285-288

Chapter 285: The Emperor's Sense of Justice

Upon hearing the Emperor's soft murmur, the faces of the officials who had previously denounced Li Hao drastically changed.

Those who had defended Li Hao were also slightly taken aback.

When the young man's reputation had first soared in Liangzhou, some had praised him, saying that he alone could rival a million soldiers!

At the time, everyone had felt that this statement was an exaggeration, a bit of a hyperbolic praise. After all, what did a million elite soldiers represent? They could sweep across the borderlands, invincible in their might!

Later, it became clear that the praise had indeed been excessive, a gross overstatement.

A mere million soldiers were no match for the young man!

Could a million soldiers save Liangzhou?

Could they save Qingzhou? Could they save Youzhou?

No, they couldn't.

The Li family, with the combined might of three million elite soldiers from the three provinces, had been driven back in Qingzhou, ultimately forced to retreat and huddle within Qingzhou City, relying on a top-tier formation for mere survival and a desperate delay.

Yet, the young man, within a single day of his arrival, had slain the leader of the demons, vanquished the avatar of the Wild God, and cleaved through the countless demonic hordes outside Qingzhou City with a single strike.

Was this a power that could be measured by mere numbers?

Just like the True Masters of the Qian Dao Palace, stationed in Dayu, their presence was something no army dared to defy.

A million, ten million, even tens of millions – it wouldn't matter. Against such peak-level powerhouses, the tactic of sheer numbers was meaningless!

Even if this human wave consisted of elite soldiers, with Four Pillars Realm generals and Three Immortals as vanguards, it would still be useless.

Therefore, the Emperor's words, though spoken softly, brought everyone back to their senses.

The eight million disciples of the Buddhist sect, such a grand and awe-inspiring number, seemingly covering nineteen provinces, but upon closer thought, it depended on whom they were compared to.

Compared to the young man, it was indeed, as the Emperor said, insufficient, far from enough!

Xia Linglong's thoughts returned to the present, and she felt her spine straighten, her eyes gleaming faintly.

The Buddha was dead, and eight million disciples could be exchanged for one Li Hao? Was this a dream?

At this moment, the officials who had been denouncing Li Hao also realized their mistake, their faces turning unsightly. The Buddhist disciples were countless, present in every province and city, hundreds of cities in each province, their numbers vast.

If anyone else were faced with the Buddhist sect's immense power, they would undoubtedly bow their heads and retreat, but not the young man.

His status was already transcendent, like the True Masters of the Qian Dao Palace.

"Your Majesty, although eight million Buddhist disciples may not be a match for this young man, his actions are unjust!"

The official who had previously led the denouncement gritted his teeth and continued:

"He is merely a Third-Rank Duke, yet today he dared to kill the Buddha. Tomorrow, he might dare to kill us. To nurture such a person is to raise a tiger as a threat!"

"Indeed, the land under Heaven belongs to the Emperor. If we retreat in the face of his power, then we can also choose to retreat and avoid the demons. What's the difference?"

Upon hearing this, Xia Linglong nearly exploded with rage, her very soul threatening to burst from her skull.

"A bunch of scoundrels! What nonsense are you spouting!"

"Are you so blinded by the petty favors the Buddhist sect has bestowed upon you that you care for nothing else? Do you intend to summon a True Master to kill General Haotian, to have a hero who has saved three provinces eliminated by your sycophantic words?!"

"Villainous officials, truly foolish and laughable."

Some Confucian scholars were also amused by their anger.

They knew that these people were not stupid, but malicious!

Their words, though seemingly foolish, were in fact insidious, each with their own hidden agenda.

If they didn't say these things, how could they protect their own benefits?

"General Xia, this is the court. You are publicly insulting us. I am a Third-Rank Marquis, not someone you can casually humiliate!"

An official angrily retorted.

Xia Linglong's eyes were filled with killing intent. If not for the court, she would have truly wanted to cut these people down with her sword.

"Calling you foolish is an insult to the word. I want to ask, with the demonic threat still unresolved, if we strip this young man of his merits, based on your criticisms of him, if he is indeed so unruly and we take away his merits, won't he rebel against the court?"

Xia Linglong's gaze was icy, each word dripping with venom: "If he aids the demons, who among you will dare to take responsibility?"

"If that happens, we can only ask a True Master to eliminate him!"

An official suggested.

Xia Linglong felt like laughing, but her expression only grew colder. She said:

"Is that so? Then let's see if you can manage that. His ability to slay the Buddha is unknown, but he is at least a peak Tai Ping Dao Realm cultivator, and it's highly likely that he has already reached the Wen Dao Realm, comparable to a True Master. Whether a True Master can subdue him is uncertain, yet you seem so confident."

"Since you are so comfortable sitting here and talking, as if killing someone is as easy as cutting grass, then it's simple. Today, you propose stripping him of his merits, then let the Emperor announce it to the world that it was your idea. Surely, it wouldn't be difficult for a Tai Ping Dao Realm cultivator to infiltrate the Imperial City. Then, they can visit your residences and you can explain yourselves to him properly?"

Upon hearing Xia Linglong's words, the faces of those who had denounced Li Hao turned pale.

They were joking, right? A madman who dared to kill the Buddha, who would dare provoke him?

"Protecting the Imperial City is the duty of your Divine General's Mansion. You, however, are trying to shirk your responsibility."

"We are merely speaking for justice. The Buddha cannot die without explanation. Otherwise, how will the Buddhist disciples react? What if they cause chaos everywhere? Who will quell it?"

Someone continued.

Xia Linglong sneered, about to retort, when the Emperor's voice rang out:

"Enough."

Two simple words brought an end to this farcical verbal battle.

"Among the Buddhist disciples, is there anyone who can replace General Haotian in slaying demons?" The Emperor calmly asked.

The officials who had denounced Li Hao exchanged glances. How could there be?

The Buddha was their leader, and he was dead.

"The demons are still lurking, and it is summer. Jizhou is suffering from drought, and Cangzhou is facing refugees..."

The Emperor's voice was soothingly calm, unhurried, and said: "The opinions of my loyal ministers should be considered for the sake of the realm. Without the realm, what justice is there?"

Hearing the Emperor's words, Xia Linglong and the others felt a surge of joy in their hearts.

Those who had denounced Li Hao looked grim, but they also understood that what Xia Linglong and the others had said was indeed reasonable.

The young man's current status and strength were not something that could be easily challenged.

"But under the iron hooves of Dayu, all lawbreakers will face justice!"

The Emperor's tone suddenly shifted, growing cold: "Anyone who violates the law will be dealt with according to the laws of Dayu. No one will be spared, not even the royal family. Those who deserve to be beheaded will be beheaded, those who deserve to be killed will be killed, without exception!"

"Merits are merits, and dereliction of duty is dereliction of duty. One can make amends, but merits cannot atone for all transgressions!"

Hearing this, Xia Linglong and the others were stunned, their faces turning pale as they looked at the Emperor in shock.

Those who had previously denounced Li Hao were taken aback, their eyes revealing a glimmer of hope.

The Emperor's gaze swept across the faces of the officials, and he slowly said: "The Buddha's death fills me with sorrow. From today onwards, I, the Emperor, will lead the court in abstaining from meat for seven days to commemorate the Buddha's noble soul!"

