Jin Prefecture, Prefecture City
As the rain started to fall, a scream could be heard from within the palace. The wild goose lowered its head and saw soldiers surrounding it. The smell of blood filled the air as it tried to escape.
"Ah, that's impossible!" An imperial guard rushed to the door and asked, "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"
"Nothing!" Before long, King Lu's voice could be heard. Although the imperial guard was suspicious, he retreated, "Yes, your majesty."
Within the room, King Lu's upper body was bare, and his hair was disheveled. He looked at the bronze mirror and had a look of fear on his face. He touched his forehead and noticed that there was a horn on his forehead. There were runes on it, and it was glowing.
"How did I become like this?" King Lu's face contorted in disbelief, "Li Cheng can maintain his human form, but why can't I? Why am I like this?"
King Lu spoke softly, unable to accept what had happened. He opened his eyes and looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes were filled with ferocity, "I haven't accomplished anything yet, how can I face people like this?"
"Wouldn't that be telling the world that I'm a demon, that I'm despised by the world, that I'm the enemy of the world?"
"Li Cheng, you dare to frame me? You want to place me in a dangerous situation? "
King Lu stood in front of the mirror and mumbled to himself, trying to calm himself down. The world disappeared and King Lu realized that he had woken up. He wasn't surprised, but was instead elated.
Although he had massacred an entire city and his reputation was in tatters, he was now the Demon Emperor. All sorts of miraculous techniques flowed through his mind. As long as he could turn his army into a demon, so what if his reputation was in tatters?
The Emperor had to have strong soldiers and horses!
But after a nap, he had grown a horn, and there was even a faintly discernible eye between his eyebrows. This was completely different. This was a demon!
Who would be willing to be a demon?
This would incite the greatest rebellion. Be it the commoners or the officials, they would never accept a demon.
As he thought of this, he looked at himself in the mirror and clenched his fists. His fingernails turned sharp and cold, "Li Cheng, are you going to force me into a corner?"
The rain was getting heavier, as it hit the window. All of a sudden, a thunderous rumble could be heard.
"Boom!" King Lu's body trembled as he felt a chill run down his spine. He then looked up and saw that the entire sky was covered by dark clouds. The cracks in the clouds were bright, and from time to time, the sound of rolling thunder could be heard.
"With the wind and thunder around the corner, I should be in awe, but what I fear is not this." King Lu's senses were much sharper now that he was in his demonic form. He could feel the hostility in the air, as though it was like maggots in his bones. He couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, drenching his entire back.
"I've been rejected by heaven's will?"
"When I was born, I was blessed with a green aura that hung from the hood of a chariot. I was not destined to be a subject."
"With this Life Providence, even if there is Heaven's Wrath, it won't immediately befall me. However, how much longer can I endure the Heart of Heaven's Hatred?"
"Pei Zi Yun, Li Cheng, you can kill them all." King Lu trembled as his face contorted. The image of a three-faced giant appeared within the mirror.
King Lu took a step back before he unsheathed his sword and sliced the mirror into two. He then shouted out, "Why?"
"Why am I not the Crown Prince? Why am I like this just because I'm a few days late? Heavens, it's all your fault, it's all your fault! "
"Since that's the case, I'll use the human race as a sacrifice to turn all living creatures into demons and bring chaos to this world."
"Haha!" King Lu's maniacal voice rang out in all directions. As his voice echoed out, the eyes of the Imperial Guards started to turn red, as though they were filled with blood.
Ping Shou County
The sky was nearing dusk as the boat sailed along the river. However, the rain continued to fall, and the speed of the boat wasn't very fast. Yu Yun Jun saw that the county was right in front of her eyes, and that the Elders were already prepared. She then retrieved a flask of wine and entered the cabin.
She then saw Pei Zi Yun dressed in casual clothes, and writing under the light of the lantern. She then laughed, "We're almost home, what are you writing now? Come, I've brought you a flask of wine. "
"Master, I'm writing a Dao manual. These few years, I've gained quite a lot of knowledge. I want to organize them and create a complete path for Free Cloud Sect." Pei Zi Yun was so focused on writing that he didn't notice Yu Yun Jun enter. When he heard her question, he put down his brush and smiled before receiving the flask of wine. He then poured himself a cup and smiled, "This wine is not bad. Master loves me too much."
Hearing Pei Zi Yun say this, Yu Yun Jun laughed, "I know you love good wine, and so I prepared it for you."
She then paused for sometime before asking, "Did something happen to the Imperial Court?"
