The No.1 Undercover in the Immortal World-Chapter 792 - 298: I Want to Enter into a Marital Alliance
This night, many people from the Central Plains and Grassland had the same dream.
In the dream, a woman whose face was indistinct whispered in their ears, "The Four Spirits Barrier has been broken, and the Demon Race will soon arrive. Will you fight, or will you submit?"
Inside Purple Cloud Mountain, Zhao Lingyu suddenly woke up with a start, glancing around her sleeping palace high atop Purple Cloud Mountain, urgently calling out, "Honorable Li!"
"Your servant is here."
Honorable Li emerged from the shadows of the corner pillar.
As an acolyte who had followed her since her days of fallen grace, Honorable Li had received her due reward. Now, though she held no official position, she was the person closest to and most trusted by Zhao Lingyu.
Allowing her to guard the sleeping palace at night was enough to demonstrate Zhao Lingyu’s trust in her.
But inside, Honorable Li was panicking.
She was an insider traitor!
Who would have thought that Zhao Lingyu, the least likely candidate, would garner so much support and ascend to the throne as Empress?
In terms of cultivation level, backing, or scheming, Zhao Lingyu had nothing that seemed to support her success.
Yet succeed she did.
Honorable Li now deeply regretted it.
Because she was still being manipulated by a certain prince.
The other party hadn’t demanded that she do anything too outrageous right away, after all, even if Zhao Lingyu were to be killed, the ownership of the imperial power wouldn’t easily shift.
But recently, that person seemed to have lost his senses, actually thinking of having Zhao Lingyu choose a consort to extend the imperial lineage, and Honorable Li’s task was to ensure the victory of the man he arranged.
This was truly a death sentence.
And as Zhao Lingyu’s personal acolyte, how could she be unaware of how Zhao Lingyu became the Empress?
Her own luck was certainly important, having gained the recognition of the Nine States Cauldron, but what was more important was her relationship with Lin Yun, with which she secured the support of two important figures, Lin Yu and Fang Yu.
If Zhao Lingyu were to find another man, allowing someone to steal the imperial position, would Lin Yu and Fang Yu accept it?
But if she did nothing, the other party would not let it go either.
In her heart, Honorable Li felt bitter; overall, she was filled with regret.
Fortunately, Honorable Li didn’t have to lead the charge; she just needed to guide Zhao Lingyu appropriately at the right time.
On this night, with Zhao Lingyu awakening from a dream, Honorable Li thought her chance had come.
She simply needed to tell Zhao Lingyu that if someone was by her side, there would be no midnight frights. She believed that the long-lonely Zhao Lingyu should consider the opinions put forth by her ministers.
With a plan in mind, Honorable Li coolly said, "Your Majesty, what’s wrong?"
She thought Zhao Lingyu had a nightmare, not knowing that Zhao Lingyu dreamt of a goddess.
"Disaster has struck."
Zhao Lingyu said with a face of grave seriousness.
Without a second thought, Honorable Li listened as Zhao Lingyu commanded, "Summon the Six Sects Patriarchs and the Enlightened Realm Elders of each sect to appear at Purple Cloud Mountain within a day. Additionally, send my word to Elder Lin and Elder Fang."
Zhao Lingyu quickly penned down a few lines of text and handed them to Honorable Li.
Honorable Li was dumbfounded on the spot.
What major incident had occurred?
Timidly, Honorable Li asked, "Your Majesty, what event has warranted such a massive mobilization?"
Although the Six Sects were subservient, it was not a willing submission. Several princes of Great Zhou had also submitted, but Zhao Lingyu had yet to execute them, and they were still colluding with some sects in secret. Despite the strength of Lin Yu and Fang Yu commanding their respect, deep down they still harbored thoughts of rebellion.
If not necessary, Zhao Lingyu shouldn’t have issued such an order.
Upon hearing Honorable Li’s question, Zhao Lingyu hesitated for a few seconds before replying, "I need to choose a consort."
Honorable Li: "..."
Without my prompting, has Zhao Lingyu suddenly had an epiphany?
And no longer cares about Lin Yun?
Yay!
