Chapter 204: Chapter 145: Rebellion_2
Translator: 549690339
Even so, entering the Netherworld and establishing the order of the afterlife is also a symbol and expression of a top-ranking Taoist sect.
It can bring fame and power, but it also comes with obligations and responsibilities.
Now, Guo Bei Academy has become the master of the south; if it were also to establish the order of the Netherworld, its authority would be all the more justified.
“That is one point,”
“And there is another.”
The crowd had just received news from the Yin Mountain Mansion and hadn’t yet digested it when they saw Xu Yang open his mouth and say, “My second brother enforces the law, eradicates demons, but looking across the world, there are more than just those in Black Mountain causing calamity. Therefore, my second brother has decided to purge the world, exterminate the group of demons, and for this reason, is absent from this banquet. I hope you all understand.”
“This…”
Everyone was startled upon hearing this, but they soon came to terms with it, and True Monarch Changrong even stroked his beard and said with a smile, “The Taoist Master still despises evil as vehemently as before; now those demons are in for trouble.”
There was an implication in his words.
Indeed, there was!
Despite having the image of a kind old man, one must never assume that a True Monarch is without schemes or intelligence, plain and simple.
True Monarch Changrong saw through the ingenuity of Xu Yang’s strategy with just a glance.
It was an open strategy aimed directly at Pudu Cihang!
Pudu Cihang is a demon that wishes to swallow the world whole and turn it into nourishment for itself.
But it cannot possibly stand against the entire world alone, devouring all directions.
When the time comes to cause trouble, there must be demonic minions — especially those age-old great demons — who will definitely become its accomplices, joining this frenzied battle to intercept the cultivators of the major Taoist sects.
Now, under the name of Daoist Celestial Master, Xu Yang’s cleansing of the world’s demons is a blatant move to cut off Pudu Cihang’s arms, weakening its power.
Pudu Cihang has no grounds to oppose it and can at most covertly intervene, helping those demons to hide away.
If a hand is extended too many times, it might just slip up.
This move is formidable indeed.
Furthermore, purging the world of demons comes with many gains, and by using them as resources, the strength of Guo Bei Academy is sure to leap forward dramatically.
This is truly putting Pudu Cihang on the grill!
True Monarch Changrong can already foresee the doubled pressure on the north after this news spreads.
It wasn’t only True Monarch Changrong who saw things clearly; the other True Monarchs were also insightful, quickly understanding the intricacies inside. Beyond their admiration, they began to feel upbeat about the future prospects.
At that moment, Xu Yang raised his glass and said with a light laugh, “Although the two elder brothers are not present, the three of us share honor and disgrace. I toast to you all as an expression of my sentiments.”
“Taoist Friend Liuxian is too kind.”
“Please!”
Upon hearing this, the others also smiled and raised their glasses in response.
Just as the host and guests were thoroughly enjoying themselves…
“The imperial envoy has arrived!”
A shrill shout disrupted the atmosphere of the banquet.
Frowning, the crowd exchanged glances and then looked towards the source of the voice.
They then saw a group approach, entering the area.
At the head of the group, one was a young man dressed in a dragon robe, and the other was a middle-aged monk with a commanding presence, tall in stature as if he were a protector deity.
“This…”
Seeing this scene, everyone frowned, but no one spoke, instead turning their gazes to Xu Yang.
Xu Yang didn’t make a move, allowing the newcomers to approach the center of the banquet. They left their guards outside and walked into the middle of the banquet area alone. Then the young man lifted an object in his hand, looked around at everyone, and directed his gaze towards the seat of honor: “The imperial edict is here, where is Li Liuxian?”
“Impudence!”
At these words, a disciple of the academy angrily slammed the table and stood up: “Who are you to call my master by his name so casually?”
“Hmph!”
The young man smiled unconcernedly, “I am King Zhao of the royal family of Great Chen, the brother of the Emperor. I am now serving as the imperial envoy, here to announce the decree. Where is Li Liuxian?”
“What audacity…”
Seeing him assume such an attitude, the crowd grew angrier and were about to act.
Yet, Xu Yang waved his hand, “Read it.”
“So you are Li Liuxian. Indeed, meeting a person is better than hearing of them.”
With a smile, the young man opened the imperial edict and read aloud, “By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees, Li Liuxian is talented beyond measure, esteemed by all under the sky, truly a pillar of the state and a support of society. Now bestowed with the title of King Zhennan, to forever govern the southern lands, his title shall be hereditary and never change with the country sharing his prosperity. Guo Bei Academy is hereby declared the premier academy in all the land…”
As they listened to the youth read the decree, everyone was speechless, with furrowed brows.
Is this an imperial decree?
Not a joke?
Has there ever been such an absurd imperial decree?
No no no, although the reasoning is absurd, upon closer consideration, it may well reflect the Chen Dynasty’s stance toward that National Guardian Abbot, right?
King Zhennan, to forever govern the southern lands?
Could it be that they are willing to concede, seeking peace to achieve a division of north and south?
No, no, that’s not it. If there were a desire for peace, why would they send someone like him, especially at such a gathering?
What on earth do they intend to do?
In the hearts of the crowd, doubt piled upon doubt.
At that moment, the youth had finished reading the decree, his smile enigmatic as he looked toward the stage, “Congratulations to King Zhennan, please receive the decree.”
Xu Yang looked at him and simply smiled, “A guest is a guest, find them a place to sit.”
“Yes!”
Hearing this, someone immediately stood up and cleared a seat.
Seeing this, the youth was fearless, “King Zhennan is indeed hospitable.”
Having said this, he and the monk boldly took their seats.
This action plunged the atmosphere into awkwardness; people exchanged glances, unsure of what to do.
At this moment…
“Ha!”
A light chuckle drew attention, and it was the youth who spoke again, “There’s food and drink, yet no songs or dances. How can this pass for a feast? Alas, this king arrived in haste and did not bring any dancers.”
After speaking, his gaze shifted, looking at Xu Yang, “King Zhennan, I hear your Guo Bei Academy teaches all without distinction, even women can enroll. Even those from the Jiangnan Top Ten Huakui and the Qinhuai Eight Beauties have been admitted into your academy, which really arouses envy. Could we perhaps invite them to present a song and dance for our enjoyment?”
“This…”
Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished, looking unbelievably at King Zhao.
Is this man… mad?
Does he know what he’s doing?
Or is he doing this deliberately?
What exactly is Pudu Cihang up to?
As everyone was stunned, Xu Yang remained indifferent.
Seeing this, King Zhao grew even more audacious, “But I reckon that even the Jiangnan Top Ten Huakui and the Qinhuai Eight Beauties do not compare with the beauty at King Zhennan’s side. Could we perhaps ask King Zhennan to…”
“Drag him down and execute him!”
Before the words were finished, they were abruptly cut off from above.
The scene tensed, and immediately action was taken, moving toward King Zhao.
Although he had expected such an outcome, witnessing it caused King Zhao’s expression to change, and he began to shout loudly, “Li Liuxian, I am an envoy appointed by the Emperor, the brother of the Emperor, a royal prince of Great Chen, you dare…”
Before he could finish, he was seized and dragged out of his seat.
“Amitabha!”
Seeing this, the middle-aged monk finally stood up, reciting the Buddha’s name in calm protest, “When nations are at war, envoys should not be harmed. What you do…”
“Go back and tell Pudu Cihang.”
Again interrupted before finishing, Xu Yang cast his gaze downward, indifferently speaking, “Such trifling tricks won’t help him in any way. Present something more convincing, or else his days are numbered!”