On the shadow of Sumeru Mountain, a bodhisattva joined his palms and said: "My Buddha, the Imperial Preceptor of Everpeace claims he is injured. Why not take this opportunity...?"
David Qi, Sect Master of the Beggar Sect, said, "He's already teamed up with the Cult of the Heavenly Demon—he's fated to become a lawless devil. It's a pity we still don't know who the new Cult Master is."
The bodhisattva paused, startled. "Disciple... disciple does not know."
The old Tathagata smiled. "Anyone who dares believe the Imperial Preceptor of Everpeace has already lost. Some are already dead. Master Qiong, you trusted he was wounded, and so you suffered defeat, didn't you?"
The faces of Master Qiong and the others turned ashen, especially Master Dalton, who deeply blamed himself. He had judged from Quinn Shepherd's leftover medicine that the Imperial Preceptor was gravely injured, and everyone believed his words, so they chose the second path. Among them was Lady Tian Zhenjun, the poison matriarch.
Still, it wasn't entirely his fault.
Master Qiong, Zane the Hermit, and Lady Tian Zhenjun—the three legendary old monsters of the previous era—launched a surprise attack amid ten thousand troops, gravely wounding the Imperial Preceptor. These three are the absolute pinnacle in today's world, unmatched in both strength and reputation.
It was precisely because of trust in these three that everyone believed the Imperial Preceptor was truly gravely wounded.
He smiled. "Nonsense."
For instance, at the Imperial Academy's sword lecture, the Imperial Preceptor spoke for less than two days and masked the stench of his wounds with incense.
David Qi, Sect Master of the Beggar Sect, said, "He's already teamed up with the Cult of the Heavenly Demon—he's fated to become a lawless devil. It's a pity we still don't know who the new Cult Master is."
"We know now."
The old Tathagata smiled, "It's the young man who returned my bow. Speaking of which, I share a karmic link with him—I once hoped to guide him to Great Thunderclap Temple, but for some reason that bond was suddenly severed and transferred to another mysterious life."
"It's him?"
The monks on Sumeru Mountain and Master Qiong and the others were all stunned. The old Tathagata smiled, "That's right. Those old friends of mine truly are remarkable—to have raised such a little devil. Unfortunately, Xiqiluo (unexplained; see footnote) failed to hold onto that fate, missed it by just one step... just one step." [Footnote: 'Xiqiluo' is not yet identified in the glossary; pending further research.]
From beginning to end, there was never a choice—only one path.
The old Tathagata said calmly, "Once-in-five-centuries—it's not just his wisdom, talent, and comprehension. His scheming and strategy are also unmatched. If such a prodigy cannot become a sage, he will become a lawless devil—a curse upon the world. Would you trust him?"
He smiled. "Nonsense."
Everyone was puzzled, unsure why the old Tathagata would say such things. His words were brief but laden with meaning.
State Master Qi of the Beggar Sect said, "He's already teamed up with the Cult of the Heavenly Demon—he's fated to become a lawless devil. It's a pity we still don't know who the new Cult Master is."
"We know now."
The old Tathagata smiled, "It's the young man who returned my bow. Speaking of which, I share a karmic link with him—I once hoped to guide him to Great Thunderclap Temple, but for some reason that bond was suddenly severed and transferred to another mysterious life."
"It's him?"
The monks on Sumeru Mountain and Master Qiong and the others were all stunned. The old Tathagata smiled, "That's right. Those old friends of mine truly are remarkable—to have raised such a little devil. Unfortunately, Xiqiluo failed to hold onto that fate, missed it by just one step... just one step."
"Imperial Preceptor, you're smarter than me—surely you realize Sumeru Mountain's real purpose is suspect?"
State Duke Wei watched the headless corpse being placed in the coffin, then turned to the Imperial Preceptor and said, "They're clearly just here to reap the spoils—saving Master Qiong and the other old monsters so Great Thunderclap Temple grows stronger! If these people aren't dealt with, they'll be trouble down the line!"
"Master Qiong and the others only have another ten or twenty years to live—hardly worth worrying about. Let the old Tathagata take them away."
State Duke Wei gave him a strange look, sizing him up suspiciously. "Is it true or fake?"
The Imperial Preceptor said solemnly, "It's true."
"True or fake?"
The Imperial Preceptor replied irritably, "Of course it's true! Try fighting these Cult Master-level figures head-on yourself! Not to mention, there are three god-like beings among them! To battle them to the death—how could I come away unscathed?"
"I don't believe it!"
State Duke Wei grumbled, "I'd have to be a ghost to trust you! I wouldn't believe a single word you say! The ones who did are now lying stiff in coffins, not moving at all."
The Imperial Preceptor was half amused, half helpless. "Honestly, sometimes I'm quite truthful."
"That's exactly why your lies run so deep. I can't figure you out."
State Duke Wei gazed at the coffin, fell silent for a moment, and said, "You should know who's inside."
The Imperial Preceptor shook his head. "I can't say."
"Even if you don't say, I'll find out soon enough. Once we reach the capital, just see which old prince suddenly passes away—then we'll know who it was."
State Duke Wei glanced around and whispered, "There's more than one problem in the Ling clan. The Dowager Empress is no different. Honestly, you should go a step further and just become emperor yourself..."
The Imperial Preceptor shot him a murderous glare.