"After seven days, I will go to Shengde Temple to offer incense."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Those who had previously denounced Li Hao couldn't help but exclaim.

Xia Linglong's face was pale, and she suddenly looked up at the Emperor.

The Emperor noticed her gaze, but his expression remained unchanged. He simply said slowly:

"My loyal ministers need not worry. The Buddha's virtues are boundless. I cannot allow him to die without explanation. I will entrust the Zhen Yao Si and the Ministry of Justice to investigate this matter. There are many suspicious points in this case, and we must investigate it thoroughly."

"?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire court was stunned.

Before Xia Linglong could express her shock and indignation, she was stunned by these words.

Soon, she came to her senses, feeling slightly speechless, and looked at the Emperor with a strange expression.

You're something else... your words are so roundabout.

The officials who had just exclaimed were dumbfounded. What did that mean? What did he mean by that?!

The Buddha was clearly dead, did he need to investigate? So many Buddhist disciples witnessed it, did he still need to investigate?

"Your Majesty, the Buddha's death was witnessed by all. So many Buddhist disciples saw it with their own eyes. How can this be false?" someone couldn't help but ask.

The Emperor remained silent, but a minister stood up from the crowd and said coldly:

"Your words are too absolute. This case is full of suspicious points. Is what one sees with their own eyes necessarily true? What is your cultivation level? Do you understand the capabilities of a Tai Ping Dao Realm powerhouse?"

"Do you know what kind of demonic arts a Tai Ping Dao Realm, or even a Wen Dao Realm demon, possesses?"

"Even minor demons can use illusions to deceive ordinary people."

"I believe Your Majesty is wise!"

"Why would General Haotian kill the Buddha for a thief? Can you give me a reasonable explanation?"

"What if a demon impersonated General Haotian, thus fulfilling the demon's intentions, causing us to break with General Haotian and then taking advantage of the situation?"

"Furthermore, can General Haotian truly kill the Buddha? The Buddha has cultivated for two thousand years, how powerful is he? General Haotian has only cultivated for sixteen years. If he can kill the Buddha, isn't that strange?"

"Are you suggesting that General Haotian is exceptionally talented?"

Hearing the minister's words, those who had previously denounced Li Hao felt as if a mouthful of dirt had lodged in their throats, unable to speak.

Xia Linglong and the others were so excited that they almost clapped and jumped for joy.

Well said!

You pretend to be righteous, we'll pretend to be righteous too. Let's see who can pretend better!

It turned out that the Emperor was the best at pretending.

"Yes, there must be justice!"

Xia Linglong immediately said: "Since Your Majesty says that you will give us justice, I believe Your Majesty. We cannot let the Buddha die without explanation. We must investigate thoroughly!"

"..."

Those who had previously denounced Li Hao were twitching with anger.

The Buddha died without explanation?

Wasn't it crystal clear how he died?!

Was the Emperor being serious, or was he shielding and protecting the young man?

Many people looked at the Emperor with suspicion. They had come to complain, but hadn't they also harbored certain intentions? The young man was so powerful, could the Emperor truly not be suspicious or wary?

It's dangerous to be close to the Emperor!

Once suspicion arises, charges will be established!

Therefore, they had joined the fray, merely adding fuel to the fire.

But it seemed that they hadn't guessed the Emperor's intentions correctly.

Was he hesitant to turn against the young man due to his strength?

Or was the Emperor truly so trusting of the young man that even after such a grave mistake, he could be forgiven?

Wasn't the Emperor worried that if he continued to indulge him, the world would change hands?!

Their minds raced, unable to comprehend. But combining the Emperor's previous inquiries, eight million Buddhist disciples... perhaps, the Emperor was afraid of the young man and dared not turn against him?

If so, could they continue to increase the pressure and give the Emperor confidence?

Amidst the conflicting thoughts of the officials, the Emperor said to the leading elder:

"My loyal minister, please convey to the Buddhist sect that I will definitely ensure justice for them. Once the true culprit is found, regardless of who they are, I will bring them to justice and hand them over to the Buddhist sect!"

The elder's face was grim, his body trembling slightly: "Your Majesty, this matter, this matter..."

"I see that my loyal ministers seem only interested in discussing this matter today. If so, let the court be dismissed. My loyal ministers should not forget that there are droughts and demonic threats in various regions, and many people are waiting for the court's relief. Tomorrow, I want to see your memorials!"

The Emperor said.

Chu Jiu Yue immediately announced the dismissal of the court.

"Your Majesty..."

Those who had denounced Li Hao were unwilling to give up, wanting to say more, but the Emperor had already risen and left.

Many of them began to feel fear, sensing that they might have taken the wrong side. Would the Emperor remember this?

...

...

In the Imperial Palace's back garden.

Chu Jiu Yue followed the Emperor as they strolled.

"This young fellow is truly a headache. He's too bold in his actions!"

The Emperor sighed lightly, casually plucking a petal, gently squeezing it, and then throwing it into the pond. A goldfish leaped up and swallowed it.

He smiled slightly, walked with his hands behind his back, and sighed.

Shortly after they arrived in the back garden, a eunuch came to report that some officials wished to see the Emperor.

Chu Jiu Yue glanced at the Emperor, who waved his hand at him.

Chu Jiu Yue immediately understood and turned to follow the eunuch, arriving at the palace gate of the back garden, where he saw the officials who had previously denounced Li Hao in the court. Four or five of them had come together, seemingly still unwilling to give up.

"Eunuch Chu, about the Buddha's matter, we still want to..."

Chu Jiu Yue quickly made a shushing gesture with his finger.

The officials were stunned.

Chu Jiu Yue glanced at the back garden and lowered his voice, saying to the officials: "Don't mention the Buddha anymore. In the past, His Majesty went to Wuliang Mountain to discuss Dao with the Buddha, and their relationship was deep. Today, His Majesty is merely putting on a brave face in court, and he is currently grieving for the Buddha..."

"..."

The officials exchanged glances, feeling slightly speechless.

Was it true?

They say that the Emperor's word is law... could it really be like this?

Seeing their doubtful expressions, Chu Jiu Yue frowned and said: "What expressions are those? Do you not believe me, or do you not believe His Majesty's affection for the Buddha?"

"But the Buddha is clearly dead..."

Chu Jiu Yue quickly stopped him, lowering his voice: "Don't mention the Buddha anymore. His Majesty is already grieving enough. When he heard the news yesterday, he didn't even eat dinner. You want to seek justice for the Buddha, doesn't His Majesty want to do the same? But if we don't investigate thoroughly and let the true culprit get away with it, is that the outcome you desire?"

The officials exchanged glances.

"Go, go, don't make His Majesty sad anymore." Chu Jiu Yue waved his hand.

Seeing this, the officials had no choice but to leave. One of them asked before leaving: "Is His Majesty really sad?"

Chu Jiu Yue's face turned stern.

The official immediately realized his mistake, gave a wry smile, and could only leave in frustration.

Chu Jiu Yue watched them leave, a slight sneer on his lips. These fellows, they have no idea how much affection His Majesty has for that child.

Sad?

