Chapter 1: March to Chaoge

March to Chaoge

Li Chu left thoroughly.

The desolation of Ten-mile Slope seemed to confirm this; Virtue Cloud Temple hadn't opened its doors for three months, and the people inside seemed to be afraid of something, wanting time to quietly take everything away.

But is it really tolerable?

That night, one, two, three… dozens of ferocious silhouettes slowly emerged from Ten-mile Slope.

It was a deep winter night; just opening one's mouth would exhale a puff of misty breath, and the wind in South of the River carried a chill that pierced to the bone.

But this would not be colder than the gaze of those seeking revenge.

"Is this news accurate?" A pair of golden eyes gazed at the distant Virtue Cloud Temple, the gaze trembling slightly, as if the deepest fear in their bones was acting up.

"It should be accurate; ever since that Li left, the temple hasn't opened its doors." A wolf's head covered in black fur poked out from the right, "It's already been a full year."

"If you think it's unreliable, Great King, we can just wait a bit longer; after all, we have long lives." A sharp-tusked wild boar's head poked out from the left, giving a solemn suggestion.

"We have long lives, but do those people inside live that long?" The golden ape's head in the center poked out, its pupils like fire, "Especially that old Daoist, so old he might kick the bucket any day; then who would we go to for revenge?"

"According to reason, shouldn't we take revenge on the young Daoist?" the wolf's head asked.

"Don't mention that name! Don't mention that name!" The ape's head pressed down and gave it a thunderous pounding, as if even mentioning it would remind it of something terrible.

After fighting for half a day, until the wolf's head was beaten into a pig's head, the golden ape finally vented its anger and then looked again toward Virtue Cloud Temple.

He was originally the son of the ancient ape of Golden State, enjoying infinite honor. But Li Chu's single sword at Broken Stele Mountain utterly destroyed Golden State, and the lineage of the ancient ape also suffered a severe setback.

All these descendants of the ancient ape harbored hatred in their hearts.

But Li Chu was too terrifying; shortly afterward he purged the world. Even the most powerful demon beasts of the human realm trembled in fear of his demonic grasp, wishing they could hide underground, lest they become the young Daoist's target.

In the ten-thousand-year history of the monster race, there had never been a time like before. Wind cries and crane alarms, everyone in peril; each day the rumor spread: where another Daoist caused trouble, which monster lord had suffered at a Daoist's hands.

Finally.

They had finally waited for a glimmer of hope.

This historically greatest demon king, after sweeping away all major evil spirits of the four seas and eight wildernesses, finally ascended!

Li Chu left the mortal realm!

When this news spread, whether demon, monster, ghost, or wicked brigand, they could not help but well up with tears.

Li Chu has gone, and the winter of evil spirits is past; Li Chu has gone, and everyone's good days have arrived!

But at first, the descendants of the evil spirits that he had nearly swept clean began to consider the question of revenge.

I can't beat Li Chu, can I not even beat his family?

The people left in Virtue Cloud Temple cannot ascend; they can't go to heaven to seek revenge on Li Chu, but they can kill them to vent their anger.

After Li Chu ascended before everyone's eyes, the next day a group of experts from the Northern Abyss Sect came, intending to wipe out Virtue Cloud Temple. The Northern Abyss Giant Fish they had worshipped for countless years was slain by Li Chu; their faith collapsed, and they only wished to torment to death every living being in Virtue Cloud Temple.

But upon their arrival, they shockingly discovered something.

Li Chu hadn't left.

Yes, the so-called news of Li Chu's ascension was merely a smoke screen! Regarding the problem of enemies seeking revenge after his departure, Li Chu had anticipated it early.

How could someone as cautious as he leave so carelessly, leaving the people of Virtue Cloud Temple behind like that?

So after some thought, he released this false news. Once enemies came to the door, they would discover… that an ordinary sword would fall from the heavens.

The Northern Abyss Sect was thus utterly destroyed; Li Chu tidied up the remnants, and then ascended once more before everyone's eyes.

The second time, the enemies waited for several days.

Only after confirming that it seemed Virtue Cloud Temple truly had no young Daoist did another group of yin beings from the Ghost Country sneak in at night to take revenge.

Then…

Something more terrifying than any ghost story appeared.

Li Chu still hadn't left.

Indeed, this second ascension was also a smoke screen.

As cautious as he is, he actually used the same trick twice. The deceived revenge-seekers died peacefully on the spot, and the evil spirits of the four seas and nine provinces were shaken once more.

This young Daoist is truly terrifying.

Not only is his power terrifying, his scheming is equally cunning.

When Li Chu ascended again before everyone's eyes, no one dared act rashly. This time they waited a full three months before another enemy made a move.

