My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult-Chapter 363 - 263 Prosperity Fades Posthumous Affairs
Chapter 363: Chapter 263: Prosperity Fades, Posthumous Affairs
Chapter 363: Chapter 263: Prosperity Fades, Posthumous Affairs
An Jing looked at the woman in front of him and said, “Princess, you are truly intoxicated.”
“Intoxicated?”
Zhao Xuening gently stretched out her hand, wanting to caress An Jing’s cheek.
Her hand moved neither hastily nor slowly, her eyes fixated on An Jing’s serene eyes.
Suddenly, her hand paused mid-air, then casually she grabbed the wine pot, and burst into laughter, “Why isn’t Master An drinking?”
As she spoke, she took a wine cup, filled it to the brim and handed it to An Jing.
An Jing took the wine cup, noticing the red lipstick mark on the rim, and said, “Thank you, Your Highness. I am somewhat intoxicated as well; perhaps it’s best to escort the princess back early.”
Zhao Xuening waved her hand and said, “No need, I can manage on my own.”
As she spoke, she slowly walked towards the hall, as if waiting for something with every step she took.
The evening moon knows not your southern thoughts; Both I and the east wind have too much affection.
An Jing also stood up, watching that graceful figure.
Tonight there was neither wind nor rain because the wind had found its destination.
At this moment, the two seemed to share an unspoken understanding that required no further words.
Reaching the threshold, Zhao Xuening’s steps paused slightly as she admired the evening sun, “Today’s sunset is beautiful.”
An Jing nodded, “Indeed it is beautiful.”
The two fell silent, both gazing at the sky outside the hall.
The setting sun gradually disappeared into the orange sky, ushering the time when night would fall.
Zhao Xuening’s smile gradually faded, and she sighed, “Beautiful sceneries are frequent, but the companions to share them with are rare.”
An Jing said, “There will be more to come.”
Zhao Xuening said, “The scenery is beautiful, but the boat will eventually reach the shore. Let’s leave matters of the future for later; after all, nobody knows what the future holds.”
After saying this, she didn’t say goodbye and just walked out towards the hall outside.
An Jing stood there watching Zhao Xuening disappear from his sight.
“Hmmm… Let’s continue drinking.”
Just then, a muddled voice pulled An Jing back to the present.
Tan Yun was slumped over the table, her face as red as dripping blood.
“Can’t outdrink others, yet you forcefully drink, do you think this is like eating, where you can have more even after being full?”
An Jing shook his head, then lifted Tan Yun’s body, “Let me take you to rest first.”
The burning hot body in his arms made him immediately feel the soft warmth pressing against him, stirring his inner turmoil.
Tan Yun clasped her arms tightly around An Jing’s neck, nestling in his embrace as if she had suddenly quieted down.
Perhaps An Jing rarely saw Tan Yun so quiet, watching her lightly fluttering eyelashes, he couldn’t help but show a slight smile, “When you are not speaking, you indeed look very beautiful.”
“Son-in-law…”
Tan Yun seemed to sense something and opened her intoxicated eyes.
An Jing asked, “What is it? Are you feeling unwell?”
“Son-in-law, I have something to tell you.”
Tan Yun clung tightly to An Jing’s neck, pressing close enough for him to clearly feel the tumultuous pressure.
An Jing felt enveloped by her presence and instinctively said, “What is it? Let’s talk after you wake up.”
“I… I want to say it now.”
Tan Yun’s eyes brimmed with moisture, her expression slightly blurred, and her lips parted slightly.
An Jing suddenly felt a pang in his heart, sensing something ominous, but it was too late.
“I… I like… Blargh!”
An Jing completely froze, standing there dazed.
……
Yujing City, Dragon Spring Temple.
The Buddhist temple in Yujing City, which had become significant for the spread of Buddhist teachings in the Great Yan Dynasty due to the eastward return of Buddhism, was also known as the number one temple in the East.
In the Zen room, an old monk sat cross-legged on a cushion.
This monk, with his eyes tightly shut and an expression as serene as an ancient well, wore a kasaya that distinctly differed from ordinary monks, in a cryptic black and red pattern.
If An Jing were there, he would surely recognize that this monk was Xi Hafu.
