Taoist Myth: I am the last true immortal in the world

Chapter 846 The Birth of the God of Chariots in Gaolianghe
Zhao Kuangyin heeded Chen Yun's advice and secretly visited the residence of Prince Guo Rong of Jin that very night.

Although it was late at night and Guo Rong had already fallen asleep, he did not refuse to see Zhao Kuangyin when he heard that Zhao Kuangyin had come.

Guo Rong changed into clean clothes and walked quickly toward the guest room.

As they approached the guest hall, Guo Rong, who had been walking briskly, deliberately slowed down.

He then glanced towards the guest room, seemingly observing Zhao Kuangyin's expression.

Zhao Kuangyin was completely unaware of the situation; he simply sat there with a furrowed brow, waiting.

Seeing this, Guo Rong seemed to understand something. He deliberately waited outside for a while before pretending to yawn and entering the guest room, saying with a hint of dissatisfaction, "Director Zhao, why are you here in the middle of the night? Is there something important you need?"

Zhao Kuangyin had previously served as the head of the East and West Guards of the Palace Guards. Although he had been appointed as the Deputy Commander of Xingshun in Huazhou, he had not yet taken up his post, so Guo Rong naturally addressed him as "Head of the Guards".

Upon seeing the person in charge enter, Zhao Kuangyin quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Zhao Kuangyin greets the Prince of Jin."

"No need for formalities." Guo Rong casually walked to the seat of honor and sat down, but his eyes were actually constantly and furtively observing Zhao Kuangyin. He asked again, "What brings you here so late at night?"

Zhao Kuangyin stood there respectfully and replied, "Your Highness, I have a request."

Guo Rong asked, "What is it?"

Before arriving, Zhao Kuangyin had prepared his words and immediately replied, "His Majesty recently appointed me as the Deputy Commander of Xingshun in Huazhou. This should be a joyous occasion, but I have elderly parents and young children to support, and it is inconvenient for me to be too far from the capital. I hope that Prince Jin can speak to His Majesty on my behalf and allow me to remain in the capital for the time being."

His words were very sincere, and he explained the whole story.

Upon hearing this, Guo Rong nodded slightly and said, "Although I haven't had much contact with you, I know that Commander Zhao is over fifty years old, which is quite advanced in years. Your second son is only one or two years old. If you stay in the capital, it will be better for you to take care of your parents and young child."

Zhao Kuangyin was overjoyed, thinking that Guo Rong would agree to help him.

Unexpectedly, Guo Rong changed the subject, saying, "I would like to help you, but the imperial appointment has already been made. It would not be appropriate for me to go to His Majesty to plead for you at this time. Besides, we are not related, so why should I help you?"

Zhao Kuangyin naturally understood this principle and hurriedly said, "If the Prince of Jin is willing to help, I will be at your beck and call in the future, and I will go through fire and water without hesitation."

Guo Rong's attitude was ambiguous as he said, "I am just the Prefect of Kaifeng, while you are a military officer. If I were to send you on a mission, it would arouse suspicion from others."

Zhao Kuangyin said, "If the Prince of Jin recruits me into his ranks, wouldn't others no longer need to be suspicious?"

“That is an idea.” Guo Rong pretended to lower his head and ponder for a moment, but finally looked up and sighed, “It is still a bit inappropriate. I am now the Prefect of Kaifeng. If I recruit a military general to my command, I am afraid His Majesty will have some thoughts. You go back first, and let me think about it carefully in the next few days. Anyway, you do not need to take up your post immediately.”

Zhao Kuangyin dared not say more and could only say, "Yes, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave now."

After speaking, he respectfully stepped back a few paces, then turned around and strode away.

Guo Rong sat in the seat of honor, picked up his teacup, but his eyes were fixed on Zhao Kuangyin's departing figure, and a strange smile appeared on his face.

As the Prince of Jin and the most likely successor to the throne of the Later Zhou Dynasty, he is certainly not as simple as he appears on the surface.

Take, for example, the matter of politely declining Zhao Kuangyin's request for help. Guo Wei did not persist in his decision and still gave the other party hope.

how so?

Ultimately, it was Guo Wei using imperial power tactics.

He was not familiar with Zhao Kuangyin, but he cared a lot about Zhao Kuangyin's father, Zhao Hongyin.

Zhao Hongyin is now the commander of the First Iron Cavalry Army.