Then…

Li Chu still hadn't left.

I ascended, I deceived you; I truly left, yet I deceived you again; this time I truly left, but actually I haven't; absolutely ascended, yet still not…

Li Chu's single trick of feigned ascension has already succeeded four times; the already scarce major evil spirits of the human world have suffered another blow.

Afterwards he announced, this time he truly left.

Then, under the gaze of everyone under heaven, he ascended again and departed.

It's already been a year since his fifth ascension, yet still no one dares to act against Virtue Cloud Temple, for no one knows whether, if they go to take revenge, they won't encounter an extraordinarily handsome young Daoist waiting inside the house.

Then he swung an ordinary, unremarkable sword.

Many enemies have already given up; originally the grudge was with the young Daoist. Now that the young Daoist has gone, seeking revenge on his family is merely venting anger. If venting anger requires risking one's life, it's truly unnecessary.

But the Golden Ape couldn't wait any longer.

If we don't come to take revenge, he truly fears that the old Daoist will die on his own.

"We'll follow the plan: throw the heavenly fire poison oil inside to ignite it; if Li Chu is there, he'll naturally put out the fire, and we'll run immediately; if he's not, anyone escaping from the temple will be killed one by one!" it said fiercely.

"Yes!"

The monsters responded in kind, then brought out several heavy wooden barrels.

Several strong monsters each lifted a barrel, and the Golden Ape bellowed: "Throw!"

Whoosh—

One by one, the wooden barrels spun wildly and crashed into the Virtue Cloud Observatory; right after that was a flick of the finger from the Golden Ape—the initial spark.

Boom—

Heavenly Fire Poison Oil is the essence refined from heavenly thunder and earthly fire; once ignited, it burns with extreme intensity and cannot be extinguished, and it also releases a strong fire toxin—even ordinary people who inhale the black smoke from its burning will suffocate to death.

To buy these barrels of poison oil, the Golden Ape spent all of the meager inheritance left by his ancestors.

Listening to the explosion as the spark touched the Heavenly Fire Poison Oil, imagining that the Daoist observatory would be destroyed in the blaze with no survivors, the Golden Ape finally showed a satisfied smile and looked up at the sky.

"Father, brothers, all the brothers and sisters of Golden Prefecture..."

"My child, I finally have revenge for you… huh? What is that?"

His lament stopped halfway, for a brilliant crimson light filled his vision.

Then after that.

He didn't know anymore.

According to later eyewitnesses, that night a crimson fire dragon descended from the heavens onto Ten-Li Slope, circled for a moment then vanished in an instant, its might steaming the heavens and boiling the seas like a blazing sun.

Its sword qi was extremely similar to that of Little Li Daoist.

……

Ten-Li Slope now had another huge pit.

Asking workers to fill it would cost a lot of money; thankfully, Wanli Feisha was already a seasoned worker. In recent years, such incidents have happened eight or nine times out of ten.

Any evil spirit that comes within a hundred li of Ten-Li Slope cannot escape Li Chu's keen observation; he would not immediately strike but instead let everyone in the Daoist observatory try to deal with it themselves.

But the effect was merely average.

After all, aside from him, the best fighter in the Daoist observatory was still Old Du……

Little Goldfish's cultivation is now quite high; she has progressed smoothly on her path of cultivation, but she simply is not good at combat.

Although the Fox Woman has some combat experience, due to the limited talent of her yokai lineage, advancing her cultivation further may require waiting a hundred years.

By that time, the Thunder Dragon Baby would probably have grown up.

It is still just a child now; aside from dealing with chicken legs, its combat ability in other respects is not strong.

Wanli Feisha was busy with miscellaneous tasks; over the past few years, his work as a carpenter and mason had honed his skills considerably, but when it came to cultivation, his own talent was merely average.

Originally there was also a glazed treasure tree that could keep watch over Li Chu's home; but that tree had been left here specifically for Li Chu, and it was present when he was around. After Li Chu left, it also refused to remain in the Virtue Cloud Observatory.

But what was it needed for when Li Chu was around?

Thus Li Chu could never rest easy leaving this mortal world; even when he had gathered the Northern Dipper Star Plate, he had already felt the call to ascend, and after that earlier purge he had already reached level ninety, able at any time to rise to another realm.

But because he worried about everyone after his departure, he repeatedly resorted to the trick of false ascension; with enough patience, he could indeed always gain something.

Everyone was also happy to let Li Chu stay a bit longer.

But after waiting another year this time, and finally slaying the Golden Ape of Golden Prefecture, Li Chu still had to leave.

"I've already lingered too long in the mortal world." He gazed calmly at the heavens and said lightly, "I feel that summons growing stronger and stronger—I can no longer suppress it."