Tianyi Bodhisattva and Fa Wu sat beside him, their brows furrowed, seemingly still digesting what Xi Hafu had said.
After a long while, Fa Wu finally spoke, “What the grandmaster implies is, must we first absorb this evil spirit?”
Xi Hafu said indifferently, “It is the trend of the times. How can you enlighten others if you do not first enlighten yourselves?”
Tianyi Bodhisattva, puzzled, asked, “With the descent of this evil spirit, can truly everyone become a Buddha?”
Previously, Xi Hafu had been very secretive about this evil spirit; why did he suddenly want the Buddhist disciples to absorb it now?
Moreover, he had mentioned before that upon absorbing the evil spirit, one would turn into an evil spirit, so how is it now that they become Buddhas?
Xi Hafu said, “It is possible.”
Fa Wu muttered to himself, “Everyone can become a Buddha?”
If everyone can become a Buddha, then what truly is a Buddha?
So, he couldn’t believe that by absorbing the evil spirit, one could become a Buddha, knowing that his senior brother Fa Zhi had died in Three Temple Mountain trying to suppress this evil spirit. Yet now, it was said that this evil spirit was meant to enlighten people into Buddhahood, how could he accept this?
In Fa Wu’s view, it all happened in a single thought, a thought of enlightenment and all beings became Buddhas; a thought of confusion, and it transformed into the six realms of existence.
Xi Hafu pressed his palms together and slowly opened his eyes, “It is said that all forms are but illusions. If one perceives that all forms are no-form, then one sees the true being.”
This is the meaning within the Buddhist Diamond Sutra, fundamentally, if one sees that all forms are no-form, that is the true nature itself; true nature arises thoughts, which are delusive thoughts, not arising, not seeing is Zhenyi, the mind generates everything, when the thought of form is extinguished, form has no substance, the form of no-form is the true form, and the substance of no substance is the true substance, with no thoughts and no-form all ties cease.
In other words, if you can see the true form of a Buddha, it is false, that is just the image you conceive in your mind, born from attachment, and not the true Buddha.
What you see is not the true seeing.
This is what is meant by all forms are no-form.
The words of the Diamond Sutra are filled with supreme wisdom.
However, as soon as Xi Hafu’s voice fell.
In an instant.
The entire Dragon Spring Temple vibrated thunderously.
Boom.
The sound of thunder continued incessantly, a beam of golden Buddhist light slashed through the sky, illuminating the entire Dragon Spring Temple, ultimately shining upon Xi Hafu.
Immediately after, waves of Buddhist chants rose, and golden lotuses blossomed around Xi Hafu, radiating endless Buddhist light.
The vast Dragon Spring Temple was bathed in Buddhist light, resembling the true Pure Land, and at this moment, Xi Hafu seemed like the Buddha himself had arrived.
All the monks in Dragon Spring Temple raised their heads, looked at the Buddhist light, involuntarily saw with awe, all unaware of what exactly had happened.
And all this, was merely an anomaly brought forth by a casual remark from Xi Hafu!
At this moment, Fa Wu had an astonished expression, looking at Xi Hafu, his eyes filled with shock.
“Uncle Master, you truly are the reincarnation of Buddha.”
Tianyi Bodhisattva, with tears brimming in his eyes, said, “Today is indeed for the reincarnation to ferry beings once more.”
……
The night was tranquil, submerging everything into deep slumber.
In an elegant and serene room, the soft moonlight slanted down through the window lattice, illuminating the barely burning candle, making the dim room a bit brighter.
Xiao Qianqiu sat cross-legged on the cushion, the horsetail whisk set aside, holding a book titled “Three Stars Formation.”
About dozens of breaths later, he put down the book in his hands and slowly stood up, walking towards the window.
This night the sky was dotted with countless stars, scattered across the heavens.
Xiao Qianqiu’s eyes gleamed as he looked again at the night sky, as if a tremendous change had occurred in the world.
The pervasive purple aura in the center began to disperse, the surrounding energies gathered, becoming more intense and restless, causing the Zihuan star to dim and appear to be declining.
“The major forces are still shifting.”
Xiao Qianqiu looked at his hand and murmured in a low voice, “The fate of this world, in whose hands does it ultimately rest?”
Since ancient times, those who have controlled the fate of the world could be the worldly emperors, Mystical Sect leaders, or other masters hidden in the shadows, like the immortal Qian Qiu.