He is indeed very sad, so sad that he can barely contain his smile.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 286: The Next Move

When Chu Jiu Yue returned to the back garden, he saw the Emperor Yu seated in a pavilion, savoring some delicate pastries.

Emperor Yu, sensing the departure of the visitors, glanced at Chu Jiu Yue approaching. This fellow, he was becoming increasingly eloquent.

"Xian'er came as well, urging her brothers to plead for that boy."

Emperor Yu sighed, "Since Li Jun Ye's death, she has harbored resentment towards me, her father. Yet, she has repeatedly made exceptions for this child."

Chu Jiu Yue said softly, "It shows that the little princess has grown up and understands that Li Jun Ye's fate is not Your Majesty's fault."

Emperor Yu's eyes glazed over for a moment before a gentle smile graced his lips, as if his mood had lifted slightly:

"That boy, with his carefree nature, has quite a network. Even the Xia family risked their necks to plead for him, willing to offend the Buddhist sect. The other three Divine General Houses, however, remained silent, holding their ground."

Chu Jiu Yue inwardly chuckled wryly. If the other three Divine General Houses had also pleaded, it might have backfired.

After all, if the five Divine General Houses all begged for one person, who would truly rule the land?

Not just Emperor Yu, any monarch would be fearful and wary of such a scenario.

"The Xia family owes that boy a debt of gratitude, so their plea is understandable," Chu Jiu Yue whispered. If they hadn't come, it would have seemed like deliberate avoidance, a distancing from the Emperor's potential suspicion, which wouldn't have been honest.

"That ancestor of the Li family is remarkably composed. Truly a veteran who followed the previous Emperor into battle. He understands the implications, the pros and cons, and knows that I wouldn't touch that boy at this juncture."

Emperor Yu's fingers lightly tapped on the table, his eyes twinkling with amusement:

"This Buddhist Master is too hasty, so eager that he's colluded with demons, his desire to seize the Dao's authority and achieve Sainthood is too strong."

"But in this world, we uphold reason, Dao-reason, the reason of the Dao, not the reason of the Buddha."

Chu Jiu Yue's eyes flickered, but he wasn't surprised. The Buddhist sect's dealings with demons were highly secretive, but the Emperor had known for a long time, and so did Chu Jiu Yue. It wasn't unexpected.

After all, no secret can be kept forever, not even under the guise of Buddhist robes and golden light.

"That boy has essentially resolved a major concern for us, a pity that his actions were rather crude."

"However, crudeness has its advantages. It has paved the way for my next move."

A faint smile played on Emperor Yu's lips.

Chu Jiu Yue remained silent. Earlier in the court, he hadn't been entirely certain that the Emperor would forgive the boy.

Although the boy's actions benefited them, the officials weren't entirely wrong. The boy's growth was too rapid, alarmingly fast!

His threat far surpassed that of the Buddhist Master.

While he was one of Emperor Yu's closest and most trusted advisors, he couldn't claim to fully understand the Emperor's heart.

After all, when the previous Emperor passed away and his sons fought for the throne, this Emperor's ruthlessness was evident to all. He was not a merciful ruler.

After a brief silence, Chu Jiu Yue looked at Emperor Yu and finally voiced the doubt that lingered in his heart:

"Your Majesty, there's something I don't understand."

"Speak."

"Why are you so confident about that child?"

Chu Jiu Yue's gaze sharpened slightly.

This was the question that had puzzled him all along.

Was it simply the game of Go played by the Willow River?

Or did he believe that the boy's talent was too extraordinary, that he might one day achieve Sainthood and yet never usurp the throne?

But even if he became a Saint, it would be difficult to overcome the threshold of incense offerings.

Furthermore, human hearts are unpredictable. The stronger a person, the more they desire to control the situation, not entrust it to others, based on fragile trust alone?

Upon hearing Chu Jiu Yue's question, the smile on Emperor Yu's face faded slightly. He didn't answer, instead, he lifted his gaze towards the late-season peach blossoms in front of him. The petals, like fallen leaves in the wind, drifted aimlessly.

Summer's scorching heat had chased away the spring blossoms.

"I want to play another game of Go."

Emperor Yu said softly.

Chu Jiu Yue was slightly taken aback.

Emperor Yu had already stood up and said, "You don't need to follow me. In tomorrow's court, simply say that I'm unwell, deeply troubled by the Buddhist Master's actions."

Chu Jiu Yue's pupils constricted slightly, but he quickly masked it, replying in a low voice, "But Your Majesty, if the Buddhist disciples are unwilling to accept this and cause further trouble, what then?"

"I'll have answers when I return."

Emperor Yu stated.

Then, his figure vanished from the back garden.

Chu Jiu Yue stared at the suddenly empty pavilion, the petals falling onto the still-warm stone bench. He gazed into the distance, lost in thought.

…

…

Qian Dao Palace.

This Daoist temple, perched atop Tianmen Mountain, stood tall and majestic. Once a simple and tranquil place, its proximity to the imperial palace and numerous imperial favors had brought a touch of gold, making it appear grand and imposing.

At this moment, within the depths of the temple, only a faint beam of light illuminated the Pure Quiet Secret Hall.

Emperor Yu, clad in a black dragon robe, appeared silently behind the Daoist seated on a meditation cushion. The Daoist exuded an aura of ancient decay, and before him, the Daoist Saint's Dharma image was being worshipped.

"I intend to take a trip, to see that child."

Emperor Yu said softly.

The Daoist on the cushion slowly opened his eyes. After a long pause, he spoke softly, "Have you made your decision?"

Emperor Yu fell silent for a moment before replying, "I'll see him and decide."

The Daoist also remained silent for a while before saying, "My lifespan is nearing its end, my time is short. I had planned to take that Buddhist Master away before my death, but a child beat me to it. It saves me the wait."

Emperor Yu nodded slightly.

Earlier, he had planned to wait for the Immortal Gate to reopen, for the Jiang family members to return, before launching a final purge. The Buddhist Master had anticipated this, so he had been racing against time, secretly cultivating the Demon Luo eight hundred years ago, sacrificing his own power.

Unfortunately, at the time, Emperor Yu hadn't been perceptive enough to seize the opportunity when the Buddhist Master was at his weakest.

"He's colluded with demons, frantically vying for time. He sensed that I had sent a message to the Immortal Gate, to my uncles and the eighteenth brother. They're trying to contact the Saints and reopen the Immortal Gate. Unfortunately, one year within the Saints' Secret Realm is equivalent to ten years in the human world."

"Originally, when they returned, it would have been the Buddhist Master's burial day. The incense offerings collected for my Jiang family would ultimately return to us, with interest.

"But now, this place has been discovered by those from the Immortal Gate. Behind those three Wilderness Gods, there might be powerful figures pulling the strings. Their actions don't seem like simple slaughter."

Emperor Yu's eyes were sharp: "No one, regardless of who they are, can stop my Jiang family from resurrecting our ancestor. Now that we're nearing completion, we cannot afford any mistakes."

The Daoist nodded slightly, sighing, "Their foundation in the Immortal Gate is too shallow, their situation is difficult. It's uncertain whether they can gain the favor of the Saints. The time it takes to reopen the Immortal Gate might be quite long."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yu also fell silent.

