning Li Hao looked at each other. How could this be?
The Buddha Lord was the supreme leader, yet he had died.
“Right now, demons are eyeing us covetously, and it’s summer. Jizhou is experiencing drought, and Cangzhou has refugees…”
Emperor Yu’s voice revealed a piercing calmness, unhurried as he said, “My dear subjects, your opinions must consider the practical needs of the world. Without the world, where would justice be?”
Hearing Emperor Yu’s words, Xia Linglong and others felt secretly overjoyed.
The faces of those condemning Li Hao were unsightly, but they also understood the reasoning in what Xia Linglong and her companions had said.
That young man’s current status and power were not to be easily trifled with.
“But under the iron hooves of my great Dayu, all who break the law or cause chaos shall be punished!”
Emperor Yu’s tone then took a sudden cold turn, he said coldly, “Anyone who offends the national laws shall be dealt with according to Dayu’s legal codes. No one shall be spared, even if members of the royal family commit crimes—those who should be beheaded will be beheaded, and those who should be killed will be killed, without leniency!”
“Credit is given where credit is due, and negligence is acknowledged as such. Merit can compensate, but it does not cancel out wrongdoing!”
Hearing this, Xia Linglong and others were startled, their faces turning somewhat pale as they looked at Emperor Yu in shock.
Previously, those who had condemned Li Hao were stunned for a moment but then showed delight.
Emperor Yu scanned the faces of the crowd, slowly saying, “The Buddha Lord has been murdered, and my heart grieves. Starting today, I will personally lead the court in abstaining from meat for seven days to mourn the heroic spirit of the Buddha Lord.”
“In seven days, I will visit the Temple of Holy Virtue and offer incense.”
“His Majesty is wise!”
Previously critical people could not help but shout loudly.
Xia Linglong’s face turned pale, and she abruptly looked up at His Majesty.
Emperor Yu noted her gaze, but his expression remained unchanged, and he slowly continued,
“My esteemed subjects need not worry. The Buddha Lord has immeasurable merit; I cannot allow his death to remain unresolved. I will entrust the Monster Suppression Department and the Ministry of Punishment to jointly investigate this matter. There are many doubts that demand a thorough investigation.”
“..?”
Upon these remarks, the entire court was stunned.
The shock and indignation in Xia Linglong’s heart had not even been voiced when she heard this, and she too was startled.
Quickly, she came to a realization, her expression turning odd as she glanced at His Majesty.
Indeed, it had to be you… such skill in twisting words.
Those who had previously shouted were dumbfounded. What did this mean? What was the intention of those words?!
The Buddha Lord died conclusively, and there were so many disciples of his sect who witnessed it, did it still need an investigation?
“Your Majesty, the Buddha Lord was murdered in front of everyone. So many disciples of his sect saw it with their own eyes, how could there be any falsehood?” someone couldn’t help but say.
Emperor Yu said nothing, but a minister in the crowd stood out and coldly said,
“Are you speaking too absolutely? This case is full of doubts. Is seeing with one’s own eyes necessarily the truth? What is your level of cultivation? Do you know the capabilities of someone from the Ping Tao Realm, let alone the Demons from the Tao Comprehension Realm?”
“Do you know the demon arts that even minor demons possess, and how they can cast Blinding Spells to deceive mortals?”
“I think His Majesty is wise!”
“Why would General Haotian kill the Buddha Lord for a thief? Can you provide a reasonable explanation?”
“If the demons impersonated General Haotian, wouldn’t it just play into the demons’ hands, causing us to turn against General Haotian and then attack us in our weakened state?”
“Moreover, could General Haotian truly kill the Buddha Lord? The Buddha Lord had cultivated for two thousand years; how formidable he is! General Haotian only cultivated for sixteen years. If he could kill the Buddha Lord, wouldn’t that be strange?”
“Are you implying that General Haotian is a genius of a generation?”