"Alas." The old Daoist sighed softly, "There is no feast in the mortal world that never ends—what's more, you've already reheated this meal four or five times… it's about time."

"Yes." The Fox Woman's eyes welled with tears as she gently nodded and said, "Master, you may go in peace; we will surely take good care of ourselves."

"Master!" Old Du's old face twisted into a knot, like a twisted black chrysanthemum, "After you leave, I will surely raise the roof of the Virtue Cloud Observatory! I'll take charge of the Virtue Cloud Observatory—rest assured!"

"Even if I leave it to Old Du, it'll probably be back in my hands in just a few years." Wanli Feisha said solemnly, "I will also strive to cultivate and shoulder responsibility."

"What are you saying?" Old Du frowned and said, "I will devote my life to the Virtue Cloud Observatory, unto death!"

"I didn't say it wasn't, either." Wanli Feisha said, "But at your age, how many days do you have left until death?"

"I'll fight you first……"

"Sniffle…" Little Goldfish sobbed a few times, but when she lifted her head there were no tears; she sniffled and said, "I can't cry…"

This isn't the child's fault.

Because she is too simple-minded, afraid to slip up, Li Chu never told her the truth about his false ascents; each time she thought he had truly ascended and burst into tears.

After these occasions, her emotions were pretty much spent……

"Heh heh heh!" the Thunder Dragon Baby then shouted a few times.

Wang Longqi immediately said, "It says you may go in peace; the Virtue Cloud Observatory's chicken legs will be guarded by it."

After saying that, he himself also said sadly, "Li Chu, if you have spirit in heaven, rest assured too—you will always be my best brother!"

Li Chu: "?"

Although I feel everyone's farewell words are a bit strange, at this moment I don't care to quibble over such things.

He looked up to the sky, having already said too many farewell words, so he only added lightly, "If there is a chance, I will come back to see everyone."

Having said that, he rose into the air.

Then the sky blazed with golden light, a mighty heavenly gate burst open, and the golden light vanished into it in an instant.

The entire populace of Hangzhou Prefecture was astonished.

Then……

"Ascended again?"

"Which time is this?"

"Maybe the fourth?"

"The fifth."

"No wonder Little Li Daoist—two years, five ascents… unheard of in ancient or modern times."

"Yeah, not even the absolute pinnacle of the mortal world can ascend."

"Who says otherwise?"

……

……

Two months later, Chaoge City.

As the capital of the Heluo Dynasty, Chaoge City had vast walls and abundant riches, the finest in the world. From afar, its cyan walls rose tens of zhang high, like a primordial beast crouching on the open plain.

The southeast, southwest, and northwest gates each had winding lines of people entering and leaving the city, forming black dragons; from above they looked like swarming ants.

Up close, one sees that these lines are not lacking huge demonic beasts; Heluo's first city contains everything. Merchants and travelers from the four seas and nine provinces all take this place as their center.

This also drove Chaoge City's housing prices sky-high; Li Chu's initial dream was to buy two homes in Chaoge, one to live in, one to rent out.

Especially since tomorrow is New Year's Eve, Chaoge City holds grand celebrations each year, with temple fairs and markets lasting dozens of days, followed by the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth; at that time the city's liveliness will reach a peak.

Many businesses need only prosper during this period to have enough food and drink for the whole year.

And right now is the peak season for merchants and travelers from all directions entering the city.

The northern gate, however, is kept closed, forbidding merchants and travelers; it is reserved for court officials and nobles to pass through, avoiding the long queue to enter the city.

That day, two plain carriages entered Chaoge City's northern gate.

"This Heluo capital is truly prosperous." Du Lanke lifted the carriage curtain, gazing outside, eyes hot: "If only our Deyun Observatory had this flow of guests..."

"Then you'd be exhausted to death." Wang Longqi replied with a laugh: "You haven't seen the other gates—people line up in the morning, and just getting in by evening is considered lucky; many have to camp outside the city."

"Yes." Yu Qian'an nodded, saying: "Actually, we owe it to your wife; without her status as a royal princess, we wouldn't have been able to enter through the northern gate."

"Pah!" Xiao Feilong raised a claw high.

"Are you in a hurry to eat?" Wang Longqi laughed: "No rush; we'll settle in first, then split up with the ladies."

These four people in this carriage are precisely the male disciples of Deyun Observatory and the external staff member Wang Longqi.

Yu Qian'an, Du Lanke, Wang Longqi, and the male Thunder Dragon cub.

Besides the house-guarding Sha Shidi, everyone else is present.

In the carriage behind sat the fox maiden, the little brocade carp, and Wang Longqi's wife, Princess Jiyuhuan of Heluo.