But with a stray thought escaping the Dragon Locking Well, everything had changed.
The course of the world’s fate had also changed.
Yet some things change, and some things never do.
People’s hearts may change, but the Dao remains eternal and unchanging.
The Earth Vein Spirit breaking free from the Dragon Locking Well was only a matter of time.
Xiao Qianqiu knew that the path ahead had become unpredictable, and even he had difficulty seeing clearly what might happen next.
Whiz!
Just then, a purple starlight pierced through the thick Qi mechanism and fell towards the ground, shining brightly in the vast galaxy, illuminating the night sky.
Xiao Qianqiu’s breath hitched, his eyes becoming exceedingly grave.
Above the night sky, as the purple aura dispersed, dark qi from all directions transformed into a fierce beast rushing forth, seeking to completely devour the purple qi.
Xiao Qianqiu voiced solemnly to himself, “The purple qi disperses westward, the Ox fighting the Heavenly Wolf, Zihuan waning without light, accompanied by the fall of the Emperor star, evil qi covering the sky from all directions, intense black light, truly a great omen of disaster.”
With his current identity, status, and strength, he was now tied to the fate of the world, inherently interconnected, and under such transformation, who in the world could remain unaffected?
Xiao Qianqiu sighed inwardly, looking toward the distant Imperial Palace, he performed a ceremonial bow.
This Emperor star is about to fall.
And the new Zihuan energy is emerging as destined, but now with evil energies pervasive, can this new emperor ascend smoothly?
…..
Lv Mansion.
The night was deep, and the entire mansion was eerily quiet.
In places unseen by others, several top experts were hidden, constantly protecting the safety of Lv Mansion.
Lv Guoyong’s residence, in particular, was a key protective focus.
At this moment, the bedroom was completely dark and silent, with only slight breathing sounds.
Just then, Lv Fang hurried over with an unprecedented solemn and anxious expression, but he straightened his clothes before he reached Lv Guoyong’s door, and then he knocked.
“Knock knock!”
“Father!”
Upon hearing the sound, Lv Guoyong groggily opened his eyes, seemingly disoriented and struggled to sit up, saying, “What’s the matter?”
Lv Fang took a deep breath, walked in, and said, “Recently, His Majesty has been gravely ill, increasingly severe; he started to fall in and out of consciousness yesterday, and today he is barely alive, mostly spending the day in an unconscious sleep. Just now, the royal physician diagnosed His Majesty as critical, at any moment he could…”
Pausing for a moment, Lv Fang then said, “His Majesty was still muttering Father’s name, so Governor Xu has come to request Father to enter the palace immediately.”
“The Emperor?”
Lv Guoyong was momentarily stunned when he heard this, then said, “Dress me, I need to enter the palace now.”
“Yes.”
Lv Fang hurried to the rack and picked up Lv Guoyong’s clothes.
The lights in the Lv Mansion began to flicker, becoming brightly illuminated.
At the same time, the Imperial Palace, the camps of the Pingyang Guard soldiers outside the city, the city garrison camps, the Xuanyi Guard, and the Forbidden Army surrounding Yujing City all began to mobilize.
Soon, these movements reached the ears of spies and various experts, prompting others to also take action.
The entire Yujing City was swirling with undercurrents and tumultuous waves, a situation like the calm before a storm.
On this extraordinary night, countless ordinary people fell into a deep sleep, unaware that a massive storm was approaching the entire Great Yan Dynasty.
And this storm’s impact was so significant that it would affect the current situation across the world.
……
Yuhua Courtyard.
Zhao Chongyin was pacing back and forth in his study. With the Human Emperor critically ill and the Forbidden Army on high alert, even getting some information was extremely difficult for him.
“Your Highness!”
Just then, Bai Jing came running over in a hurry.
Zhao Chongyin quickly asked, “Is there any news?”
Bai Jing clasped his hands and said, “Eunuch Cheng has sent a message that His Majesty is on his deathbed, showing signs of a brief recovery, and the Jade Seal of Great Yan has not been moved at all; it’s still in the Taihe Palace.”
“Very good!”
Zhao Chongyin was startled by this news and immediately said, “No, I still need to get the Jade Seal as soon as possible. If someone else gets it, they might alter the Imperial Decree.”