"If you choose that child, I will sustain the Great Yu for another ten years, giving that boy another decade."

The Daoist's voice was old and frail, "Before I leave, I will take all the dust with me. If you don't choose him, then select one from Chun Sheng and Ming Yue Jian to become the next inheritor of the Daoist lineage. I will entrust this Daoist Palace to them."

The two individuals he mentioned were his most carefully chosen disciples from among his direct students.

Emperor Yu glanced at him, at that withered and frail body that had protected the Great Yu Dynasty for over three thousand years.

He bowed slightly and said, "Ten years, for that child, will be enough."

The Daoist fell silent, realizing that the other party had already made his choice.

"Are you certain?" he asked.

Emperor Yu didn't answer.

The Daoist let out a long sigh and said slowly, "I hope you haven't made a mistake."

"I'll be back."

Emperor Yu said softly.

A thousand years of darkness, illuminated by a single lamp.

He knew what needed to be burned to light a long-lasting lamp.

After saying this, he bowed slightly and then disappeared in a flash.

The faint beam of light shone in the Pure Quiet Secret Hall, dust motes dancing in the light, nowhere to hide.

…

…

Liangzhou, Tianmen Pass.

Since slaying the Buddhist Master and returning from Wuliang Mountain, Li Hao, accompanied by Candlelight God, Xi Yan, and Old Wind, had returned to the familiar Tianmen Pass.

Ren Qianqian, upon learning of Old Wind's missing soul, burst into tears. This girl, who usually appeared cold and distant, was incredibly sensitive and prone to tears when it came to those she cared for.

Li Hao comforted Ren Qianqian and resumed his normal life.

He knew that the old man in the imperial capital must be troubled by his actions.

He was also waiting for an outcome, and it wouldn't take long.

Even if the outcome wasn't ideal, he wouldn't harbor resentment.

After all, the old man had helped him so much.

"Old Wind, it's been a while since you've had my grilled meat, hasn't it? Have a taste."

A rich aroma of meat filled the small courtyard. Candlelight God and Xi Yan, upon sensing the grilling, had their mouths watering, their stomachs rumbling.

Old Wind sniffed the air, his sluggish expression softening slightly. He took the grilled meat Li Hao offered and devoured it in large bites.

Li Hao smiled and handed him a wine gourd.

The scent of smoke and fire filled the courtyard.

Two days later, an elderly man in a black robe arrived alone at the border pass of Liangzhou.

He looked up at the towering city walls and the Haotian flags planted on the ramparts.

The flags fluttered proudly in the wind.

The old man glanced up before strolling slowly into the city.

He presented his travel permit and passed through without any hindrance. The soldiers on duty sensed the old man's extraordinary bearing, recognizing him as someone of great wealth or power, perhaps even holding some authority.

Within the city, bustling stalls lined the streets, young masters and ladies from prominent families strolled leisurely, creating a scene of prosperity that didn't seem to fit a border town.

The old man, as if on a leisurely sightseeing tour, observed the city's sights. Soon, he reached the center of the city.

There, a small, fenced courtyard stood alone, surrounded by open space, with few people daring to approach. Soldiers patrolled the area.

The old man heard the faint sound of a zither drifting from the courtyard and couldn't help but smile faintly. This fellow, he was quite at ease, playing music after killing the Buddhist Master, oblivious to the chaos that had erupted across the land.

He walked directly to the front of the courtyard and was immediately stopped.

"An old friend is visiting."

The old man said.

The guards were quite strong, at the Fifteenth Realm, and wanted to ask a few more questions. However, they felt an indescribable sense of intimidation. Although the old man's expression was calm, their minds seemed to momentarily blank. They instinctively nodded and turned to report.

"Please invite the honored guest in."

Li Hao's voice came from within the courtyard.

The two guards quickly ushered the old man inside.

Inside the courtyard, Li Hao's fingers stopped on the zither strings, his eyes widening in surprise.

A wall couldn't block his perception. Although he hadn't intentionally probed, he recognized the old man at a glance.

He hadn't expected that after such a major event, the old man, who should have been in the imperial capital, would appear here. It was truly shocking.

Li Hao was waiting for news, but he never thought the other party would come in person.

He quickly rose to his feet and went to greet the visitor.

The old man and the young man who had met by chance at the Willow River were reunited in this small courtyard.

Li Hao bowed slightly, about to pay his respects, but the old man raised his hand, a force gently lifting him, "No need for formalities."

With those simple words, Li Hao immediately understood and confirmed that he had correctly identified the visitor.

"The environment is quite pleasant."

The old man glanced around, noticing the girl practicing swordplay nearby, the somewhat sluggish and dazed Feng Bo Ping, and the Tai Xu Realm master, Candlelight God, seated to the side.

A small courtyard, yet so peculiar.

The old man chuckled softly.

Li Hao was stunned, "Sen, Senior, how did you come here?"

He didn't address the old man as Emperor. The old man's actions clearly indicated a desire to remain anonymous. Moreover, the Great Yu was currently facing crises in various states, demons lurking everywhere. The Emperor leaving the imperial palace and traveling to this border region filled Li Hao with complex emotions.

He had just slain the Buddhist Master, yet the other party had come to see him personally. This was an incredible show of trust.

"My hands are itchy, I wanted to find someone to play Go with."

The old man chuckled, strolling through the courtyard. He saw the drawing board, the ancient zither, and the Go board, all placed in the usual spots where Li Hao would sit, and couldn't help but find it amusing. He said:

"You spend all day playing with these things, don't you cultivate anymore?"

This is my cultivation, and I'm working hard at it… Li Hao thought to himself. But on the surface, he merely chuckled awkwardly. It was difficult to explain.

"Moving here, it must be difficult, has your Go skill gotten rusty?"

The old man chuckled, pacing the courtyard. He saw the girl who had stopped practicing swordplay tilting her head curiously at him and smiled at her.

"It's not too difficult. The borderlands have their own scenery, all top-notch in the world."

Li Hao chuckled and invited the old man to sit down in the courtyard.

Then, he asked Ren Qianqian to bring some tea to serve the guest.

Ren Qianqian was surprised, unsure of the old man's identity, but she obeyed Li Hao's instructions and quickly brought tea to brew for the old man.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 287: But I Won't Allow It!

Emperor Yu lifted his teacup and took a sip. The taste was pleasant, though not as refined as the Cloud Mist tea exclusively served in the Imperial Palace, it possessed a natural sweetness unique to the wild.

"You seem quite at ease with the situation," Emperor Yu chuckled.

"The ways of the world are now familiar to me, my heart remains tranquil wherever I may be," Li Hao replied with a casual smile.

Poetry and Literature Experience +66

Emperor Yu paused, glancing at Li Hao. Considering the young man's circumstances, his eyes flickered slightly.

"No wonder those stubborn old scholars in the Hanlin Academy are so fond of you."

His tone was a mix of sigh and admiration.

Li Hao was slightly surprised. Wasn't the Hanlin Academy a place for literary figures and scholars? He didn't seem to have much interaction with them.

"Come, let me see if your Go skills have improved. Don't just be putting on a show,"

Emperor Yu lifted his robes and settled onto a meditation cushion, speaking in a half-joking manner.

