Chapter 159: Plan

Yan Buji devoted himself to cultivation these past few months, his strength greatly improved; Martial Dao Profound Skill broke through, he also learned a new Dao martial technique; most importantly, the breakthrough in his state of mind brought a crimson smoke enhancement to cultivation speed.

That day, Yan Buji cultivated as usual in his room, never stepping outside.

Although the One Line Society's martial artists knew of Yan Buji's existence, no one came to disturb him.

Only when Fang Kun arrived did Yan Buji open his eyes.

"Old Brother Hu Yan, are you still in closed-door cultivation?"

"Is it Master Fang?"

Yan Buji pushed open the door and saw Fang Kun, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

Seeing his seemingly happy expression, Yan Buji felt a stir in his heart.

He should probably assign himself a task; these days not worrying about food and drink is trivial, those martial dao classics certainly won't be read for nothing.

Fang Kun saw that Yan Buji seemed no different from before, and didn't know what progress he had made these past few months.

But thinking about it, aside from that ancient martial artist's Dao martial technique, nothing else would catch his eye, yet it shouldn't be possible to master it so quickly.

Yan Buji looked at Fang Kun and asked, "Master Fang, is there any important matter?"

"His Majesty has summoned us to go over."

Yan Buji raised his eyebrows: "Speaking of which, I still don't know what His Majesty plans to do, and what use is the existence of the One Line Society?"

Fang Kun smiled: "When you go over, His Majesty will naturally tell you."

Yan Buji nodded, also wondering what Emperor Baocheng actually intended.

Not to mention what a mere mortal emperor could stir up, the idea of rebelling against the Profound Firmness Dao to bless the world sounds unlikely.

Moreover, Fang Kun's earlier words often contradicted what he understood; either the emperor wasn't telling the truth, or he simply didn't know enough.

Even if the Eight Profound Dao Sect nurtures ordinary people, so what?

It's not something a puppet emperor should worry about, unless it concerns his own interests.

Yan Buji followed Fang Kun into the imperial palace; along the way, countless gardens and courtyards displayed extravagance.

Soon, Yan Buji was brought to the gate of a palace called Tranquil Harmony Palace.

Seeing the guards on both sides, Yan Buji raised his eyebrows.

It seems the imperial palace isn't entirely filled with Profound Firmness Dao cultivators, or perhaps they simply don't care whom the emperor places inside.

Around nearby hid many martial artists, their bodies bearing heavy or light blood qi, the same scent he had smelled inside the One Line Society.

Upon entering Tranquil Harmony Palace, Yan Buji immediately noticed the two youths beside him, whose aura surpassed even Fang Kun's.

"Have they actually trained in Dao martial techniques?" Yan Buji saw that the two youths' demeanor and traits bore traces of the Heavenly Heart Four Symbols Technique and Acquired Vigorous Qi, and judged they must have some martial dao aptitude.

However, these two seem to be stuck, like Yan Buji once was, at the step of transforming qi into True Essence within the Heaven-Man Realm, lacking support from Martial Dao Profound Skill.

Not worth worrying about.

Besides, Yan Buji himself is a third-layer Qi Refining martial artist; his martial dao cultivation alone is at least three realms above theirs, enough to wrestle with late-stage Qi Refining cultivators—how could he possibly care about them?

As for Emperor Baocheng seated at the desk, he still gave an unfathomable impression.

It should be that wonderful sense of pressure obstructing his scrutiny.

Upon seeing Yan Buji arrive, Emperor Baocheng rose and smiled: "Hu Yan Feng, I'm very glad to see you come."

Yan Buji bowed and said, "I pay my respects, Your Majesty."

Fang Kun likewise bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Hu Yan Feng's willingness to join the One Line Society is truly a great fortune. Today you summoned us—is it for that matter?"

"Not bad!"

Yan Buji raised his head, looking at him doubtfully: "I've just arrived; I don't know what the One Line Society is supposed to do."

Emperor Baocheng smiled: "Besides you, the other three Heaven-Man Realm cultivators have long followed me. But since you've just arrived, let me restate the One Line Society's ultimate purpose!"

"The purpose of my secretly establishing the One Line Society is to gain a say in the cultivation world!"

Yan Buji froze, looking at him strangely.

"On what basis?"

Emperor Baocheng smiled, seeming to see Yan Buji's doubt, and said: "Just because of me—I am about to control the Firmness Dao. You don't need to know more for now; indeed there is a good deed for you to do."

"A good deed?" Yan Buji looked at him doubtfully.

Although I don't know where Emperor Baocheng gets his confidence, if he truly holds something that makes the Profound Firmness Dao hesitant to act, then achieving this isn't impossible.

The key is, what is in his hand? Could it truly involve countless mortals of the Firmness Dao?

Emperor Baocheng returned to the desk, took out four letters: "Read and then burn."

"Hmm?"

"What can't be said face to face?"

Yan Buji took a letter and opened it.

On it appeared a place name, causing Yan Buji's pupils to contract.

"Treasure Dragon Land?!"

No wonder—Emperor Baocheng actually intends this?

Yan Buji channeled his True Essence; the letter in his palm instantly turned to powder and vanished.

Emperor Baocheng looked at everyone: "Everyone, gather at the place stated in the letter three days from now; just finish arranging your affairs."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Everyone replied with bowed hands.

After leaving the imperial palace, Yan Buji looked at Fang Kun, not understanding why Emperor Baocheng had to write the matter in a letter instead of telling everyone directly.

Could it be that each person's task is different?

Wouldn't it be better to say it separately?

Fang Kun looked at Yan Buji and said, "Old Brother Hu Yan, His Majesty's actions naturally have his reasons; just follow what he says."

Yan Buji found it strange: "Master Fang, do you really trust His Majesty that much? Although I don't think there's any problem with His Majesty's orders, such matters should be handled more carefully."

"Hahaha, you'll understand later." Fang Kun laughed loudly, seemingly not minding Yan Buji's doubt, but rather appearing as if "as long as you follow what the letter says, you'll definitely have no problem."

Yan Buji was ultimately somewhat worried; no matter how he guessed, he never expected that the Baocheng Emperor would dare to make a move on Baolong Land.

Doesn't he know that although Baolong Land is within the Lingyu of Gen Dao Huang Du, it is also a secret realm jointly guarded by the cultivation forces of the Gen Dao territory?

Tampering with this place will only invite greater trouble.

Yan Buji's eyes shifted, relying on his previous experience entering Baolong Land, he recalled his mission.

"It actually demands that I climb that Bloodcloud Peak summit and destroy a stone statue? Hmph, perfect, gives me an opportunity. Let's see how this Baocheng Emperor, who supposedly leaves no loose ends, dares to give me such an extremely dangerous mission."

Yan Buji was certain this matter was unlikely to be a trap set by the Baocheng Emperor to frame him, after all, if he were caught and confessed, the Emperor would surely not escape.

But since the other party has confidence to let a few ordinary people enter the Lingyu and even reach Baolong Land, it shows they must have made thorough preparations.

Even if Yan Buji is unclear about how important Baolong Land is to the Baocheng Emperor's plans, this trip can still be undertaken.

Besides that, the blood qi of Baolong Land is said to be greatly useful for breaking through the Foundation Establishment Stage; perhaps there's even a chance to profit!