Zhao Chongyin’s penetration into the palace was not extensive. In case someone tampered with the Imperial Decree, it would mean they had seized the moral high ground. Even if he eventually acceded to the throne, he could inevitably be defamed and denounced by malicious individuals.
Without securing the throne, he could not be at ease for a moment.
Bai Jing asked, “Crown Prince, what should we do now?”
Zhao Chongyin narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low voice, “Go to the Taihe Palace. I need to have the Jade Seal in my own hands.”
Bai Jing’s voice trembled as he asked, “Enter the Imperial Palace?”
“Under the guise of cleansing the royal side!”
Zhao Chongyin whispered, “There are traitors around Father Emperor; I must act to remove this scourge from the Great Yan Dynasty.”
Bai Jing nodded, “Yes, Your Highness, you are wise.”
Zhao Chongyin thought carefully for a moment and said, “Go and instruct the State Preceptor to go with us to the Taihe Palace, then have Qiu Heng lead the Pingyang Guard to surround the Imperial Palace, and go to the Heavenly Prison to release the experts from there.”
Bai Jing said, “I’ll go right now.”
Having said that, Bai Jing hurriedly left.
Zhao Chongyin watched as Bai Jing’s figure disappeared, clenching his hand. The crisp sound echoed through the room as he whispered to himself, “I have been biding my time for so many years, all for this day.”
……
Demon Sect outpost, the annex.
An Jing was sitting cross-legged, entering a state of cultivation.
Suddenly, he sensed something, slowly opened his eyes, and walked towards the courtyard.
The night was tranquil, with only the sounds of faint insect chirps to be heard.
Just then, a staggering figure approached from a distance.
This was none other than Han Wenxin.
Han Wenxin looked at An Jing, came over with a grin, and slung an arm around his shoulder, saying, “Brother An, why haven’t you slept yet?”
An Jing looked up at the sky and said, “Have you ever seen the streets late at night? Though it was deep into the night, I was still diligently cultivating then.”
An Jing’s current level of cultivation was not solely due to the Earth Book; it was the result of his diligent practice.
“Burp~!”
Han Wenxin belched, “I’ve seen them; at that time, the starlight was lonely, and I was just coming out of a brothel.”
An Jing: “….”
Han Wenxin waved his hand and said, “Enough talk, I feel empty inside right now and just want to go back to sleep.”
Saying this, he staggered towards a nearby house.
Just as Han Wenxin had left, Li Fuzhou hurried over, “Son-in-law, Zhao Zhiwu’s about to pass away.”
“Really or not?”
An Jing’s brow furrowed upon hearing the news.
The last time he saw the Great Yan Emperor was only three or four days ago. Who could have imagined it would come to this so soon? Could there be some trickery involved?
Li Fuzhou spoke solemnly, “It’s news from Xianming, absolutely true. Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin is already preparing, and the Pingyang Guard’s camp has been mobilized, with a hundred thousand troops completely surrounding Yujing City. To ensure Princess An’s safety, Xianming has asked us to enter the Imperial Palace directly to protect the Princess.”
“The arrow is now on the bowstring, and we must act. A world-shaking change could happen overnight.”
“Alright, let’s go now.”
An Jing turned and walked toward the bedroom.
…..
Imperial City, outside the Human Emperor’s sleeping chambers.
Compared to the usual Imperial City, it now seemed quite different, a sense of impending doom hanging heavy in the air, as if pressing down so hard that everyone could hardly breathe.
Currently, countless figures gathered outside the sleeping chamber, including consorts, princes, and princesses.
Naturally, this group included Empress Zuo Linglong and Zhao Xuening too.
Bai Mei the eunuch emerged, and a group of concubines eagerly swarmed around him.
“Eunuch Fan, how is His Majesty?”
“Yes, what did the imperial physician say?”
“We want to see His Majesty.”
“I want to see Father Emperor!”
….
In the harem, all their power had always come from the Human Emperor, and throughout history, the best outcome they could hope for in times of great change within the palace was to be buried along with him.
Some princes and princesses also began to shout this time.
Seeing this, Zuo Linglong couldn’t help but shout, “Shut up!”
When they heard the Empress speak, everyone there softened, and though they cursed inwardly, they all took two or three steps back.