Upon seeing this, Li Hao also sat upright. He knew that the Emperor's visit was not solely for a game of Go, but his journey here had already brought him the answer he awaited.

Only, this answer was deeper and heavier than he had anticipated.

It filled him with a sense of subtle shame.

Gathering the scattered Go stones on the board, the two slowly began their game.

Li Hao played white.

"Don't give me any handicaps, I don't need them," Emperor Yu said while picking up a stone.

Li Hao nodded, "I wouldn't dare."

Soon, the white stones launched a fierce offensive, rapidly seizing the initiative. The layout was as solid as a fortress, forcing the black stones into a relentless retreat, trapped and unable to break free.

"You little rascal..."

Emperor Yu's lips curved into a slight smile. The boy, claiming not to give a handicap, truly didn't.

Li Hao cleared his throat, appearing overly serious. He was now a sixth-dan Go player, though his experience was still not fully maximized at this new level. But even when he was a fifth-dan, he could easily defeat the Emperor.

"Again."

Emperor Yu, clearly unwilling to admit defeat, or perhaps, since ascending the throne, he had never truly experienced losing... except when playing Go against Li Hao.

Three consecutive games, and Li Hao subtly chose to hold back, allowing the Emperor to experience the joy of the game, rather than a crushing defeat.

Soon, Emperor Yu's Go addiction was satiated.

So, during the fourth game, Emperor Yu's expression was no longer as serious and focused. As he placed his stones, he casually remarked:

"When you slew the Buddha, did you consider the consequences?"

Li Hao played with ease, noticing the old man's shift to serious matters. His expression became slightly more reserved, and he replied:

"I did."

"Oh? And what were your thoughts?"

Emperor Yu placed a stone, watching Li Hao with keen interest.

"I figured that you, Senior, would be quite troubled, that I would be causing you a headache," Li Hao sighed.

Emperor Yu was momentarily stunned before asking, "Then how do you think I will deal with this?"

Li Hao shook his head slightly, "I haven't thought that far ahead."

"Haven't thought that far ahead?"

"Yes, regardless of how you handle it, I'll accept it."

Li Hao added, "As long as you don't take my life."

"..."

Emperor Yu stared at the young man's earnest expression for a couple of seconds, finding it both amusing and frustrating.

"You're quite confident, aren't you? Aren't you afraid that the Buddhist sect will pressure me, and to appease them, I'll strip you of your merits and take back the Third-Rank title you worked so hard to achieve?"

"If that's all that happens, then killing the Buddha was still worthwhile."

Li Hao stated.

Emperor Yu was speechless, exasperated, "You're truly willing to sacrifice so much."

"Sacrifice a fleeting moment of glory to gain an eternity of freedom."

Li Hao smiled, "I came into this world alone, there's nothing to be attached to. Good food, good drink, and good friends – that's enough for me."

Poetry and Literature Experience +166

"Those are Zen Buddhist teachings. If the Buddha had understood them, perhaps he wouldn't have been killed by you," Emperor Yu shook his head and sighed.

"Perhaps his cultivation wasn't sufficient," Li Hao replied.

Emperor Yu looked at him, their eyes met, and they both burst into laughter.

After the laughter subsided, Emperor Yu said to Li Hao, "If I were to revoke your merits and title, would you resent me?"

Li Hao shook his head, placing a stone without a trace, "How could I? It was a gift from you, Senior."

"But it was also something you earned through your hard work."

"Without the title, I would still work hard," Li Hao said.

Emperor Yu glanced at him, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He lowered his head to place a stone, but upon lifting his hand, he saw that Li Hao had strategically placed a stone earlier, blocking another path for him.

This brat... Emperor Yu was slightly annoyed. They were discussing serious matters, and this kid still had the audacity to make moves on the Go board.

No more!

Emperor Yu dropped the black stone he was holding into the Go stone container and waved his sleeve, declaring:

"Let's talk about the real matter. I should be thanking you. The Buddha had long fallen into demonic possession. Your actions can be considered eliminating a hidden danger for Great Yu."

Li Hao was startled, surprised, "Senior knows that the Buddha's incarnation was a Mara?"

Emperor Yu nodded slightly, looking at Li Hao, "It seems you also know. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"Forgot," Li Hao coughed lightly.

Emperor Yu's lips twitched, but his eyes were deep, as if something was stirring within them.

Forgot, indeed. This kid was clearly worried that if he mentioned it, it would make it even more difficult for him to handle the situation...

"You..."

Emperor Yu shook his head slightly, saying, "This time, the remnants of the Buddhist sect are pressuring me to strip you of your title. Behind it, there are likely demons manipulating things, attempting to sow discord and take advantage of the situation."

"There's a way to handle this, but it involves temporary hardship for you. I will announce to the world that I'm stripping you of your merits and imprisoning you, pretending to sever ties."

"This will lure the demons into attacking, wait for the Buddhist sect to cause trouble, and turn a passive situation into an active one."

Li Hao listened quietly, nodding slightly. It was indeed a good strategy.

"But if we do this, we must play the part convincingly, and you will suffer a lot," Emperor Yu looked at Li Hao.

Li Hao nodded, "I can do it."

Emperor Yu stared at him for a moment, then asked, "What kind of compensation do you want afterward?"

"Compensation?"

Li Hao thought for a moment and said, "If possible, give me some calligraphy, musical scores, or Go game records from famous masters for me to admire. And some cookbooks..."

He counted them one by one on his fingers.

"..."

Emperor Yu fell silent.

Calligraphy? Musical scores? Go records... what kind of junk are these?

For a wealthy merchant, perhaps they are valuable, but for someone like Li Hao, with his strength, money and power are easily obtainable.

These things... are nothing more than trash.

"Besides these, is there nothing else you desire?" Emperor Yu looked at him intently.

Li Hao thought for a moment and shook his head slightly, "Not for now."

Seeing this, Emperor Yu looked at him deeply, said nothing more, and stood up, "It's getting late, I should be going back."

"I'll see you out," Li Hao quickly offered.

"No need."

Emperor Yu glanced at the windswept courtyard, his eyes flickering, "Is that the legendary Thief Saint? It seems he knows a lot of secrets about the Buddha. The Buddha tampered with him, and his soul is incomplete?"

Li Hao said in a low voice, "That's right."

Emperor Yu patted Li Hao on the shoulder and said, "I'll tell the Wang family later. They manage the Nether Rivers across the land. As long as it's within Great Yu's territory, they can basically find it. Let's see if we can find his missing soul. If we can find which Nether River it's in, we can try to pass through."

Li Hao was stunned and quickly said, "Then I'll go now."

Emperor Yu looked at him and saw the excitement in his eyes. He smiled helplessly and said:

"There's no use going now. You'll just be waiting there. The Wang family has many Buddhist disciples. If they know your whereabouts, they might foolishly offend you and increase conflict. Wait for news from them, and then go directly. It's better that way."

Li Hao thought about it and said, "That works."

"Don't worry, I'll have them search carefully."

Emperor Yu said, and then walked out of the courtyard with his hands behind his back.

Li Hao watched his back disappear. As soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, he vanished as if teleporting.

