The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 1173 - 634: The Grand Ancestor Emperor’s Threefold Gate
Marine Road, Daluo Island.
Master Gu Huo rowed a small boat and quietly landed at a secluded wild dock.
Then, he hastily disguised himself and hurried towards Yutou Mountain, feeling uneasy, as if sensing an ill omen along the way.
"I wonder if that Zhao has left yet..." Master Gu Huo mumbled, not in a cheerful mood.
After his resurrection, he rushed all the way, but unfortunately, he was delayed by the long journey. By the time he arrived, he had already heard along the way about the Martial World’s obstruction of the court’s official ship and Zuo Tang’s defeat and escape, which tightened the nerves in Master Gu Huo’s heart, giving rise to a bad premonition.
Originally, for the sake of safety, the old Taoist planned to lay low and avoid the limelight, as dying again this time would mean no chance of resurrection. However, upon hearing that Zhao Douan was leading a fleet towards Daluo Island, he could no longer sit still. The tragic memory of Baihua Village resurfaced, and the old Taoist gritted his teeth, taking the huge risk of sneaking onto Daluo Island.
Yet, he didn’t risk heading directly to his treasure trove. Instead, he went to the market first and found a snack stall to gather information.
"You’re asking about big news on the island? Oh wow, dear guest, you haven’t heard? Something big happened..." The snack stall owner babbled, explaining to the old Taoist about the divine battle at Dongxuan Lake the previous day.
He didn’t notice that the old Taoist’s face was growing increasingly grim.
Prince Jing is dead... Prince Chen surrendered... Wu Xiankui lost an arm... Master Gu Huo almost wanted to flee immediately, but learning that the Empress had left with Zhao Douan the previous day, he sat back down.
Hmm... since his nemesis has already left, it seems safe...
After finishing his meal, Master Gu Huo hurriedly ascended Yutou Mountain, stealthily reaching a mound-like peak, then silently performing a hand sign, causing a dense fog to appear in the forest, revealing a secret passage leading inside the mountain.
"Hehe... My treasures, here comes your Daoist master..." Master Gu Huo rubbed his hands, grinning lecherously as he walked inside.
A moment later, a heart-wrenching, piercing howl echoed from Yutou Mountain: "Who moved my Daoist master’s treasure trove?!!!!"
...
...
Western Regions.
The Buddhist Ancestor Court sits atop a sun-facing mountain peak, emanating from a magnificently imposing temple structure.
This structure is named the "Golden Mountain Temple."
Generations of Dharma Kings have cultivated in the temple, while the subordinate Masters, effectively overriding the rulers of the various countries in the Western Regions, act according to the Dharma King’s orders.
At this moment, on a barren, vegetation-less mountain peak behind the Golden Mountain Temple, basking solely in sunlight.
Master Bian Ji lifted his monk’s robe and walked step by step along a rugged mountain path to reach the summit, looking towards Master Xuan Yin who was sitting in a lotus position there.
"Abbot, you have been meditating here for a day and a night," Master Bian Ji stated seriously.
The slightly hunched Master Xuan Yin clasped his hands together, his eyes shut tight, and upon hearing this, he slowly raised his eyes and sighed: "Prince Jing is dead, Wu Xiankui is defeated, the Empress has returned to the Capital."
Master Bian Ji was greatly shocked and his expression changed: "Could it be that the abbot sensed the turmoil between heaven and earth when you ascended the mountain yesterday and gazed eastward?"
Xuan Yin’s gray eyebrows fluttered in the wind: "Yes."
With a grave expression, Bian Ji asked: "Why would the Empress leave the Capital? Could it be that Zhang Yan Yi covered for her?"
Xuan Yin replied mysteriously: "Is it important? It is not."
Bian Ji said confusedly: "Abbot, I don’t understand. You’ve planned this major event for so many years and finally seized the opportunity of chaos in Yu Country. Our Buddhist sect has the chance to re-enter Yu Country, to avenge the humiliation of the Heavenly Hunting and Destruction of Buddha six hundred years ago, but now that Yu Country is stabilizing, they will likely focus on dealing with us. Aren’t you worried?"
Xuan Yin suddenly turned his head, looking deeply at Bian Ji, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth: "What makes you think I’ve been laying plans for years just to find an entry point into Yu Country? What makes you think that is my sole objective?"
Bian Ji was startled, confusion flooding his eyes: "Abbot, if that isn’t the case, then for what have you toiled all these years?"
But Xuan Yin did not explain, instead calmly stating: "Yu Country is not my enemy, nor is the Western Regions Buddhism, and Zhao Douan is even less so. Among all, Zhang Yan Yi is barely worth noticing."
These words were outrageously arrogant, as though he was not a "stray dog" fleeing from Yu Country, but rather, the world was unfolding precisely according to his expectations.
"Leave." Xuan Yin waved a hand: "Also, be sure to send word to the frontlines, saying that the Liao Clan is about to emerge, to steady the army’s morale."
The reclusive Liao Clan is also about to reveal themselves? Bian Ji’s heart was startled, yet he found it increasingly difficult to understand the old monk before him.
...
...
The Capital, Grand Temple!
"Your Majesty!"
When Zhao Douan followed the Empress to the outside of the Grand Temple, the patrolling members of the imperial guard stationed nearby immediately saluted.
The Grand Temple is a critical location for the Imperial Family, defended by specially assigned soldiers.
"I and Mr. Zhao will enter the Grand Temple to worship the ancestors, and no one else is to disturb us," Xu Zhenguan commanded lightly.
"By your command!" The officer responded with a salute, then watched with envy as the sovereign and minister entered through the Grand Temple gates.
"Boss, outsiders aren’t usually allowed in the Grand Temple. Why is His Majesty today..." a young soldier asked quietly.
The officer backhanded him solidly: "Silence! Who dares speak carelessly about His Majesty?"
Pausing, and confirming that the Empress had moved further away, he then whispered in awe: "Do you understand nothing? This is like meeting the parents."
...
The Grand Temple is large!
But the main hall, where many ancestral tablets were placed, lay deeper inside. The sovereign and minister left all servants behind, and the two of them pushed open the main hall doors.