Zuo Linglong took a deep breath and said, “Father, did His Majesty have any instructions?”
Bai Mei glanced at everyone and said, “His Majesty has asked for Princess An Le to come in; the rest of you wait inside.”
Instantly, everyone’s eyes turned towards Zhao Xuening.
Zhao Xuening had been Zhao Zhiwu’s most beloved princess and, for some time, Zhao Zhiwu had only summoned Zhao Xuening, fuelling rumours he intended to depose the Crown Prince and pass the throne to her.
This was absolutely childish; there had never been an Empress who ascended the throne in the annals of history.
Zuo Linglong took a deep breath and said, “Xuening, go inside.”
“I understand.”
Zhao Xuening took a deep breath and walked towards the sleeping quarters of the Human Emperor.
Although the others were displeased, seeing Zuo Linglong’s icy and domineering demeanor, they could only swallow their dissatisfaction.
Inside the sleeping quarters, Zhao Zhiwu was lying on the Dragon Couch. This Emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty, a top Grandmaster, looked pale, his breath frail.
Zhao Xuening hurried forward, her voice trembling, “Father Emperor!”
Hearing this call, Zhao Zhiwu slowly opened his eyes and reached out his hand with difficulty, “Xuening, you’re here.”
Zhao Xuening knelt down, grasping his dry, aged hand, “Father Emperor, I’m here.”
Zhao Zhiwu spoke softly, “My time is not much longer, the future of the Great Yan Royal Family now depends on you.”
“Father!”
Looking at this elderly man who had always shown her love and care since childhood, Zhao Xuening’s heart also couldn’t help but soften somewhat, tears moistening her eyes.
“Don’t cry.”
Zhao Zhiwu immediately said upon seeing this.
Zhao Xuening bit her lip, “Father Emperor, the children of the Zhao family shed blood, not tears.”
Zhao Zhiwu took a deep breath and spoke with effort, “Everything about the Great Yan Dynasty has been told to you; whether or not you can keep the world in the palm of your hand depends on your own skill.”
Zhao Zhiwu’s breathing became increasingly rapid and shallow.
Zhao Xuening whispered softly, “Father Emperor!”
“Cough, cough, cough, cough!”
Zhao Zhiwu coughed several times, saying, “The Jade Seal of my Great Yan Dynasty, my warnings to you, and the several pieces I placed on the board are all in the Taihe Palace. Once you obtain my Jade Seal, you can depose Zhao Chongyin and ascend the throne unimpeded….”
Zhao Zhiwu felt his mind becoming increasingly muddled, as if everything before him was blurring.
In a daze, he saw a narrow path ahead, long and covered with thorns and white bones, and he stepped forward along it.
There was no one around him, no cheers, no shouts, only endless solitude and darkness.
The more he walked forward, the colder his heart became, and his features were also filled with an irrepressible fierceness.
An emperor is heartless, walking a path darker than the abyss.
This path was like a portrayal of his life; no one knew the loneliness and solitude inside this emperor’s heart.
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Eventually, he arrived at his own throne, looking down from above.
What throne was this?
It was clearly an unfathomably deep and dark abyss!
In the midst of darkness, he saw his father, his brothers, his mother… and countless ministers and civilians who had died under his sword.
His power, all held under the bloody sword.
He had reached the pinnacle of authority, and also achieved endless loneliness and darkness.
Zhao Zhiwu’s eyes widened, his hands clutching the sheets tightly, a harsh voice escaping his throat, “The path I chose, I have no regrets…..”
His pupils showed nothing other, and only reflected the splendid grandeur of the great hall.
“Father Emperor!” Zhao Xuening said softly.
Zhao Zhiwu eventually exhaled one final breath and closed his eyes.
This man, known as the Peaceful Human Emperor, ultimately died in this not-so-peaceful world.
“Your Majesty–!”
“Your Majesty–!”
Several attending eunuchs, including Bai Mei, knelt down simultaneously, their voices of grief rising and piercing through the sky.
Zhao Xuening, watching this scene, seemed stunned, and somehow, she even developed a feeling: life and death were no longer the keys to determining happiness or misfortune; the dead achieved completeness, while the living stood praying on the deck of a ship.
In the end, that ship, sailed smoothly from the shore.
……
