Mountain Patrol Military Officer-Chapter 1088 - 711: Ambush of the Court’s Bestowal
"Is the information reliable?" Xiao Zhongtian closed the document, his eyes narrowing, revealing a terrifying brilliance inside.
"Replying to Your Highness, it should be reliable. It was sent back by our palace’s spy. Although there was a secret edict from His Majesty in the palace, a large number of people were sent to deliver the decree. It’s said the emperor granted generous rewards, all military preparations, so the escorts are plenty. Some intelligence was leaked, and it’s feared that these troops are already on the way." Yan Sun tilted his head and spoke softly, hesitating, "Your Highness, this matter..."
Xiao Zhongtian took over the conversation, stepped aside a couple of steps, and let out a cold laugh,
"This really comes as a bit of a surprise to me. I didn’t expect this Imperial Brother of mine, who looks down on everyone, to bow his head to that man named Chen. Helian Mountain relinquishes power, and the affairs in Shu have unsettled the court. My Imperial Brother has been killing officials in the palace over this matter. Initially, I was thinking of sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight, but unexpectedly, he suddenly becomes magnanimous, willing to confer titles and reward the Mountain-cutting Army."
"Who knows what he’s up to!"
Towards the end, King Liang’s voice grew increasingly sinister, and as he clenched his hand, the document turned to powder in his palm.
"Are you suggesting, Your Highness, that there is something fishy here?" Yan Sun’s face showed doubt as he stepped forward, deep in thought.
"I know my Imperial Brother too well. That Chen is like an untamed horse, wild and free, with no respect for the court at all. My Imperial Brother is by no means a benevolent ruler; he would never let it go at that. Right now, intelligence from Shu indicates that the Mountain-cutting Army is recruiting troops on a grand scale, claiming to march against the Devil Race, creating a vast spectacle."
"Who knows, I don’t believe that this reckless killer would fight to the death with the Devil Race for the people of Shu; what a joke! In my view, it’s just a façade, using this as an excuse to raise a private army, wanting to exploit the situation to his own advantage, letting me and the emperor clash, while he reaps the benefits." As Xiao Zhongtian spoke of Chen Yuan, veins rose in his fervid eyes, filled with anger and hatred.
In his eyes, Chen Yuan was merely a hypocrite, and his current recruitment drive was just finally revealing his fangs.
"May I ask what Your Highness plans to do?" Yan Sun believed the King Liang’s reasoning, frowned, and asked.
Xiao Zhongtian turned around, his eyes flickering with a sinister light, and he had a plan in mind.
"Currently, Chen Yuan sits at the Shu Dao Fu Bureau, which lacks legitimate authority. Secretly raising troops amounts to rebellion, and my Imperial Brother is now apprehensive enough to actively send someone to grant him a title and rewards, thereby appeasing him. This way, it can restrain Chen Yuan with righteousness, preventing him from acting rashly in the short term, and placating him."
"But my Beiliang Army has no retreat. Once the court soothes Chen Yuan and focuses on dealing with us, or collaborates inside and out to besiege my Beiliang Army, that’s not what I wish to see."
As Xiao Zhongtian spoke, his eyes widened, and his pupils rolled frightfully, giving Yan Sun a chill.
"We must not allow those granted by the court to enter Shu. This batch of military supplies, I’ll gladly accept."
"To reach Shu, you must go through Dragon Ridge; you should know what to do."
"Dragon Ridge is a good place for burial."
"Understood, Your Highness, I will go and make arrangements, but I need a Divine Ability User on my side to ensure everything goes smoothly."
"Granted, go and invite Mr. Jiu, and inform him of my intentions." Xiao Zhongtian pondered for a moment and gestured him away.
"Yes, my lord will take his leave now!" Hearing that His Highness asked the mysterious Mr. Jiu for assistance, Yan Sun felt reassured, bowed, and exited the room.
After Yan Sun left, leaving the hall empty, Xiao Zhongtian gazed steadily outside the hall and said,
"Someone, summon the Saint Monk to meet me!"
Outside, an armored soldier quickly stood before the hall, cupped his fists, and said, "At your command."
Saying this, he was about to relay the king’s order.
However, Xiao Zhongtian quickly changed his mind, "Never mind, the Saint Monk is a sage outside the world, I should personally invite him."
"Prepare the palanquin!"
Soon, there was a chorus of acknowledgment outside the hall. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂
Not long after, King Liang Xiao Zhongtian descended the mountain in a palanquin, heading directly towards a temple located to the east of Dasan Pass.
This temple was named Dajue Temple, situated amidst an unnamed mountain within the pass. Due to the lack of thriving Buddhist law and incense inside, it remained obscure even within Dasan Pass.
However, not long ago, a group of monks entered Dasan Pass from Shu, aiding those in distress along their way, lodging at this temple, extensively promoting Buddhist teachings, and assisting those trapped by war and turmoil. The leading monk possessed great wisdom, divine skills, and profound Buddhist teachings, leading the monks to lecture and preach everywhere, causing extraordinary phenomena, attracting numerous followers in no time, and was honored as the "Saint Monk," spreading throughout Dasan Pass.
When Xiao Zhongtian heard of the Saint Monk’s reputation, and learning they entered from the direction of Shu, he specially sent someone to inquire, discovering some background. It was said that the Saint Monk came from Western Soil, piquing his interest. After sending invitations that were refused, he was even more intrigued. He personally visited three times before he was finally allowed into the Buddhist chamber to meet the Saint Monk, discovering that he was a Golden Arhat, which led to a respectful treatment.
The Western Pure Land was a Grotto Heaven beyond the world, powerful and fearsome, yet Xiao Zhongtian had deeper intentions.
Xiao Zhongtian entered stealthily through the rear hill of Dajue Temple, without alarming anyone.
The temple abbot, accompanied by a few gray-clothed monks, received word and waited at the back gate in advance.
The palanquin landed steadily at the back gate, and Xiao Zhongtian alighted. The temple abbot, an unassuming old monk with clever eyes, approached with a flattering smile, hands clasped,
"Amitabha Buddha, our temple welcomes the distinguished visit of Your Highness, this humble monk greets you."
Xiao Zhongtian stood with his hands behind his back, with eyes like a tiger, "I have come to seek the Saint Monk, please have him meet me."
The expression on the temple abbot’s face was a bit hesitant, carefully replying, "Replying to Your Highness, the Saint Monk is currently enlightening the vast assembly in the temple, and it might not end for a while, so... please wait, Your Highness."
As those words came out,
"Ceng"
The sound of metal scraping as swords were drawn rang promptly.
Xiao Zhongtian’s trusted aides unsheathed their swords, glaring at the old abbot with reproach,
"How dare you, keeping His Highness waiting, court death? Go and disperse those people at the front gate; our lord must meet the Saint Monk."
The old abbot and several young monks in the temple were startled, the old abbot showing a troubled expression.
At this moment, Xiao Zhongtian raised his hand slightly,
"Show no disrespect!"
"I am not so tyrannical to trouble these suffering commoners."
"Anyway, go and listen to Saint Monk’s teachings, but do not disturb others."
Hearing this, the temple abbot’s expression relaxed instantly, he then exclaimed a Buddhist chant, discreetly complimenting,
"Your Highness truly is a benevolent prince, willing to consider the people!"
"Please!"