After Jiyuhuan returned to Heluo, she married Wang Longqi and settled down peacefully in Yuhang Town. Though life was no longer as extravagant as before, at least it was tranquil and safe.

Her invulnerable physique that had killed several husbands in succession seemed to have failed here with Wang Longqi; it's unclear whether Jiyuhuan's fate has weakened or this fellow's destiny is simply too hard.

This time coming to Chaoge City, Jiyuhuan received an invitation from the palace, saying that the day before New Year's Eve is the 50th birthday of the Empress Dowager, who is preparing a grand celebration, inviting all imperial descendants from under heaven to feast in the palace.

Therefore Wang Longqi planned to accompany Jiyuhuan to Chaoge City to spend the New Year.

Moreover, National Preceptor Li Maoqing happened to send an invitation to Yu Qian'an; the two had long been close friends and kept in frequent contact. As National Preceptor, Li Maoqing was busy and found travel inconvenient, so he wished to invite the members of Deyun Observatory to Chaoge City for the New Year, a perfect gathering.

Coincidentally, Wang Longqi then organized to bring the entire Deyun Observatory crew into Chaoge.

The people of Deyun Observatory had long heard that Chaoge City was lively, but never had the chance to visit; thus they were eager. Yu Qian'an pondered a bit and decided to accept Li Maoqing's invitation.

Someone offered to cover food, lodging, and entertainment—what reason is there not to take such a good deal?

Thus the group's trip to Chaoge came to be.

Originally Li Maoqing wanted to send mounts to pick everyone up directly, but Yu Qian'an refused, instead leading the group on a leisurely journey all the way. Along the way they ate and drank, and the party that had set out two months earlier barely made it before the year's end.

After entering the city by carriage and horse, they thought they'd soon reach National Preceptor Li Maoqing's residence, but they walked for nearly two hours! Street congestion was part of it, but the main reason was……

Chaoge City is simply too huge!

Even streets where eight horses can ride abreast become jammed; tens of li of thoroughfare filled with carriages and horses dazzle those who have never entered a capital.

"Heavens!" Du Lanke exclaimed: "Such a huge city, yet housing prices are this high—just how many people must there be?!"

"Everything in Chaoge City is the best of Heluo; naturally all the wealthy of Heluo wish to live here." Wang Longqi said.

"Indeed." Yu Qian'an smiled ruefully: "Chaoge City differs from Shenzhou City in its own unique charm."

Upon seeing the old Daoist's wicked grin, Du Lanke knew his words certainly weren't praising a good flavor.

Wang Longqi then spoke solemnly: "I am already a married man; Sect Leader Yu, do not keep bringing up those things to tempt me… for I cannot withstand temptation."

In this regard, the Seventh Young Master possesses absolute confidence.

After a while longer, the carriage finally arrived at National Preceptor Li Maoqing's mansion. Situated near the imperial city, at the very center of Chaoge, it is literally every inch of land worth its weight in gold. The flow of people and merchants around has diminished considerably; idle folk cannot even approach, and the city patrol has noticeably increased.

"Ah! Sect Leader Yu, long time no see—your complexion is even better than before!"

Li Maoqing had long been waiting with his retinue at the front gate to welcome them; he is no longer the sorry figure he once was when down on his luck, now wearing a jade cap and Daoist robe, immortal aura suffusing his sleeves, with a line of black-and-white clad disciples behind him, making the scene quite grand.

After Wang Longqi exchanged greetings, he and Jiyuhuan hurried off to the imperial city. Tonight is the Empress Dowager's birthday feast, which they must attend.

Li Maoqing led the Deyun Observatory members into the manor, also laughing: "Tonight's Empress Dowager birthday banquet is quite grand; officials and nobles of Chaoge City are all invited, and I cannot get away. However, you few may also accompany me, let's go join the liveliness together."

"That's rather embarrassing." Yu Qian'an laughed.

"Eh—" Li Maoqing raised a hand: "Just by the reputation of Deyun Observatory alone, you are more than worthy to be honored guests. Junior Daoist Li previously swept away worldly wickedness, leaving Heluo's rivers and mountains at least several centuries of peace; such merit would suffice even if Deyun Observatory were made the state religion. Yet Junior Daoist Li is indifferent to fame and profit, truly not clinging to worldly authority."

"Yes." Yu Qian'an also sighed lightly: "My disciple stands out in being indifferent to fame and profit."

The people behind him merely chuckled and nodded.

Exactly, exactly, exactly.

In Deyun Observatory, the old Daoist avoids women, and the young Daoist is indifferent to fame and profit—both are well known.

……

That night, the palace lights blazed brilliant, like a galaxy.