Hearing this minister’s words, those who had previously condemned fell silent, as if something vile was stuck in their throats and they couldn’t speak.
Xia Linglong and her companions, however, were excited and nearly burst into applause.
That’s damn well said!
You pretend to be just, we also pretend to be just, let’s see who outdoes the other!
As it turned out, His Majesty was indeed the best at this act.
“Indeed, there must be justice!”
Xia Linglong immediately said, “Since His Majesty has promised us justice, I believe in His Majesty. We cannot allow the Buddha Lord’s death to remain unresolved; it must be thoroughly investigated!”
“…”
Previously condemning people’s faces twitched.
The Buddha Lord’s death was unresolved?
That was clearly a very clear death, wasn’t it?!
Is His Majesty serious, or is he showing partiality?
Many looked toward Emperor Yu with eyes of doubt and suspicion. They came here to lodge complaints, but did they not also harbor some motives? Could Emperor Yu truly not suspect or fear such a formidable young man?
Being close to the monarch is like being close to a tiger!
Once suspicion arises, the charges will be established!
Thus, their coming to take sides was merely adding fuel to the fire.
But it seemed they had not gained the favor of His Majesty’s heart.
Were they concerned about the young man’s strength, and thus hesitant to confront him?
Or did His Majesty really trust the young man so much that he could forgive such a grave mistake?
Could it be that His Majesty was unconcerned and continued to indulge him, fearing that the world might change its allegiance?
Their minds flickered in confusion; they could not make sense of it, but, combining what Emperor Yu had previously asked, the eight million disciples of the Buddha… perhaps Emperor Yu feared the young man too much to confront him?
If that was the case, could they continue to add weight to give His Majesty confidence?
Among the varied thoughts of everyone, Emperor Yu said to the leading elder:
“My minister, you may tell the Buddha Lord that I will definitely bring justice to their sect. Once the true culprit is revealed, no matter who it is, I will bring them to justice and hand them over to the Buddha Lord!”
The elder’s face was sullen, his body trembling weakly, “Your Majesty, this matter, this matter…”
“I see that today’s ministers seem only to plan to report this issue; if so, let’s end the court for today. Don’t forget, my ministers, there is drought and demon trouble in various places, and many commoners waiting for the court’s relief. Tomorrow I expect to see your written reports!” Find your next read on empire
Emperor Yu declared.
Chu Jiuyue immediately announced the end of the court.
“Your Majesty…”
Those who had denounced were reluctant to leave and wanted to speak further, but Emperor Yu had already risen and departed.
Many among them began to fear, feeling they might have chosen the wrong side; could this result in His Majesty bearing a grudge?
…
…
In the back garden of the Imperial Palace.
Chu Jiuyue was following Emperor Yu for a walk.
“This little fellow really is troublesome; his actions are too bold!”
Emperor Yu sighed lightly, casually picked a petal, gently crushed it, and then threw it into the pond, where a goldfish leapt up and ate it.
His lips curved slightly upward as he sighed while walking with his hands behind his back.
Shortly after they arrived in the back garden, a eunuch came to report that a minister requested an audience with His Majesty.
Chu Jiuyue looked at Emperor Yu, who waved his hand at him.
Chu Jiuyue immediately understood and followed the eunuch to the garden’s gate, where he saw several ministers who had denounced Li Hao earlier, now four or five of them gathered here, apparently still harboring ulterior motives.
“Chu, about the Buddha Lord’s matter, we still want to…”
Chu Jiuyue hurriedly gestured with a silencing finger.
The men were stunned.
Chu Jiuyue glanced at the back garden, lowered his voice, and said to them, “Don’t mention the Buddha Lord anymore. His Majesty once went to Mount Wuliang and discussed the Tao with the Buddha Lord; their friendship is profound. His Majesty is also heavily grieved today, having just opened the court while mourning…”
“…”
The men looked at each other, somewhat taken aback.
Really? Is it true?
