Royal Road
Chapter 70
Chapter 70
In the sacred land of Ming’s Daoist sects, Dragon and Tiger Mountain.
It is said that over a thousand years ago, or possibly even further back, Daoist Zhang Daoling of the Orthodox Unity sect once refined elixirs here. Legend states that as he did so, “a dragon and a tiger appeared,” hence giving the mountain its name. From then, the Orthodox Unity sect’s heritage was established at Dragon and Tiger Mountain.
The peaks are perilous and steep, bathed in the hues of dawn and dusk, with Tianmen Mountain being the tallest.
The prestigious status of Dragon and Tiger Mountain essentially renders it Ming’s state religion, even overshadowing Wudang. This is attributed to its long-standing history, which rivals that of Shaolin, and its current embodiment of a land-dwelling immortal!
That very immortal is the old Daoist master!
On the forbidden area at the back of Tianmen Mountain, an imposing old Daoist with long, flowing beard and eyebrows, his facial features exhibiting a calm and serene demeanor, is playing a game of chess with a middle-aged Daoist.
The old master, his face exuding tranquility and composure, notices the hesitation of his opponent. With a chuckle, he remarks,
“Lingyu, your mind is unsettled.”
The middle-aged Daoist, Zhang Lingyu, stands hastily and performs a Daoist salute, his face flushed with shame.
“Master, your insights penetrate all. Indeed, my mind is agitated.”
The old master gently places the chess piece aside.
“Then walk with me.”
Strolling side by side through the woods, occasionally passing squirrels and white rabbits unperturbed by their presence, showcasing an extraordinary aura, the old master’s presence felt like a refreshing breeze.
Seeing his disciple’s troubled countenance, the old master simply asks,
“Why so worried?”
“Master, I am ashamed. Recent events at Wudang have spread throughout Ming. Hearing various rumors, I am deeply troubled.”
“The young true immortal of Wudang, at merely nine years old, already demonstrates such divine feats. If given more time, will there not be anyone capable of matching him?”
Zhang Lingyu expresses his inner concerns.
The old master chuckles softly, a glimmer of curiosity briefly flashing in his eyes.
In truth, upon hearing of such a peerless prodigy emerging from Wudang, he too was astonished.
Suppressing the Buddha’s spiritual presence, boasting unparalleled prowess, were indeed astounding feats, even prompting him to contemplate a spiritual connection. However, being a seasoned veteran, he couldn’t recklessly visit a younger generation.
“The young true immortal of Wudang is indeed extraordinary, but even if he hasn’t reached the land-dwelling immortal realm, or even if he does, what concern is it of ours at Dragon and Tiger Mountain?”
The old master continues his earnest teachings.
“Lingyu, remember, our Orthodox Unity sect emphasizes ‘righteous unity’, what is ‘righteous unity’? Righteousness to counter wickedness, unity to govern all!”
“Wudang, by summoning martial heroes to destroy the dragon-slaying sabre, aims to quell the chaos within Ming’s martial world, showcasing their righteousness. If that young immortal were truly undefeated, would it not benefit the martial world?”
“So why worry?”
Lingyu’s face turned more shameful.
“Master’s teachings are correct. I was indeed narrow-minded.”
“But Wudang prodigy, alongside Zhang Zhenren’s potential breakthrough, may present dual land-dwelling immortals in Wudang. My worry is about the Ming Emperor’s stance…”
The old master lifted his hand to stop him.
“Do not underestimate the current Ming Emperor. His ambitions are vast and boundless. If my guess is right, the decree declaring Wudang a holy land for Daoism might already be on its way.”
“Lingyu, Wudang becoming a holy land for Daoism is a joyous event for our sect too. Prepare a substantial gift and make a personal visit.”
“Also, remind our disciples to exhibit humility when encountering Wudang members.”
Golden light subtly gleamed in his eyes as he watched his disciple’s retreating figure and gazed toward the sky.
“Jade Pivot Heavenly Thunder, I wonder how it compares to my Yang Five Thunders and Palm Thunder?”
Muttering to himself, he smiled in anticipation of the young true immortal’s elevation to a land-dwelling immortal one day.
…
Outside of Ming.
In the Qin Empire.
The Imperial Palace.
At the summit of the ninety-nine-zhang tall Ascension Pavilion stood a domineering figure, clad in a black dragon robe, surveying the capital below as if ruling the world.
First Emperor Ying Zheng, brimming with ambitions to conquer.
Behind him, kneeling low, was a slim figure in black, a faint spider emblem visible on his back—none other than Zhao Gao, the highest leader of the Luo Network and Zhongche Mansion Minister!
What is the Luo Network?
A web of heaven and earth, the Luo Network implies control over worldly affairs, providing comprehensive information and an assassination role for the Qin Dynasty.
“Your Majesty, there is news from Ming that might intrigue you.”
Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow, turning towards Zhao Gao, his eyes exuding an aura of supremacy, encompassing the stars and the universe. He slowly commanded,
“Speak.”
Zhao Gao respectfully handed over a golden-edged letter, reporting,
“Recently, Ming’s martial world is in turmoil. Wudang has produced a young true immortal, who suppressed a Buddha with heavenly thunder, potentially exhibiting land-dwelling immortal-level power!”
The First Emperor remained stoic as Zhao Gao cautiously continued,
“Reports indicate the young immortal catalyzed a forty-nine-zhang ancient tree into a Heaven-Man Tomb, teeming with vibrant life. The Flower Palace’s master, Yao Yue, questioned his path.”
“The young immortal responded that his practice is the Immortal Path, pursuing longevity and immortality!”
With those words, the First Emperor’s expression shifted.
His eyes lit up with divine light, compelling Zhao Gao to bow low, feeling immense reverence—no one truly knew the First Emperor’s current level, his ambitions to reign supreme, awaiting an opportunity.
“Pursuing longevity, seeking immortality, claiming the Immortal Path…”
“This young true immortal is indeed impressive.”
Zhao Gao was inwardly astonished, never expecting the First Emperor to regard him so highly, despite his power rivaling land-dwelling immortals.
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