Countless nobles and officials, from high to low, sat in rows in the great hall; everything visible wore vermilion and purple, and those below third rank weren't even qualified to enter the hall.

As for Wang Longqi, the imperial son-in-law, and the Deyun Observatory folks who came to mooch a meal, they were even further back, at the very end of the plaza.

But this is fine; everyone enjoys the freedom.

Here, they unexpectedly encountered an old acquaintance.

"Miss Gongsun!" Wang Longqi waved his hand and called softly.

"Huh?" Over there, a tall beauty in a light-blue palace dress, surrounded by some noble youths flirting, heard the call; her eyes shifted, instantly shining. She cast aside the idle folk nearby and ran over.

"Young Master Wang… Sect Leader Yu! Miss Xiaobai, Miss Yue'er…"

That tall lady was none other than Gongsun Rou, whom they hadn't seen in a long time; looking at the Deyun Observatory crowd, Gongsun Rou's gaze shifted from vibrant to gradually dim, as if she only now realized that the person she had been awaiting would never appear again.

"Young Li Daoist has ascended……" Gongsun Rou forced a smile, "I've heard several times recently that he ascended; I can't really tell truth from falsehood."

"Fate will bring us together again." Yu Qi'an smiled and said, "Look, I can come down, can't I?"

"Grandmaster, could you hope the master gets a bit better?" Lao Du reminded quietly from the side.

It seems as if failing to get by in heaven and then falling down is something to be proud of.

Gongsun Rou lightly shook her head and sighed, "Just wish him a bright future."

Since returning to Morning Song City, she's been doing fairly well. Her father is quite trusted, she also befriended the female cultivator Lu Zhanmei of Morning Song City, and later became close friends with the Thirteenth Princess Ji Luoxue. After that she happened to meet the Empress Dowager and even gained her favor.

Nowadays she's a popular figure who can frequently enter and leave the palace.

Besides, she herself is of pure background and lovely appearance, instantly attracting the pursuit of many noble youths in Morning Song City.

Yet Gongsun Rou ignored their advances entirely, not even a ripple stirred.

Everyone was chatting when suddenly a palace eunuch came forward to deliver a message, loudly announcing: "The Empress Dowager summons the leader of the Worship Moon Sect, Miss Yue'er; please have the guests of Virtue Cloud Temple enter the hall for an audience——"

"Ah?" Even Xiao Yue'er herself was stunned for a moment.

These days, her Worship Moon Sect has been developing quite rapidly; in fact, even she herself doesn't fully understand it.

Nowadays the Worship Moon Sect is no longer simply going to Virtue Cloud Temple to ask Xiao Yue'er for wishes; it has its own faith and traditions, with many people keeping brocade carp at home, and even if conditions don't allow, they will set up a picture of a brocade carp to pray for blessings.

Followers of the Worship Moon Sect are spread across the land, while those who have actually gone to ask Xiao Yue'er for wishes make up only a tiny minority, consisting of devout pilgrims.

Morning Song City also has no shortage of Worship Moon Sect followers.

Moreover, the Empress Dowager had also heard of it, so she is quite curious about this little brocade carp.

This, however, made the young lady a bit nervous.

"The Empress Dowager is calling you, hurry up." Gongsun Rou urged with a smile, "Don't be afraid, the Empress Dowager is very kind."

She then led everyone into the hall.

The current emperor of the River Luo Dynasty is Emperor Changping, seated on the dragon throne, a slender middle-aged man with a pale face and faint whiskers; he lacks much imperial majesty and looks more like a refined scholar.

However, since his accession he has been gentle and caring toward the people, and his reputation is still good.

Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager beside him is not his birth mother; she is the former emperor's empress, and because there was no heir apparent from the first wife, Emperor Changping ascended the throne. Nevertheless, the emperor holds her in great respect, treating her as his own mother in daily life.

Today is the Empress Dowager's fiftieth birthday, yet she looks younger than the emperor beside her—her skin is smooth and lustrous like jade, her features gentle, her eyes flowing, appearing at most about thirty years old.

Because the Empress Dowager also possesses cultivation, her aging is extremely slow, which is not uncommon among noblewomen. Cultivation is the best method to preserve one's youth.

At the moment the hall's atmosphere is harmonious; the emperor and empress dowager take turns summoning meritorious officials and envoys from all directions, after which the empress dowager recalls her curiosity about the leader of the Worship Moon Sect.

Upon seeing that Gongsun Rou had brought them up, she gently asked, "Rou'er, do you know these few?"

"When my father first took office as magistrate of Yuhang County, I also owe much to the care of the Virtue Cloud Temple." Gongsun Rou replied.