"Your servant will go send the message at once."
Honorable Li hurriedly left.
With the speed of using Spirit Talismans, before daylight, all sects had received the news.
Zhao Lingyu had given them a day’s time, but it only took half a day for all sects to arrive.
Not only did the required Patriarchs and Elders arrive, but except for Taiqing Daoist Temple and Eight Tones Temple, the other sects brought a handsome and beautiful man each.
Eight Tones Temple didn’t bring one, as they were monks and couldn’t marry, and as for the Taiqing Daoist Temple...
Zhenren believed himself to be handsome.
Zhao Lingyu inwardly sneered, sure enough, there was an insider traitor in her sleeping palace.
Otherwise, why else would these sects bring dashing young men with them?
Is it not that they are thinking of being chosen by her, then stealing the imperial position?
However, Zhao Lingyu didn’t say anything. She sat in the principal seat, unfathomable and inscrutable, her emotions unreadable.
At this moment, Zhao Lingyu already possessed the majesty of an Empress.
"My lords, I have called you here today for only one matter," she declared.
The audience all lifted their heads. They had their spies within Purple Cloud Mountain, and gathering a bit of information was simple.
This was also because Zhao Lingyu had yet to relinquish her position as the Shenxiao Sect Leader, and the Imperial City of the previous dynasty was almost abandoned. After Zhao Lingyu’s ascent to the throne, she announced the old Capital City to remain the capital but, disliking its ill-fortune, never moved there. Instead, she temporarily made Purple Cloud Mountain her makeshift palace and did not build another elsewhere.
The reason was the unceasing wars in recent years, and in order to let the people rest, she did not want to undertake construction.
The citizens all praised the Empress for her wisdom. This was Zhao Lingyu’s tactic: to hold her ground at Purple Cloud Mountain and also gain a good reputation.
However, with benefits came drawbacks. Without the security of the Imperial Palace, Purple Cloud Mountain was more susceptible to insider traitors.
All this was anticipated, so it didn’t matter much.
Zhao Lingyu cast a playful glance at those harboring ulterior motives and said, "Last night, I was warned by a Divine Spirit in my dream. The northern barrier has been breached, and the Demon Race is about to return en masse. I have gathered you to discuss a strategy in response."
Hearing these words, everyone’s face twisted with discomfort.
Just when we finally had a few days of peace, this happens again? And it’s such a major issue, can’t we catch a break?
Fang Yu and Lin Yu exchanged glances before Lin Yu stepped forward and said, "Speaking of the Demon Race, we encountered a member of their race in Cloud Dream Marsh. Her strength was so formidable that even the combined efforts of me, the Flower Fairy, and Bai Jiaojiao were insufficient to defeat her. I fear she has transcended the mortal realm and could be considered a god."
Lin Yu’s words were more shocking than those of Zhao Lingyu.
Currently, Lin Yu is recognized as the most powerful individual in the Central Plains. Bai Jiaojiao may not be well-known, but the upper echelons are aware of the existence of this powerful dragon.
As for how the Flower Fairy came to join forces with Lin Yu...
It’s best not to dwell on such details. If asked, it’s because Lin Yu is the best in the world.
Lin Yu is still entangled with the traitor from the Central Plains, Lin Yun, and no one dares to pursue the matter.
The most pressing issue now is that member of the Demon Race.
Lin Yu believes her strength has surpassed the mortal world, which means she is above the Defiant Heavenly Realm, a true deity-level powerhouse.
And she’s from the Demon Race.
We’re doomed!
For a moment, those who came to Purple Cloud Mountain with special intentions lost all interest in seeking marriage with Zhao Lingyu.
With a major crisis looming, who’s thinking about marriage?
When the real battle comes, imperial power is worthless.
"Elder Lin, do you have any strategies to counter this?"
Ji Ye hurriedly inquired, and the others from the various sects also turned their attention to Lin Yu.
Only Jiang Chenyu stood silently in her place, idly daydreaming.
In the past, Guanghan Palace used to be the leader of the Righteous Path. Although Yuxuan was considered the best in the world, since the Taiqing Daoist Temple sought no conflict, everyone looked to Guanghan Palace for guidance.
