Chapter 912

But this method, Cang Qu had not yet comprehended, nor could he accomplish it for now.

"So that's how it is!"

Wu Zetian finally understood—this was why Cang Qu had performed poorly today.

"Will you take me back to Jiuzhou now, or continue searching for Fa Ming?"

After slightly suppressing his injuries and regulating his breath, Cang Qu pondered for a long while before speaking,

"Your Majesty, it is not that I am unwilling to take you back."

In truth, when you came to this world, Wu Zhao transferred all of her imperial destiny onto you.

Now, if you wish to leave this world, either you must reach the Shattered Realm,

or you must ask him to intervene…"

The "him" Cang Qu referred to was naturally Ximen Wudi, the Great Dragon Head.

Unfortunately, the Great Dragon Head Ximen Wudi's presence here was merely a lingering sword qi—his true body was still unknown, let alone coming to aid Wu Zetian's departure.

If the Great Dragon Head cannot come, then only by reaching the Shattered Realm?

Wu Zetian considered her current state—she had not even attained the Earthly Immortal Realm.

Added to that, with the imperial destiny bound to her, her cultivation was now twice as hard for half the result.

She could not help but feel bitter—would she be forced to remain in this Wu Zhou world forever?

Suddenly, she recalled the Great Dragon Head's parting words, instructing Cang Qu to return immediately to Jiuzhou and the Qinglong Society after dealing with Fa Ming.

There, the Qinglong Society would not only arrange her return but also help her find Shangguan Wan'er.

Thinking of this, Wu Zetian brightened immediately, telling Cang Qu all of it, then said,

"Since the Great Dragon Head has already arranged it, then hurry back!"

Cang Qu had not actually heard what Ximen Wudi said to Wu Zetian—after all, Ximen Wudi had not wanted him to hear.

Now hearing the Great Dragon Head had already made arrangements, Cang Qu felt curious.

"But if I leave, what of Your Majesty's safety…"

If Cang Qu departed, Wu Zetian would be utterly alone in this world.

Not a single trusted ally, not a single person she could rely on.

Wu Zetian said,

"Leave me all your Wu Gong!"

Though I now bear the Empress Destiny, cultivation is twice as hard for half the result.

But if I resolve myself firmly, I should still achieve some progress.

Added to that, my status as Empress should ensure my safety."

When she first arrived, Wu Zetian was held captive by Fa Ming and nearly became his puppet.

Now, because of Cang Qu, Fa Ming has long since fled.

In the short term, he will not reappear.

Wu Zetian can seize this time, combined with Wu Zhou's imperial treasury cultivation resources, and likely gain self-defense capability.

Moreover, she ascended the Tang throne and elevated Tang from one of the great dynasties to second only to Yu Daqin.

This was not solely due to her ministers or Shangguan Wan'er's competence.

The key was still her own extraordinary prowess as Wu Zetian.

Cang Qu watched the Empress's confident demeanor and still felt uneasy.

But he remembered that if the Empress truly faced danger, that one would appear.

He was indeed worrying too much.

Yet if he completely ignored the Empress's safety, he would be gambling with his own future and fate.

At once, Cang Qu took from his bosom a piece of silk and a small box, handing them to Wu Zetian,

"This silk records my demonic cultivation techniques in full detail.

All its secrets, precautions, and notes are clearly laid out—Your Majesty may follow it directly.

But remember, I have never taught this demonic technique to Xie Tiao.

Once you have memorized it, burn it immediately."

What Xie Tiao received was merely Cang Qu's ordinary notes.

They were compiled by Cang Qu from ancient and medieval doctrines of the Hundred Schools and all sects' Wu Gong.

This silk, however, was Cang Qu's own refined, self-contained demonic technique.

It was not only the source of Cang Qu's strength, but also his very lifeline.

Even his own biological children might not be granted it.

Yet today, before Wu Zetian's eyes, he handed it to her directly.

Wu Zetian, upon hearing this, could not help but feel deeply moved.

If this had been yesterday—or even before—how could this Heavenly Demon have ever revealed this demonic scripture?

Cang Qu then pointed to the small box and continued,

"This is a primordial demonic seed, painstakingly refined by me.

Originally, I intended to bestow this primordial demonic seed upon my descendants.

So they might cultivate the demonic technique without hardship, unlike earlier generations.

But alas… hey!"

But alas, since he began cultivating the demonic technique, Cang Qu had devoted himself entirely to martial arts—how could he have had the heart to marry or establish a family, let alone produce offspring?

Thus, this primordial demonic seed had been treasured by him for countless years without ever being used.

Upon hearing this, Wu Zetian couldn't help but feel a little curious.

This demonic seed was profoundly mysterious; even those who had seen Cang Qu use it several times generally had no idea what the demonic seed actually was.

Who would have thought that at this moment, Cang Qu, for the sake of nonexistent descendants, had produced such a Pristine Heavenly Demonic Seed.

She did not know how difficult it was to enter the demonic arts, nor how hard it was to obtain a demonic seed.

But she did know that this Pristine Heavenly Demonic Seed was exceedingly precious.

"Then many thanks to the Heavenly Demon."

Rarely, Wu Zetian addressed Cang Qu once more as the Heavenly Demon.

"Your Majesty is too kind."

Cang Qu was both delighted and a little uneasy,

"Your status now is vastly different; you need only address Cang Qu by my true name."

This bloody investment had finally begun to show results.

"Only when you return to the Nine Provinces, remember one thing."

Wu Zetian carefully stored away the secret record of the demonic arts, along with the Pristine Heavenly Demonic Seed, then spoke again.

"I dare ask Your Majesty for guidance."

Cang Qu's attitude was extremely good.

"Since you came here on that impostor's orders, you absolutely must not say that you have already seen through her identity."

No longer bound by sentiment, Wu Zetian immediately reverted to her empress nature,

"This Wu Zhao's strength is no small matter, though I don't know who would win between her and you.

Nor do I know whether, by today, she has thoroughly replaced my empress's mandate.

But one thing is certain—the ministers of the Great Tang, civil and military officials alike, would surely trust her more than you!

If you rashly expose her, she will mobilize the full might of the Great Tang to suppress you.

I'm afraid you would be in grave danger!"

In truth, there was something Wu Zetian had not said—if Cang Qu were to encounter danger, she, Wu Zetian, would not escape either.

After all, given Wu Zhao's intelligence and wisdom, since she herself had been exposed, it would most likely be because Cang Qu had met Wu Zetian.

By then, Wu Zhao would naturally find a way to deal with Wu Zetian.

Now it was best that Wu Zetian remained in the shadows, while Wu Zhao was in the light.

"Your Majesty is wise."

At this point, Cang Qu had fully entered the role of a Great Tang minister and the empress's confidant, and even began to flatter her.