"That really is a fateful connection." The Empress Dowager shook her head and smiled, "I've heard that Young Li Daoist's appearance is unmatched in the world, like a celestial being descending to earth; it's a pity I never had the chance to meet him before."

In the seat, the National Teacher Li Maoqing chuckled, "Young Li Daoist is indeed stunning, but if we're talking about a celestial being descending to earth, the head of Virtue Cloud Temple truly deserves that title."

"Oh?" The Empress Dowager's gaze swept over the few from Virtue Cloud Temple, then she let out a soft "eh": "Why is this Daoist lowering his head?"

"I am a humble rustic Daoist, I dare not look up at Your Majesty." Yu Qi'an buried his head deep in his chest, answering in a muffled, gruff voice.

"Hehe, no problem." Emperor Changping waved his hand, "Young Li Daoist is the supreme sage of humanity, now ascended. As his teacher, you old Daoist should be honored as a holy master; it ought to be me who pays respect to you, why be so polite?"

"Your Majesty and Empress Dowager's authority is overwhelming; please forgive this humble Daoist's fright, I suddenly feel unwell." Yu Qi'an clasped his hands, "Please allow this old Daoist to withdraw first."

"Oh dear." Emperor Changping hurriedly said, "What's wrong with you, Daoist? Someone, summon the imperial physician! Quickly take the Daoist to rest in the side hall, be sure to look after the old Daoist's health."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Empress Dowager." Yu Qi'an lowered his head and turned, about to hurry away.

But just then, the Empress Dowager stared at Yu Qi'an's back, her gaze growing strangely intense, and she called out from behind: "Daoist Yu, your money pouch has fallen."

"Huh?" The old Daoist heard and turned to look.

This completely exposed his face.

The Empress Dowager sprang up: "It really is you!"

An uproar rose throughout the hall.

How? The Empress Dowager actually knows this old Daoist? It looks like they might have a grudge…

For a moment, nobles and officials alike fell silent like cicadas, not daring to speak, yet all the more eager to steal glances.

"Does the Empress Dowager recognize the old Daoist?" Yu Qi'an hurriedly lowered his head again, "Perhaps she's mistaken the person?"

"……" The Empress Dowager's chest heaved violently a few times, as if reason had returned to her mind; she reseated herself and said, "Indeed I mistook the person, Daoist Yu, please hurry down to see the imperial physician."

After saying that, the old Daoist hurriedly slipped away.

Merely, the other few from Virtue Cloud Temple, though still remaining in the hall, the atmosphere also turned somewhat strange. The Empress Dowager originally wanted to see the little brocade carp, but now she seems absent‑minded.

After a brief exchange, they also came down from the hall.

After leaving the hall, they saw the old Daoist sitting in the outer seats, silent.

"Abbot, what's wrong with you?" the fox woman stepped forward and asked.

Then they heard the old Daoist sigh, muttering: "How could this happen? How did she become Empress Dowager? This is disastrous……"

Upon hearing that tone, everyone sensed something was wrong.

One could guess this wasn't the first time such a thing had happened, and it likely won't be the last.

"Grandmaster……" Du Lanke asked cautiously, not needing to ask about their relationship, but rather: "Is there peace?"

"So‑so." Yu Qi'an shook his head, "Back when I first came to Morning Song City, I fell head over heels with her, spending a few very sweet months together. But not long after, she suddenly said she wanted to marry me, pressing especially hard, and wouldn't tell me why. At that time I was free as the wind, not wanting to be tied down, so I left without saying goodbye."

"After all these years, now that she is Empress Dowager, she might not hold a grudge anymore." Du Lanke said.

No sooner had the words finished than a squad of palace guards armed with swords and armor appeared, surrounding everyone.

The leading officer shouted, "By order of the Empress Dowager! Detain all members of Virtue Cloud Temple temporarily, awaiting punishment!"

"Eh eh eh?" Du Lanke cried out loudly, "My master is none other than Young Li Daoist! I've exterminated demons for the River Luo!"

But no argument was allowed; the group was immediately taken to the nearby side hall and locked up.

Only upon arriving here did Yu Qi'an let out another heavy sigh, "Women—who doesn't hold a grudge?"

……

At this moment, Emperor Changping in the main hall was also conversing with the Empress Dowager.

"Why is the Empress Dowager so furious?" the Emperor said in a low voice: "The Daoist Yun Temple is the sect of Junior Li Daoist; rashly imprisoning them may cause a bad reaction among the people."

Li Chu, in a short time, eradicated evil spirits and demons, establishing millennia of peace for humanity; his deeds now spread far and wide in the world, and he has become a figure like a heavenly deity.

As his name gradually became deified, the existence of the Daoist Yun Temple naturally grew ever more exalted.