That trace... wasn't the pull of Dao rhyme, nor a Dao domain, but... the aura of the Dao.

Is this Emperor a Dao Comprehension Realm cultivator?

Li Hao was slightly stunned, but then he thought again and felt relieved.

If the Buddha could hide so deeply, who else wouldn't have some secrets?

As the courtyard gate closed, Ren Qianqian curiously walked over and asked, "Master, who was that?"

"An old man who knows how to play Go."

Li Hao looked towards where Emperor Yu had disappeared.

"Is he good at Go?"

Ren Qianqian was surprised. Even the Little Go Saint hadn't received such praise from Li Hao.

"His Go skills are average, but his Go character is very high."

"Then Master must have been winning all the time?"

"No, I've been losing all the time."

...

...

Great Yu Prefecture, Imperial Palace.

Chu Jiu Yue waited anxiously for Emperor Yu's return.

He first went to the Qian Dao Palace to confirm the answer, then sent people to inform the Wang family to search for Feng Bo Ping's remaining soul in the Nether Rivers. At the same time, he summoned a group of hidden figures to the Imperial Palace.

These people were silent and ghostly, unseen by the high-ranking officials and ministers.

Among them was a figure like a flying bird. After landing in the Imperial Palace, it retracted its wings and transformed into a young girl.

As one secret order after another was issued, with the Imperial Palace as the hub, the entire hidden power behind the Divine Dynasty was quietly mobilized.

"Your Majesty, the secret agents from the Buddhist sect reported that they are preparing to cause trouble in various cities, making a big scene to force Your Majesty to act."

Chu Jiu Yue reported the received information.

Earlier in the court, Emperor Yu had temporarily suppressed the Buddhist sect's resistance, but now they were agitated and demanded an explanation.

Upon hearing Chu Jiu Yue's words, Emperor Yu's expression remained unchanged, as if he had expected it. A cold smile played on his lips:

"Let them make a scene. They will soon get the answer they desire."

Chu Jiu Yue looked at Emperor Yu and said in a low voice:

"Did Your Majesty go to play Go with that Hao Tian General?"

"That's right."

Hearing this answer, although Chu Jiu Yue had anticipated it, he couldn't help but smile wryly.

If the Buddhist disciples knew about this, they would probably be so angry that they would have a stroke.

"Then what about that Hao Tian General..."

Emperor Yu glanced at him and chuckled, "I gave him a solution, the kind the Buddhist sect desires."

Chu Jiu Yue's face changed slightly, and he anxiously asked, "Will the Hao Tian General agree?"

Emperor Yu nodded, "He agreed without hesitation."

Chu Jiu Yue was startled, secretly relieved, and smiled, "If the Hao Tian General can understand Your Majesty's difficulties and intentions, that would be the best outcome."

Emperor Yu smiled slightly, staring at the character "Buddha" on his desk, but his eyes gradually turned cold:

"But I disagree."

Chu Jiu Yue was stunned.

"He is willing to endure this hardship, but I... I won't allow him to endure this hardship!"

Emperor Yu turned to Chu Jiu Yue and said, "Didn't you ask me earlier why I was so confident in him?"

Chu Jiu Yue was confused.

"Because I understand this child."

Emperor Yu said softly, "You don't understand, like mayflies looking at the vast sky. Your world is too small, that child's world is too big."

Chu Jiu Yue's heart trembled. He never imagined that Emperor Yu's regard for that child was to this extent, beyond his comprehension.

...

...

Just as the Buddhist disciples in various cities of the Nineteen Prefectures were about to stir up trouble, a decree was issued from the Imperial Palace of Great Yu Prefecture, claiming that the true culprit behind the Buddha's death had been found!

The Ministry of Justice and the Demon Suppression Agency both corroborated the investigation and had identified the culprit.

The culprit was the Wild God behind the seven top demonic forces!

The Demon Emperor from the Wild Heaven!

The wars in Qing Prefecture, Liang Prefecture, and You Prefecture were all instigated by the Demon Emperor!

The Demon Emperor infiltrated the Boundless Mountains, pretending to be Hao Tian General, fought with the Buddha, and killed him!

As the decree spread, the news shook the entire land.

Previously, the Great Yu Dynasty and the demons had been engaged in a covert conflict. Now, Emperor Yu had brought the matter into the open, directly exposing the existence of the Wild God.

"Demon Emperor? Wild God?!"

"I knew it, how could Hao Tian General kill the Buddha for a Thief Saint?"

"It turns out it was all the demons' doing, so insidious! They used such a method to frame Hao Tian General!"

"Hao Tian General is a genius who saved three prefectures, the future hope of our Great Yu Divine Dynasty, how could he do such a thing?"

"The Buddhist disciples claimed to have seen it with their own eyes, it's ridiculous! Seeing with one's own eyes is the truth? What about demonic arts? Not to mention demons, even a Divine Travel Realm cultivator can use illusions to fool a Heaven's Cycle Realm warrior!"

"Nonsense, it's clearly the Emperor covering up for him, there's no such thing as a demon!"

"I think you Buddhist sect are the demons! How could Hao Tian General kill the Buddha? What reason would he have to do so?"

The prestige of the Great Yu Imperial Family was extremely high. Although some people still questioned it, they were mostly Buddhist disciples. Most of the people, families, and nobles in the Nineteen Prefectures had come to believe that it was the demons' doing.

The common people believed it because of their trust in the imperial authority and Li Hao's past deeds.

As for the families and nobles, some trusted the imperial authority, while others believed in pure self-interest.

They couldn't see any benefit for the Hao Tian General to kill the Buddha, which forced them to believe it.

The high-ranking members of the Buddhist sect, upon receiving the news, were almost furious.

Not only did the Emperor not help them denounce the evildoer, but he also wanted to use them as pawns, using the Buddha's death to make them fight demons?

Too cruel, this Emperor is too vicious!

Naturally, this news also reached the demons, spreading to the secret temple outside Great Yu Prefecture.

The three Wild Gods, including Demon Sheep Venerable, were stunned upon hearing the news, and then their faces darkened.

These human beings only saw the Emperor cleverly shifting the blame for the Buddha's death, but they knew that the Emperor's decree was not merely to exonerate that terrifying young man. It was... a declaration of war against them, the three Wild Gods!

This meant that the opportunity they had been waiting for no longer existed.

They had anticipated the possibility of the Emperor feigning a rift, and they had planned countermeasures, to turn the tables.

But this Emperor didn't even bother with a pretense, he didn't give them a chance to attack, instead, he shifted the Buddhist sect's anger onto the demons, using the Buddhist sect as a spearhead to defend Great Yu.

"Damn it!"

Demon Sheep Venerable's face was grim.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 288: The Nation Trembles

"Can a mere imperial edict overturn right and wrong? It's not that easy!"

"Tell those Buddhist fellows to keep their people calm and spread the truth. This is a perfect opportunity to undermine the Emperor's authority and damage the incense offerings of the Jiang family!"

Magus Ram, gritting his teeth, spoke.

Spread the truth… The purple-veined, exquisitely beautiful woman found the combination of those words a bit odd.

Nevertheless, she quickly agreed and left with the young man in the black robe.

However, just as they were about to launch their counterattack, traces of top-tier demonic forces suddenly appeared in various states.