They say a sovereign should not be frivolous… Is that really the case?
Seeing their doubtful eyes, Chu Jiuyue frowned and said, “What’s with those expressions? Do you not trust me, or do you not believe in His Majesty’s affection for the Buddha Lord?”
“But the Buddha Lord died so clearly…”
Chu Jiuyue quickly blocked him, lowering his voice, “Don’t bring up the Buddha Lord again. His Majesty is already very distressed. He didn’t even eat dinner last night upon hearing the news. You want justice for the Buddha Lord—doesn’t His Majesty want the same? But without a thorough investigation, if the real culprit remains at large, is that the result you wish for?”
The men looked at each other.
“Let’s go, let’s not sadden His Majesty any further,” Chu Jiuyue waved them off.
Seeing this, the ministers had no choice but to leave; one of them asked before departing, “Is His Majesty truly grieving?”
Chu Jiuyue’s expression hardened.
Realizing his mistake, the minister gave a wry smile and could only leave helplessly.
Chu Jiuyue watched them go, a slight cold smile playing on his lips; these people had no idea the deep affection His Majesty held for that child.
Grieving?
Indeed, he was grieving so much that he could hardly keep his smile constrained.
When Chu Jiuyue returned to the back garden, she saw Emperor Yu sitting in a pavilion, savoring some pastries.
Emperor Yu had sensed that the several people outside had already left, glanced at the approaching Chu Jiuyue, and thought, this fellow was getting more and more eloquent.
“Xianer has also come, convincing her several brothers to come and plead for that child.”
Emperor Yu sighed lightly, “Ever since Li Junye died, she’s borne a grudge against me, her father emperor. Yet, for the sake of this child, she’s made exceptions again and again.”
Chu Jiuyue spoke softly, “It shows that the little princess has grown up too, knowing that Li Junye’s matter can’t be blamed on Your Majesty.”
Emperor Yu’s eyes drifted off into a trace of reverie, then he smiled gently, as if his mood had brightened a little,
“That child’s wild nature has indeed garnered strong connections; even the Xia Family came to plead for him at the risk of offending Buddha Lord, while the other three Divine General Mansions remained silent, not making a sound.”
Chu Jiuyue silently smiled bitterly in her heart. If the other three families of the Divine General Mansion had also come to plea, it would probably backfire.
After all, if the five great Divine General Mansions pleaded for one person, whose world would this remain?
Not to mention Emperor Yu, any emperor would probably feel fear and apprehension.
“The Xia Family owes that child a favor, so it’s normal for them to come,” Chu Jiuyue spoke in a low voice. If they had not come, it would seem like they were deliberately trying to avoid suspicion. The avoidance, naturally, was of Your Majesty’s suspicion, which wouldn’t appear straightforward.
“That ancestor from the Li Family is indeed able to remain calm, truly a worthy old general who followed the previous emperor to battle, knowing what is right and wrong, what is beneficial and harmful. I wasn’t planning to move against this child at this critical time.”
Emperor Yu tapped his fingers gently on the table, his eyes bearing a smile,
“This Buddha Lord, too hasty, even colluding with demons, too eager to fight for Dao Tong and become a Saint.”
“But in this world, we speak of reason, reason, reason, it’s the reason of the Dao, not the reason of Buddha.”
Chu Jiuyue’s eyes flickered, not surprised; the matter of Buddha Lord colluding with demons was extremely secret, but the emperor had known it already, and she knew it too, not a surprise at all.
After all, where is there paper that can hold fire? Even the light of the Kasaya cannot contain it.
“That child also helped us solve a major concern, a pity, it was done too crudely.”
“However, there are benefits to crudeness too; it’s like setting up a piece for my next move.”
Emperor Yu’s mouth carried a light smile.
Chu Jiuyue remained silent, on this day before the court, she couldn’t be completely sure if His Majesty would forgive that child.