"Others can be forgiven, but that old Daoist..." the Empress Dowager clenched her fists tightly, "I will absolutely not let him get away with it!"

Emperor Changping held her in great respect; besides her status as Empress Dowager, more importantly, her father is one of the three supreme human experts venerated by the River Luo Dynasty.

Thus she could possess such an honored position; regarding her decision, Emperor Changping also found it hard to directly refute.

Just as he was about to offer further counsel, a sudden report came from the front: 'The Prime Minister arrives for audience——'

A tall figure wearing a python robe strode up to the hall.

He was none other than the current Prime Minister, Yang Dingtiān.

He had flowing beard and hawk-like eyes, extremely imposing. Just moments ago, the royalty and officials before the Emperor and Empress Dowager had been relaxed, but upon his ascent to the hall, they all sat up straight and solemn.

"Prime Minister Yang, why have you only just arrived?" Emperor Changping smiled: "Your efforts in organizing this banquet have been meritorious; I and the Empress Dowager were just about to commend you."

"If Your Majesty wishes to reward me, I only ask for one thing." Prime Minister Yang bowed and said.

"Oh?" Emperor Changping asked: "What is it you seek?"

"I only ask that Your Majesty abdicate! Yield the throne to me!" Prime Minister Yang's voice struck the ground like thunder.

It shook the hall above and below into utter silence.

Today's seats in this hall are truly worthwhile; each witnessed scene is more astonishing than the last.

"Are you joking with me, Prime Minister?" Emperor Changping's face darkened.

"I speak from the heart," Prime Minister Yang declared loudly: "Now that the four seas' evil spirits have been utterly exterminated, it is time for our River Luo humanity to expand territory, to dominate the four seas and nine provinces of the world. Your Majesty is a ruler who maintains the status quo, possessing benevolence but lacking ambition; you should abdicate in favor of the worthy, letting the virtuous take the throne!"

Emperor Changping's face turned ashen with rage, his eyes full of fury.

Prime Minister Yang had indeed previously advised him several times, hoping to take advantage of the lull after Li Chu exterminated the four seas' evil spirits, to launch troops and expand territory, to achieve an unprecedented feat.

But the lands beyond the River Luo Dynasty are either scorching hot or bitterly cold, with few places suitable for habitation. Moreover, waging war would exhaust the people and drain finances; whether it would benefit or harm the River Luo populace remains unknown.

Thus Emperor Changping repeatedly rejected this proposal.

Who would have thought Prime Minister Yang would actually ascend the hall to force the palace!

"Insolent!" the Empress Dowager beside him flared first: "Prime Minister Yang, what is your status? How dare you utter such madness! Guards!"

Yet as she called out, no one responded.

"Empress Dowager, please rest assured; no matter who becomes emperor, your honor will not change." Prime Minister Yang said: "I organized this banquet for you, gathering the four seas' royalty and civil and military officials here, precisely to eradicate future troubles in one fell swoop! Here today, those who follow me prosper, those who oppose me perish!"

As his words fell, the sound of heavy armor echoed outside; large numbers of soldiers surged out from all directions, encircling the hall inside and out.

It turned out he had long planned today's affair!

At this moment, two huge figures also rose above the imperial city.

The River Luo Dynasty venerates three supreme human experts; one is of the Ji clan royalty, now radiating bright yellow aura, about to strike; the other, enveloped in purple qi, is Yang Dingtiān's master, also the strongest among the three supreme human experts, who immediately moved to counter that Ji clan expert.

For a moment, wind and thunder rang in the sky as the supreme experts clashed; even a slight leakage of their aura falling to the ground would cause palaces and mountains to collapse.

And the third supreme expert is none other than the Empress Dowager's father.

Yet he has long delayed making an appearance.

"I have already consulted with your father; this time he will not intervene." Prime Minister Yang told the Empress Dowager: "No matter whether the River Luo Dynasty endures or not, you will remain forever Empress Dowager. Guards! Take the two of them to the side hall for confinement!"

Immediately, a mass of armored troops surged forward, escorting Emperor Changping, the Empress Dowager, and the nearby palace attendants to the adjacent side hall. Next, Prime Minister Yang will launch a great purge of the civil and military officials in the hall.

Those who support him will be spared; those who oppose him will all be slain.

The Ji clan royalty will all be suppressed; once the situation stabilizes, they will naturally have no need to remain. However, for now there is still one supreme human expert protecting them, so he dare not exterminate them completely.

……

Inside the side hall.

The group from Daoist Yun Temple was here sighing when suddenly a troop opened the hall doors, pushing in Emperor Changping and the Empress Dowager, who had just been seated on the dragon throne, and then locked the door.