Now, all eyes have turned to Lin Yu, and Jiang Chenyu finds herself remarkably calm.
Maybe this is what being zen feels like!
"Nothing can strike a chord in my heart anymore. I have but one wish—to cultivate!"
With the help of the Moon Water Spirit Pearl, she has quietly advanced her cultivation to the fourth turn.
While she hasn’t broken through to the Defiant Heavenly Realm, her cultivation level is not weaker than those within it.
Hmph, my dear disciple, just you wait. I shall have my revenge for what happened last time!
While Jiang Chenyu was still harboring thoughts of getting even with the Flower Fairy, Lin Yu provided her answer.
"If any of us can break through the limits of our realms, we might stand a chance in battle. If we cannot, then no matter how numerous we are, we won’t be her match."
Lin Yu is smart but disdains lying.
Deceiving these people is pointless.
If we can’t win, we can’t win.
"I have a plan. Would you all like to hear it?"
As noise filled the hall, Zhao Lingyu, who had been silent for quite some time, suddenly spoke up.
Being the Empress, when she spoke in such a manner, the Elders of the sects present knew she was rebuking them.
Everyone quieted down, but no one apologized to Zhao Lingyu.
It couldn’t be helped. Zhao Lingyu’s cultivation level was low. Even though she had become the Empress, it wasn’t possible for these higher-level cultivators to sincerely submit to her.
Zhao Lingyu wasn’t upset. Once everyone was quiet, she continued, "With the strength of the Central Plains alone, we absolutely cannot resist the Demon Race. Everyone should know the legend of the four kings. The Grassland, the Demon Tribe, and even the recently emerged Yuan Family all share the same roots and lineage.
With the Demon Race bringing calamity upon us today, we should lay down our arms and unite against the common enemy."
Zhao Lingyu’s words rang true, but Zhenren held a different opinion.
"We in the Central Plains take the greater picture into account, but aside from the Yuan Family, the Grassland is mostly filled with barbarians, and the Demon Tribe with beasts. How can they unite with us in heart and mind?"
Zhenren voiced the concern in many people’s minds, but Zhao Lingyu confidently said, "I already have a strategy for this—it’s a marriage alliance."
"A marriage alliance?!"
Both Fang Yu and Lin Yu were stunned. Zhao Lingyu had really grown, making such a big decision without consulting them.
Although they hoped for Zhao Lingyu to mature, wasn’t this a bit too sudden...
Their feelings were complicated, while others were more interested in who the marriage alliance would be with.
"May I ask Your Majesty, how do you plan to carry out this marriage alliance?"
Thinking of the news previously leaked from Zhao Lingyu’s chambers, the various sect leaders had their speculations.
Sure enough, Zhao Lingyu openly said, "To reassure the Grassland, the person involved in the marriage alliance must have a significant status. I happen to be of marrying age. Who else but myself should be the one for this marriage alliance?"
"This..."
The attendees exchanged perplexed glances. Although Zhao Lingyu’s logic was sound, in history, no Emperor had personally been involved in a marriage alliance.
Oh, but there had never been an Empress before.
And the central threat from the Central Plains was actually the Grassland, but the Snow Maiden was female, so how could there be a marriage alliance? The other option was Yuan Zidan, but wasn’t he captured? Was there still a need for an alliance? 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
That left only the Demon Tribe. But the newly crowned Demon King, the Flower Fairy, was also female...
For a moment, everyone in the hall was in a daze: an Empress marrying out was unheard of, and it was still uncertain which family the alliance would be with.
Wait, if the Empress marries out, who will be the Emperor?
If the man marries into her family, wouldn’t it be called a union?
People were starting to feel uncomfortable with the details, and Lin Yu looked at Zhao Lingyu with a mixture of feelings. She had grown up, but at such a young age, she had to bear such immense pressure. It wasn’t easy for her.
At that moment, Zhenren suddenly asked, "With whom does Your Majesty plan to enter into a marriage alliance?"
"The Grassland Divine Child, Lin Yun."
Lin Yu: "..."
Why did I feel sorry for you just now?