This was an important military position during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

This position was usually held by a high-ranking general who was a close confidant of the emperor.

Furthermore, this position carries significant authority and influence within the military.

It can be said that whether Guo Rong can secure his position as emperor will depend on Zhao Hongyin's support.

Therefore, how could Guo Rong so easily and directly refuse Zhao Kuangyin?

That's right. On the surface, he was politely declining, but in reality, he still wanted to bring the other party into his camp, but he didn't agree immediately.

If he did that, others would definitely think he was easy to talk to.

Moreover, things that are too easily obtained are not easily cherished.

Guo Rong was to extend a helping hand to Zhao Kuangyin when he was at his most desperate and helpless.

In this way, he had good reason to believe that Zhao Kuangyin would be grateful and would be devoted to him in the future.

Guo Rong didn't just want a subordinate; he wanted the support of the entire Zhao family.

Therefore, he still needs to use these imperial power tactics.

"The day before you take up your post, I will ask His Majesty to bring you under my command."

Guo Rong pondered silently, then slowly stood up and walked towards the door, preparing to go back to his bedroom to sleep.

As he walked, he pondered what position he should give Zhao Kuangyin after winning him over, so that he could gain Zhao Hongyin's absolute support.

A short while later, Guo Rong returned to his bedroom.

His wife, Lady Fu, sat up in bed upon hearing the noise and asked, "Husband, what brings Zhao Kuangyin here?"

Just now, a servant came to report that, as Guo Rong's bedmate, she naturally heard the details and learned that Zhao Kuangyin was coming.

Lady Fu was the granddaughter of Fu Cunshen, a famous general of the Later Tang Dynasty. Born into a prominent family, she was a wise and ambitious woman who married Li Chongxun, the son of General Li Shouzhen.

Later, Li Shouzhen rebelled in Hezhong. Guo Wei, the Privy Councilor of the Later Han Dynasty, was ordered to suppress the rebellion. Li and his son committed suicide out of fear of punishment.

Before his death, Li Chongxun wanted to kill his entire family.

Fu hid behind a curtain.

Unable to find his wife, Li Chongxun committed suicide.

Lady Fu emerged from behind the curtain and said to the soldiers who rushed in, "I am the daughter of the King of Wei. General Guo has a very close relationship with my father. Report this immediately."

Upon hearing the news, Guo Wei immediately came to recognize her and took her back to Fu Yanqing's Prince Wei's residence, allowing her to reunite with her parents.

Guo Wei greatly admired Fu's composure and courage, and Fu recognized Guo Wei as her godfather.

After Guo Rong's wife, Liu, died, Guo Wei proposed marriage for Guo Rong, and he subsequently took Fu as his second wife.

Guo Rong looked at his wife, whom he had married less than two years ago, with affection, knowing that she was no ordinary woman and possessed exceptional wisdom.

He laughed and said, "He came to ask me to do something for him..."

He recounted in detail what had just happened when Zhao Kuangyin came over.

Finally, Guo Rong asked, "What is your opinion on this, Madam?"

After a moment of contemplation, Lady Fu said earnestly, "I believe my husband should help Zhao Kuangyin..."

She recounted her thoughts one by one, and they were exactly the same as Guo Rong's.

After listening, Guo Rong laughed loudly and said, "My wife is indeed intelligent; her thoughts are exactly the same as mine."

The two chatted for a few minutes, then went to bed.

...On the other side, at the Zhao residence.

Chen Yun and Zhao Kuangyi were still drinking.

Zhao Kuangyi noticed that his elder brother Zhao Kuangyin was very respectful to Chen Yun, so even though he didn't know who the other party was, he still acted very obsequiously, saying, "Scholar, your cup is empty, let me refill it for you, please drink."

He doesn't act like the son of a high-ranking official at all.

Chen Yun did not refuse. He picked up the cup that had just been filled with wine, swirled it around, and looked over with interest. "As the saying goes, 'If someone is overly hospitable for no reason, they must have ulterior motives.' You are so enthusiastic on our first meeting. Do you have something on your mind?"

Zhao Kuangyi, whose thoughts had been exposed, did not seem embarrassed. He simply smiled and said, "It's not all the pictures. I just wanted to ask which famous mountain you are from."

Chen Yun laughed, “I see. I thought you wanted me to teach you magic. I am a Taoist priest from Huangting Temple on Damian Peak of Qingcheng Mountain, and my Dharma name is Chen Pu.”