Everyone looked at the emperor, looked at the Empress Dowager, and for a moment stared at each other.

The atmosphere was rather awkward.

"What are you looking at!" the Empress Dowager first glared at Yu Qi'an, then went to stand by a pillar at the side.

Yu Qi'an did not first ask what had happened, but shook his head and said: 'After all these years, you are still as peerlessly beautiful and as hot-tempered as ever—truly unchanged.'

"You, on the other hand, have changed greatly, becoming this wretched old man." the Empress Dowager sneered.

"I was thinking of you." Yu Qi'an whispered.

"Hmph." the Empress Dowager could not help but scoff: "Your honeyed words remain unchanged; I still recall how you left without a word, leaving me alone at home weeping for days..."

"That is indeed my fault." Yu Qi'an sighed deeply, raising his head: "Passion leaves only regret since ancient times; this hatred lingers without end... Back then I was too young; I feared that marrying you would bind me forever to Chaoge; I feared I could no longer wander the world, thus missing my true love. Years later, in midnight dreams, I finally felt the pain pierce my heart."

"Back then I forced you to marry, solely because the Emperor was selecting consorts; my father intended to send me into the palace to ally with the royal house, promising I could sit directly as empress." the Empress Dowager said: "Even so, who would want to marry such a wretched old man! Yet you ran off..."

"Cough." Changping Qing, who had been silently watching the drama nearby, coughed once: "Empress Dowager, my father emperor... how is he treating you?"

"Shut up!" the Empress Dowager snapped her eyes: "After today, whether you are emperor is uncertain; what could a dead ghost possibly want? If he hadn't fled back then, I would never have entered the deep palace to waste my youth."

She then glared at Yu Qi'an: 'All this is your fault!'

"Yes, blame me, all blame me." Yu Qi'an said softly: "I also have no face to face you again, nor dare I seek your forgiveness. Yet even so, I still wish to do something for you to make up for my shortcomings; what is your wish now?"

"What can you do?" the Empress Dowager's gaze softened, she said dimly: "Can you still quell the rebellion outside?"

"Just that?" Yu Qi'an countered.

"Huh?" the Empress Dowager lifted her eyes to him.

What is with this disdainful tone?

Outside, two supreme human experts are battling; Prime Minister Yang's army controls the imperial city, unless that old Daoist also possesses supreme human expert strength, there is no way to change the situation.

He……

Wait a moment.

Could that person still be here?

Just as the empress dowager was shocked and bewildered, Yu Qi'an shouted toward the sky: "Disciple……"

Then a response slowly came from the void.

"I'm here."

……

……

The suppression of the rebellion was unusually simple.

Chancellor Yang Dingtiān and his master were subdued, and all the rebel troops surrendered their weapons.

Because that figure appeared.

Throughout the four seas and nine provinces, everyone knows that Little Li Daoist Master is an invincible existence.

Because his appearance was timely enough, he stopped the rebellion when almost no casualties had occurred; yet among the few who were hurt, there happened to be one person of great importance.

The reigning empress dowager.

The empress dowager died at the hands of the rebels on her own birthday night, and the news spread like wildfire.

And seven days later, a brand‑new pavilion rose from the ground on Ten‑Li Slope.

"Is it really necessary to go to such trouble?" Yu Qi'an stood on the slope, his expression somewhat helpless.

"Since I can't keep you, I might as well follow you." The empress dowager, who should have died, appeared beside him with a smile: "I already let you escape once; I won't let you escape a second time."

"The area around my Daoist temple is dangerous; demons and evil spirits often come seeking revenge." Yu Qi'an warned again.

"I'm not afraid." The empress dowager waved her hand: "Whatever demons or evil spirits aren't afraid of my father, feel free to come try."

She paused, then asked again: "Is Little Li Daoist Master about to ascend again?"

"Yes." Yu Qi'an pointed toward the temple: "He's saying his farewells right now."

"Then is this for real?" the empress dowager asked curiously.

"I don't know." Yu Qi'an gave an inscrutable smile: "He might ascend tomorrow, or he might never ascend."

……

……

……

……

……

……

(The original outline for the trip to Chaoge was roughly like this; I cut the immortal sect competition part, and the empress dowager's old feelings and the chancellor's rebellion plot are here. Originally this story should have taken place before the feathered ascension pass, but now I've changed the background to after Li Chu's ascension.)

Originally I planned to write a volume's outline compressed into ten thousand words, so inevitably it feels rushed, and the details are missing.

But this time it's equivalent to releasing the outline that wasn't written before, to make up for a little regret.

If I get the chance in the future to write a side story, I'll write some everyday little scenes so everyone gets more screen time.)