These demonic forces raised their banners high, commanding mountain spirits, river demons, and other demonic creatures to bypass the border cities and infiltrate the states, attacking cities where Buddhist disciples gathered.

"The Buddha is dead, the Great Yu Dynasty is about to collapse!"

"Your Buddha has been slain by our Demon Emperor, surrender now!"

"Kill, kill them all!"

These demonic forces included remnants of the Dragon Gate, the remnants of the Sacred Palace, the Ancient Demon Temple, and the Star Moon Academy, a demonic force with widespread influence, known for its teachings and the nurturing of demons, comparable to the Great Yu Imperial Academy.

The Star Moon Academy had always maintained neutrality among the demonic forces. Unlike the recluses of the Vast Void Realm, the Star Moon Academy never participated in conflicts, and had maintained a peaceful coexistence with the Great Yu Dynasty, respecting each other's boundaries. Yet, this time, they descended from their mountain retreat and launched a war against the Great Yu Dynasty.

Leading the demonic invasion were all Three Immortality Realm Great Demons, their status within the top demonic forces second only to the Demon King and Elders.

They raised their banners, commanded the attack, and their momentum was overwhelming.

As city after city fell victim to the rampage, as the demons pressed their attack, the accusations that had been hurled at the Emperor by the higher echelons of the Buddhist faith, accusing him of favoritism and shielding the culprit, were instantly shattered.

A mere imperial edict could only gain the trust of the people. But the rampaging demons before their eyes made many Buddhist disciples realize that their Buddha had indeed been killed by demons!

After all, the demons were shouting it from the rooftops!

They couldn't help but believe it.

…

Youzhou, Xia Family.

Numerous secret reports from various states and cities flooded in. In the council hall, Xia Linglong, having received the reassurance from the eunuch sent by the Emperor, had returned from the Imperial Palace.

At this moment, demons were wreaking havoc across the land, raising their banners high, seemingly on the verge of launching a full-scale attack on the Great Yu Dynasty, causing widespread panic and fear among the populace.

"It really was the Demon Emperor who acted?"

In the council hall, many Xia family members were astonished. They had initially believed that the young man was the culprit, but now it seemed there was a hidden truth.

Xia Yuanwu and several other elders, however, revealed a hint of shock in their eyes.

The Xia family had done a lot for the Emperor, and the old lady, skilled in taming demons, had access to certain secrets. They had only heard whispers, and it wasn't appropriate to reveal them.

But now… the unfolding events seemed to confirm the whispers they had picked up.

Xia Linglong was somewhat lost in thought. The reassurance the eunuch had given her had calmed her down, but the current situation… was this the Emperor's way of protecting the Heavenly Emperor General?

Her mind wandered until the discussions below ended, and someone asked how they should deploy troops to deal with the demons that were encroaching on some of the cities in Youzhou where Buddhist disciples had gathered.

Xia Linglong snapped out of her reverie, her mind racing as she considered her response. After a moment, she said:

"With the demons causing chaos, we need to be wary of other areas. Have the city guards there cooperate with the Buddhist disciples to hold out for a while. You take your troops to defend other cities and prevent the demons from launching a feigned attack."

The others were surprised, looking at Xia Linglong with confusion.

Instead of sending aid to the cities under attack, they were being asked to deploy troops to defend other cities that were currently safe?

This decision seemed strange, not like the kind of rash decision Xia Linglong would make.

"This…"

Someone hesitated, raising objections again.

Before Xia Linglong could speak, Xia Yuanwu glared and said, "Didn't you hear? The Family Head says what we do, so we do it. Do you know more than the Family Head?"

Seeing the elders also agree, those who had previously questioned fell silent, immediately understanding that there must be a reason.

After all, the intelligence they saw was different from the intelligence in the Family Head's hands.

Those born into a general's family understood that controlling information was key to seizing the initiative. Only decisions based on intelligence were the most correct. Otherwise, a rash act of aid could disrupt the higher-level plan and backfire.

They had been involved in countless battles and heard countless military examples, such as using a few thousand soldiers as bait in a desperate situation to counterattack and recapture a city, ultimately achieving a decisive victory.

War always involves sacrifice. This sacrifice isn't just about charging and fighting, it's also about luring, ambushing, and using suicide squads.

That's why there's that saying, the first requirement in the military is obedience!

There were no further objections in the council hall. As everyone left to carry out their orders, Xia Linglong exchanged glances with her uncles and aunts, each seeing the same thought in the others' eyes.

Xia Linglong didn't say anything, but went deeper into the Xia family estate to meet the old lady who lived in the farmhouse.

"There are indeed the Emperor's informants among the demons."

The old lady, sitting in a rocking chair, her face a network of wrinkles, spoke with startling clarity, revealing this secret to Xia Linglong.

She had been involved in this matter, but without violating the Emperor's orders, and she hadn't even revealed it to Xia Linglong, the current Family Head.

It wasn't that she didn't trust Xia Linglong. Firstly, it was a secret order given to her personally by the Emperor, and she couldn't divulge it, nor did she want to secretly disobey. Secondly, Xia Linglong knowing about it would not benefit the Xia family, only harm it.

Because when someone knows something, it's difficult to pretend they don't, and their responses during long-term military deployments would inevitably reveal flaws.

Thirdly, while she knew that the Emperor had control over certain demons, she didn't know who they were specifically, so revealing it would be pointless.

Now, however, the Emperor had taken the initiative to reveal his hand, and Xia Linglong had guessed it, so there was no need to keep it hidden any longer.

Hearing the old lady's words, Xia Linglong was stunned, then her stunningly beautiful face was filled with shock and horror.

It was true!

The Emperor's hidden agents were too deeply embedded!

In that case, this attack was clearly orchestrated by the Emperor himself.

If it got out, many people's worldview would be shattered.

A human Emperor using demons to attack cities…

"For that child, the Emperor has used the hidden agents he planted a thousand years ago. He truly spoils him…"

The old lady rocked gently in her chair, sighing softly, a hint of envy in her eyes.

Who in the world could receive such favor from the Emperor?

Even his brothers and princes probably hadn't received such attention…

Xia Linglong was lost in thought and didn't respond.

The old lady glanced at her and said softly, "Do you find it unbelievable? When the Emperor summoned me to discuss this matter, I was just as shocked as you are now. But soon, I was filled with admiration for the Emperor."

Xia Linglong gazed at her intently.

The old lady continued, "Can all the demons in the world be exterminated? Obviously not. If the Great Yu Dynasty is a piece of delicious meat, then there will always be flies circling around it."

"But if that piece of meat is already surrounded by flies, will any new flies join in?"

"No…"

Xia Linglong froze, feeling goosebumps rise on her skin, her hair standing on end.

Was this the Emperor's plan?

"Those demonic forces…" she stammered.

"If I'm not mistaken, they all have the Emperor's agents among them, able to monitor the demons' movements at any time. The Emperor's plan is for his agents to eventually replace the demonic leaders. If I'm not mistaken, the Star Moon Academy… should be the Emperor's deepest-laid piece, right?"

The old lady's eyes gleamed as she spoke softly.

Xia Linglong felt her scalp tingle. She had never imagined that the Emperor was so terrifying.