"Why does Master ask me this?" Pei Zi Yun asked. Yu Yun Jun nodded her head, "King Lu hasn't even been dealt with, and you've returned just like that. I feel uneasy. Did something happen?"
"Master, you're worrying too much. I have two reasons for this."
Seeing that Yu Yun Jun was confused, Pei Zi Yun laughed, "Firstly, the entire Imperial Court thinks that King Lu is finished. They can't wait for me to not interfere. If I wanted to interfere, that would be fine. However, I'm a Daoist. If I were to compete with them, not only would I offend a large number of people, I would also incur the hatred of the Imperial Court. Furthermore, I'm a True Sovereign, and have no titles or rewards. Since that's the case, why should I continue to do so?"
"That's why I used the excuse of losing three thousand men to beg for forgiveness and return home. Indeed, the Imperial Court approved of my request and rewarded me with gold and silver."
When Yu Yun Jun heard this, she noticed that Pei Zi Yun had a faint smile on his face. She felt that something was amiss and asked, "What you've said makes sense. However, I feel that this isn't the only thing you're thinking about. Would you back down so easily? I don't believe it. "
"Haha!" Pei Zi Yun laughed, "Master, you understand me well. That's right, it's not just this."
As he spoke, he stood up and paced around the cabin of the ship. He didn't speak for a long time before sighing, "Have you ever heard of the saying that an ordinary man is innocent, but possessing a jade ring becomes a crime?"
"Possessing a jade ring is a crime. What's more, possessing the power to threaten the Imperial Court. When I became an Earth Immortal, it was already difficult for me to tolerate it. Now that I've passed the Tribulations, I've exceeded the limits of the Imperial Court's tolerance. I'm afraid my honeymoon with the Imperial Court has come to an end."
As he spoke, he recalled all those years ago, before the Crown Prince ascended to the throne. He then sat down once more, his eyes gleaming with melancholy as he stared into the rainy night. He then said, "Strong winds test the strength of the grass, and the strength of the officials is revealed!"
"But on the other hand, if the grass wants to show its strength, it needs strong winds. If the officials want to be put in an important position, the country will fall into chaos."
When Yu Yun Jun heard this, she hesitated, "Are you saying that the Imperial Court is going to make a move against us?"
Pei Zi Yun laughed as he stood up and walked towards the sand table. He then pointed at it and said, "No, I'm going to use the same tactic I used against Count Zhong Qin to deal with the Imperial Court."
"King Lu is at the end of his rope?"
"If he were a mortal, that would indeed be the case. After such a defeat, the morale of his troops would crumble. No matter how capable he is, it would be difficult to turn the situation around."
"But now, he has become a Demon Emperor. Although it's not easy for a demon spirit to possess an army, it wouldn't be difficult for him to have a few thousand more soldiers."
"Hm, King Lu is proficient in the art of war, and has such a powerful army. How can it be easy to defeat him?"
"Even if it's me, I have to think twice."
"Now that the Imperial Court wants to pluck the peaches, the officials want to pluck the peaches, and even the Daoist sects want to pluck the peaches, I'll let them have their way."
"Let's see if they bite down on the peaches, or if they break their teeth?" Pei Zi Yun gritted his teeth as he laughed, "To put it bluntly, I'm running out of time."
"What I need isn't to defeat King Lu immediately, but to buy some time."
"King Lu has cut himself off from the world. He's cut himself off from his ancestors, and from the will of the heavens. However, the centipede is still alive, and has the strength of the demons. It won't be easy to defeat him in a short period of time."
Pei Zi Yun spoke slowly and clearly, his tone was icy cold, "I'm not trying to take the peaches. Even if I were to kill King Lu, what rewards would I get?"
"I just want to buy a few years of time, so that the Imperial Court and the Daoist sects can deal with King Lu. Only then will I realize that I'm no longer able to control him."
"Since you want me to retreat, it's going to be difficult for me to take over again. This time, it won't be like the last time, where I can act as I please."
This discussion was extremely enlightening to Yu Yun Jun. She didn't expect that these few steps would have such a deep meaning. It's just that if this were to happen, the situation in the north would become chaotic once again. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but stopped herself. She then sighed, "It's a pity for the citizens."
"There's nothing we can do about it!" Pei Zi Yun's voice was calm as he looked out the window, "So many heroes and heroes can't bear to leave this country."
"That's why I'd rather know that it's disadvantageous to myself, and that it's unfair to myself, but I still have to give it my all."