State Duke Wei jumped, quickly protesting, "We've been friends for over two centuries—don't scare me! It's not just me thinking this, it's all those old brothers who've followed you. You've reached the highest rank possible. Even if you accomplish something huge, the emperor can't promote you any further. Now you've crushed the rebellion—how is the emperor supposed to reward you? Hand you the throne?"
The Imperial Preceptor shook his head. "The emperor and I understand each other. He knows I don't seek merit. What I pursue is my life's ambition."
"That's why the emperor is troubled—if he doesn't reward you, all the meritorious men of the realm will lose heart. But what could he possibly give you? Women? Wealth? Would you want them?"
State Duke Wei whispered, "The emperor understands you, but what about the crown prince? When he inherits the throne, will he know you as well? What could he possibly give you? Besides, all those old brothers who've followed you their whole lives—if you take a step up, they get promoted too. Some are desperate for advancement. To get it, they want to put you on the throne. What do you think the Dowager Empress is worried about? You? She's worried about the men under your command!"
This chapter isn’t over yet ^.^—please click next page to continue reading!
"I seek only my own path. There's no need to say more."
The Imperial Preceptor walked ahead, saying calmly, "Talking to you is exhausting. Just focus on quelling the rebellion and clearing out the remaining rebels in the south. I'm off to find the little divine doctor for treatment."
"Again with the healing?"
State Duke Wei was puzzled. "You're really hurt? Or are you tricking me again?"
The Imperial Preceptor, annoyed, waved him off and walked away.
Quinn Shepherd led Dragon-Qilin, Wayne Shen, Claire Yue, and the others down the mountain, while the Cult of the Heavenly Demon's hall masters and protectors had already activated teleportation banners and departed.
At the foot of the mountain, Quinn and the others ran into the Imperial Preceptor.
"I'm injured," said the Imperial Preceptor.
"Heh heh heh..." Dragon-Qilin snorted and laughed.
The Imperial Preceptor glanced at the huge beast, and Dragon-Qilin quickly shut his mouth. The Imperial Preceptor looked pale and said to Quinn, "I'm injured."
Quinn Shepherd asked suspiciously, "Is that true?"
"It's true," replied the Imperial Preceptor, looking even paler.
"Really?"
"Really!" The Imperial Preceptor's forehead was throbbing with veins.
"Alright then."
...
All that remained of Daxiang City was an empty ruin, razed to the ground. With no apothecary left, they had to return to Mist-Hidden City, a place surrounded by lakes and often shrouded in fog—hence its name.
At the magistrate's office, Quinn Shepherd examined the Imperial Preceptor's injuries and found more than a hundred wounds, most internal. He also detected poison, even injuries within the divine treasuries, but the Preceptor's deep cultivation kept them suppressed.
Each wound was different, especially those invading the divine treasuries—they were particularly tricky, a true test of medical skill. The Spirit Embryo, Five Elements, Six Directions, Seven Stars, Heavenly Being, Life and Death, and Divine Bridge Treasuries—all were afflicted, and even injuries to the soul posed a major challenge. For Quinn, this was a rare opportunity to deepen his understanding of the secrets of the divine treasuries.
The physical injuries, by contrast, were not so serious.
To fully heal the Imperial Preceptor would be a massive undertaking. Quinn calculated and pondered for a long time before devising a treatment plan, sending people to the apothecary for medicine.
Most of the medicines at the apothecary were common herbs; some rare ingredients were hard to find. Mist-Hidden City was a large city, but many herbs were still unavailable and had to be sourced from the capital.
Quinn treated the injuries that could be healed with available herbs; the rest would have to wait until they reached the capital.
At the magistrate's office, Quinn ordered a huge cauldron to be brought in, filled it with water and herbs, and placed a large steamer on top. The Imperial Preceptor stripped and lay in the steamer, while a hundred silver needles pierced his body, their tips reaching into his divine treasuries to channel the medicine's power.
The Imperial Preceptor lay quietly in the steamer and suddenly asked, "If the emperor rewards me with beauties and riches this time, should I accept?"
Quinn twisted a needle at his brow—the hollow needle could channel medicine—and said, "What else could the emperor possibly give you?"
The Imperial Preceptor was silent for a moment. "Nothing else."
"Then take them."
Quinn picked up another needle and pressed it to his heart and lungs. "Does the Preceptor have any family?"
"Just me, a few old servants, and some guards."
"How much money do you have?"
"My monthly salary barely covers expenses."
"No wife or children?"
"With heaven's justice in my heart, why bother with human desires?"
"Preceptor, you should settle down... Enough talking, once this needle goes in, I'll close the steamer and add more fire."
...
Half a month later, the Imperial Preceptor looked much better. Along the way, Quinn Shepherd had treated him through fifteen cities, but still hadn't found all the rare herbs needed. Even so, most of the injuries had been healed.
Quinn was skilled with medicine—though he lacked top-grade spirit herbs, he could substitute with common ones. Some wounds, however, truly required priceless spirit herbs, leaving him helpless.
When they reached the capital, the streets were hung with white banners and lanterns. Asking around, they learned that Ethan Ling, Prince of the North, had passed away. The emperor mourned, and the whole nation grieved.
Ethan Ling, Prince of the North, was the previous emperor's younger brother, eighth in rank, and honored as the Eighth Royal Uncle. In his youth, he won great victories, subdued sects and kingdoms, and suffered grave wounds, nearly dying in battle several times. He even saved the emperor's life on more than one occasion.
His support was crucial for Emperor Yan Feng's ascent to the throne. For the Ling clan's dynasty, his contributions were immense.