"If the Emperor has these agents, why has he been waging war year after year, why hasn't he…"

Xia Linglong's thoughts raced, and she opened her mouth slightly. If the Emperor had used the information from these agents, their casualties could have been greatly reduced!

After all, among them were the Five God Generals' Mansion elites, who had also perished.

The old lady shook her head slightly. "Precisely because the losses were so heavy, these agents were buried so deep. I'm afraid the Buddha never imagined that the Emperor's heart could be so ruthless."

Xia Linglong was stunned.

"If it weren't for the Li family's ninth son's fierce and righteous nature, his hatred for evil, and his lone breakthrough and slaughter out of the border, he wouldn't have perished. The Emperor did show signs of using his agents that time, but unfortunately…"

The old lady shook her head slowly. She had always paid attention to these things, and with her knowledge of the inside story, she could see traces that ordinary people couldn't.

"In other words, the Buddha was indeed killed by the Heavenly Emperor General, but the Emperor… still favors him. Now, for him, he's even willing to expose these hidden agents that have been hidden for thousands of years?"

Xia Linglong found it unbelievable. What kind of favoritism could lead to such actions?

Killing the second strongest person in the world, without suspicion or fear, instead, for him, he was willing to expose the hidden agents that had been hidden for many years. Even the most favored prince wouldn't receive such favor!

A hint of complexity flashed in the old lady's eyes.

"It is indeed extreme favoritism, but it's also because the young man is irreplaceable. With such talent, if he doesn't become a Saint, no one else in the world will. What's hard to understand is that the Emperor is so willing to entrust the world to that child. He must be treating him as the future Dao Lineage."

"Future Dao Lineage!"

Xia Linglong's pupils constricted, and her blood seemed to surge.

The weight of those words was immense!

The Buddha had schemed for two thousand years, spreading Buddhist temples throughout the cities, and all he sought was a single stick of incense.

For many years, the conflict between Buddhism and Daoism had been nothing more than a struggle to become the Dao Lineage of the Great Yu Dynasty, to inherit all of its incense offerings.

Now, the Heavenly Emperor General would replace the True Person of the Qian Dao Palace and become the object of worship for all people in the future?

The old lady looked at Xia Linglong, the complex expression in her eyes not fading, and whispered,

"Do you know what that means?"

Xia Linglong came to her senses, seeing a hint of sadness in her eyes, and after a moment of bewilderment, she suddenly understood, feeling as if her heart had sunk to the bottom of a pit.

When the future Dao Lineage appears, does it also mean that the current True Person… is nearing his end?

…

Besides Youzhou, in other places, many figures were also observing the chaotic demonic attacks.

A few old fellows vaguely sensed some traces behind the demons, but they weren't sure.

Perhaps only by asking the Xia family could they confirm it, as the Xia family was adept at tracking the vital points of the demons.

But such a matter was obviously not something to probe into. One shouldn't touch the dragon's whiskers.

While the demons attacked the places where Buddhist disciples gathered in various locations, the Arhats within the Buddhist faith were both shocked and enraged, furious and exasperated.

The Buddha had just died, and these demons were already attacking. Moreover, their Buddha had indeed been killed by these demons!

Many who had escaped from Mount Wuliang and witnessed Li Hao slaying the Buddha were now wavering. First, there was the Emperor's edict, then the demons raising their banners and attacking, and the demons, with their long history of evil and treacherous magic, had already deeply ingrained themselves in people's minds.

"Kill!"

"Avenge the Buddha!"

"The Buddha is compassionate, I will slay the demons!"

Many Buddhist monks shed their kasayas and donned armor, engaging in fierce battle with the demons.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace's court.

The ministers who had previously denounced Li Hao were trembling with fear. Some even claimed to be seriously ill and stayed home to recuperate, afraid to attend court.

The Emperor sat on the Dragon Throne, throwing the dossiers investigated by the Demon Suppression Division and the Ministry of Justice onto the table.

"The truth has not yet been revealed, yet many of you previously called for the Duke's dismissal and the stripping of his military title, easily slandering loyal and capable generals. Are you aware of your crimes?"

His words, though not loud, were enough to make many people's legs wobble.

Question? How could they question?

The Demon Suppression Division and the Ministry of Justice were two powerful departments. The Ministry of Justice was controlled by the Li family. It would be understandable if they said the Li family was biased, but the Demon Suppression Division was directly under the Emperor's control.

Moreover, news of the chaos in various cities had quietly reached the Imperial City.

The truth was out, who dared to stubbornly argue?

The Emperor looked at the pale-faced ministers and snorted coldly, instructing Chu Jiu Yue to pass on his orders.

Soon, wails and cries echoed through the hall.

One by one, those who had accepted bribes from the Buddhist faith or were themselves devout Buddhists were dragged out of the hall.

They tried to defend themselves, but the Emperor clearly wasn't interested in listening.

Outside the Xuanhuang Gate, heads rolled, blood splattering.

As other ministers left the court to return home, they could still see eunuchs cleaning up the mess. However, the blood, washed away by water, spread even further, becoming more conspicuous and eye-catching.

…

On the other side, the purple-veined, exquisitely beautiful woman and the young man, who were about to contact the Buddhist faith to spread the truth, were stunned and shocked by the news from the Heavenly Pivot Hall. They immediately angrily ordered the Heavenly Pivot Hall to quickly command the demons to retreat.

Who had told them to represent the demons and take the blame?

They still wanted to use this incident to crush the troublesome boy.

However, the situation in various places was already out of control. Although the elders of the various demonic forces hastily summoned their troops, it was too late.

The Emperor's counterattack was too swift and fierce, completely unexpected, and it quickly shattered their plans, not following their intended path.

It is said that human hearts are hard to fathom and easily breed suspicion, but the Emperor did not fall for their trap. Instead, he was willing to pay a heavy price to protect the young man.

"We thought we were the only ones who had infiltrated the human side, but it turns out these damned humans have also planted nails in our midst!"

The young man in black also came to his senses, his face flushed with anger. Now, the Buddhist sword was completely useless.

Even if the two Bodhisattvas and some Buddhist disciples could continue to be used, they were too few and weak. Any God General's Mansion could easily suppress them, and they couldn't make waves against the Great Yu Dynasty.

Without the Buddhist disciples at the grassroots level inciting the people to riot, there would be no chaos. Forcing them to do so would only result in the beheading of the Bodhisattvas and Buddhist disciples, as well as a few Arhats, who could still believe the truth. But the people below had already turned their anger towards the demons.

"Those useless Buddhists…"

The purple-veined, exquisitely beautiful woman also looked grim. In the end, she chose to abandon the need to continue negotiating with the Buddhist faith and returned to the secret temple outside the Great Yu State.

After explaining the situation, the old man with the cane fell silent.

The death of the Buddha, such a major event, was easily resolved by the Emperor. The countless Buddhist disciples who had rioted in the nineteen states were cleverly used by the Emperor as his sharpest spear, their anger directed at the demons.

He was too ruthless.

"Report to the Holy Son, let the Holy Son decide."

Magus Ram's eyes flashed with a fierce light. "Since he's feigning an attack, let's make it real!"

(End of Chapter)