"As for me, I'm just a cold-hearted Daoist."
Yu Yun Jun remained silent for a long time before she spoke, "Demon race, what's going on here?"
"It's like this, I'm afraid they're from outside this world …" Pei Zi Yun thought for sometime before explaining everything in detail. When Yu Yun Jun heard this, she sighed and looked worried, "It's another chaotic world. How long has it been since the world was peaceful?"
"This isn't our fault, Master. I've decided to arrange it this way." Pei Zi Yun walked closer and whispered to her. At this point, someone shouted, "We've arrived at the pier."
Pei Zi Yun laughed, "Let's go ashore!"
Snail Village
When they returned home, the weather was perfect. The rain had stopped and the sky was clear. Smoke could be seen rising from the chimneys of the village. Before long, Fei Mansion was brightly lit. The moonlight shone through the door and illuminated the main hall. The welcoming banquet had ended. Pei Zi Yun was in the inner hall talking to Pei Qian Shi. Pei Qian Shi held her son's hand and looked at him for a long time without speaking.
"Your son has traveled a thousand miles, and your mother worries about you. Your son is unfilial, and can't serve you. I'm sorry for making you worry." Pei Zi Yun said in shame.
"My son has grown up, and my ambition is to travel far and wide." Pei Qian Shi paused before sighing, "When I heard that my son had returned this morning, I was happy and sad at the same time."
"Why is that?"
"The last time the magistrate came, he was very respectful to me. I know that my life and glory were all earned by my son's hard work. I'm happy and sad at the same time."
"Ai, your mother only wishes for you to be safe and sound."
Pei Zi Yun looked at Pei Qian Shi's silver hair and tightened his grip on her hand. He did not know how to respond, and could only sigh.
When he returned to the backyard, he saw that the pavilion was lit. There was a pot of tea and a few plates of snacks on the table. There was also a small wine jar.
"Husband."
"Senior brother."
"Master."
The two beauties stood up to greet him. Pei Zi Yun nodded his head, "It wasn't convenient to speak just now. Since we're here, let's sit for a while …"
In the pavilion, they chatted for a while.
When they parted ways, Ye Su'er had mentioned that she had a set of clothes made, but had not taken it out yet. Chu Xia then asked about the situation. Liao Qing Ye opened her eyes wide and was very interested. She pestered Pei Zi Yun, "Teacher teacher …"
"Alright then, let's talk …"
Just now, Ye Su'er and Chu Xia had talked a lot, while Liao Qing Ye had talked a little less. Thinking about it, it was a form of compensation.
When Pei Zi Yun was telling the story to them, he noticed that they were very concerned about his safety. He could not help but be taken aback. He then blurted out, "It was said that when the Thief King waved his hand, demonic energy would surge within the army."
Liao Qing Ye was mesmerized by the story, while Chu Xia was racking her brains on how to make the demonic energy surge within the army.
"Husband …" Ye Su'er reminded him. She was the only calm and clear-headed listener.
Pei Zi Yun would occasionally stop to drink some tea to moisten his throat. He turned around and saw that Ye Su'er was listening attentively. It seemed like she was worried too.
Unknowingly, the moon was high up in the sky. It was late at night, and the banquet was almost over.
Chu Xia was actually very intelligent. She saw Pei Zi Yun and Ye Su'er looking at each other, and stretched lazily. She then walked out of the pavilion, picked up her own lamp, and led Liao Qing Ye away.
After walking a few steps, she turned into the shade of a tree and hid herself from the sight of the two of them. Tears welled up in her eyes. No matter what, the moon was full, and she was full. Chu Xia, you must be happy.
Liao Qing Ye looked up at her. In the pavilion, Pei Zi Yun helped Ye Su'er with her lamp. Chu Xia did not stop him, but watched as he did so.
The two of them returned to the master bedroom. Just as Pei Zi Yun was about to extinguish the lamp, she took it and hung it on the window.
"Your husband has been away for too long, and has forgotten the customs of my hometown. When the moon is full, the lamp will not be extinguished, and a thousand lanterns will shine upon you."
"Husband … Don't you have anything else to say to your wife?"
Pei Zi Yun brushed aside a strand of her hair and looked at her familiar and elegant face, "I have troubled you at home."
"Yes, I heard mother's words just now. When husband is not home, your wife will be filial to you." Ye Su'er raised her head and looked at him. Her voice became soft and almost inaudible, "But your wife misses you too."
Her small hands wrapped around his waist, and he held her hands. He could not speak, and could only sigh heavily.
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