Even though what the child had done was beneficial for them, those ministers weren’t entirely wrong either; the child’s growth rate was simply too fast, fast enough to make one apprehensive!
Fast enough that his threat far exceeded that of Buddha Lord.
Although she was one of the people closest and most trusted by Emperor Yu, she could not say she completely understood the heart of this emperor.
After all, when the previous emperor died, and the princes fought for the throne, this emperor’s ruthlessness and decisiveness were there for all to see, he was certainly not one to be soft-hearted or weak-handed.
After a brief silence, Chu Jiuyue looked at Emperor Yu and finally voiced the doubt in her heart,
“Your Majesty, this old servant has something I do not understand.”
“Speak.”
“Why do you trust that child so much?”
Chu Jiuyue’s gaze became slightly intense.
This was the point she had always found incomprehensible in her heart.
Was it merely over a game of chess by the Willow River?
Or did he feel that the child’s talent was so exceptional, that he might become a Saint in the future and was unlikely to seize the royal power? Explore more at empire
But if one becomes a Saint, it would be difficult to overcome the barrier of Incense Fire.
Moreover, people’s hearts are unpredictable, and the mightier generally prefer to have control in their own hands rather than to pass it to others, relying on the fragile trust alone?
Hearing Chu Jiuyue’s words, the smile on Emperor Yu’s face slightly faded, and without answering, he looked up at the late-season peach blossoms, petals like fallen leaves in the wind, drifting away.
The summer sun scorches hotly, and the spring flowers have already withered early.
“I think I’ll go play a game of chess.”
Emperor Yu said softly.
Chu Jiuyue was taken aback.
But Emperor Yu had already stood up, saying, “You don’t need to follow. Tomorrow at dawn, just say that I’ve been deeply contemplating the Buddha Lord and am feeling unwell.”
Chu Jiuyue’s pupils shrank slightly, but she quickly concealed it and spoke softly, “But Your Majesty, if the disciples of the Buddha Sect are not content and cause trouble again?”
“When I come back, I’ll have an answer.”
Emperor Yu said.
Then his figure vanished in the back garden.
Chu Jiuyue looked at the pavilion that had become empty in an instant, petals falling onto the still-warm stone bench; she stared, slightly lost in thought.
…
…
Gan Tao Palace.
This Daoist Palace, standing atop Heavenly Gate Mountain, majestic and towering, had originally been a modest and quiet place, but becoming too close to the Royal Imperial Palace and receiving too many rewards, golden hues had been added, and it appeared more splendid and dignified.
At the moment, within the calm Secret Hall, lit only by a sliver of light.
Emperor Yu, dressed in a black dragon robe, appeared quietly behind the Daoist seated on the cushion, who was emanating an aura of antiquity, and before him knelt the Dharma Aspects of the Daoist Sect saints.
“I plan on taking a long journey to see that child.”
Emperor Yu said in a low voice.
The Daoist on the cushion slowly opened his eyes and after a long while, spoke softly, “Have you decided then?”
Emperor Yu fell silent for a moment before saying, “I’ll decide after meeting him.”
The Daoist also fell silent for a moment before speaking, “My lifespan is drawing to a close, not much time left. I had planned to take the Buddha Lord with me before I died, but didn’t expect a child to resolve it first, saving me the wait.”
Emperor Yu nodded slightly.
He had originally planned to wait for the Immortal Gate to open again, for the people from the Jiang family to return, to purge thoroughly. Buddha Lord had already sensed this and thus was racing against time, eight hundred years ago secretly harming his own power to clandestinely cultivate Demon Luo.
Regrettably, he did not perceive it in time to catch Buddha Lord at his weakest.
“He colludes with demons, racing against time, also because he sensed that I had sent a message to the Immortal Gate, to the uncles and old eighteen and others, they were thinking of ways to contact the Saints over there to open the Immortal Gate again. Sadly, inside the secret realm of All Saints a year passes, but it’s ten years in the Mortal World.”