Chen Pu?

Why does this name sound so familiar?

Zhao Kuangyi felt he had heard the name somewhere before, but couldn't quite place it.

He was quick-witted and knew that it was not advisable to overthink while talking to someone, so he immediately followed up on Chen Yun's topic, saying, "Spells? Can one learn spells without magical power?"

Chen Yun took a sip of wine, slowly put down his glass, and said, "Some spells can be cast even without magical power."

Zhao Kuangyi's eyes lit up and he said, "I wonder if the immortal master can teach me?"

Chen Yun gave the other person a deep look, then asked, "What kind of magic do you want to learn?"

Zhao Kuangyi didn't actually take it seriously; he was just putting on a show to make Chen Yun feel valued.

Therefore, he immediately replied, "In these chaotic times, I would like to learn a spell that can save my life or help me escape."

Chen Yun did not immediately agree, but instead asked, "I see that you have some spirituality. If you calm down and cultivate, you may be able to achieve some skill. Do you really not want to follow me in cultivating the Dao, but only want to learn life-saving techniques?"

Zhao Kuangyi had no interest in cultivating Taoism, and besides, he wasn't entirely sure if Chen Yun was truly an immortal, so he vaguely replied, "I am still young and cannot make decisions on many things, so it is better to learn a magic spell from the immortal."

"Very well, everyone has their own ambitions." Chen Yun didn't continue, but instead said, "Since you're interested in magic, I'll teach you a spell to control livestock to run away. What do you think?"

Zhao Kuangyi didn't quite understand and asked, "A spell to control livestock to escape?"

Chen Yun nodded and said, "For example, if one day you are being chased while driving a donkey cart, under normal circumstances the donkey will definitely not be able to outrun a horse, but if you use this magic, you can make the donkey pull the cart very fast, and it is not difficult to travel hundreds of miles in one night. Do you... want to learn this magic?"

Zhao Kuangyi's eyes lit up and he said, "There are such amazing spells! I would like to learn them."

Ugh.

He truly is the legendary driver of Gaoliang River.

Even with Chen Yun's level of cultivation, he couldn't help but sigh when he heard that Zhao Guangyi wanted to learn this technique.

According to historical records, Zhao Guangyi became the second emperor of the Song Dynasty and launched the Battle of Gaoliang River with the aim of recovering the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun.

The History of Liao records that after the Song army won the first battle, it was ambushed by the Liao army due to Zhao Guangyi's command error. In the midst of the defeat, Zhao Guangyi "barely escaped with his life and secretly fled in a donkey cart".

This detail was later interpreted in historical records and popular folklore as "donkey cart drifting," a veiled criticism of his military incompetence.

Zhao Guangyi was nicknamed "God of the Gaoliang River Chariot" because of this story.

Chen Yun originally wanted to test Zhao Kuangyi to see if he had a thirst for knowledge.

If possible, he wouldn't mind changing history, letting Zhao Guangyi learn more about military matters, and then teaching him some rudimentary cultivation methods to help him recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun.

Who would have thought that this guy only wanted to learn magic for escaping and saving his life? How pathetic.

Chen Yun didn't say anything more to him, but instead taught him a rudimentary spell.

Zhao Kuangyi memorized the formula and method very carefully, but he didn't pay too much attention to it.

In his view, whether such a so-called spell that does not require magic power can actually be successfully cast is another matter entirely.

Just as Chen Yun finished teaching the spell, footsteps sounded outside the courtyard.

A moment later, Zhao Kuangyin walked in from outside.

Zhao Kuangyi immediately stood up and asked, "Brother, has the Prince of Jin agreed?"

Zhao Kuangyin shook his head with a wry smile and said, "He said we are not related, so why should I help him?"

As he spoke, he looked at Chen Yun and said, "Scholar, I am incompetent, and the Prince of Jin is truly unwilling to help."

Chen Yun calmly said, "I already know about this matter. Very well, I will personally speak with the Prince of Jin and help you persuade him."

Zhao Kuangyin hurriedly asked, "Shall I prepare the carriage and horses and go with the scholar to the Prince of Jin's residence to pay my respects to the Prince of Jin?"

Chen Yun remained seated and said, "Let me go see him myself. The Prince of Jin is not qualified. I will summon him for a talk."

Ok?
The Prince of Jin is the future emperor, and you actually say he's not qualified for a visit?

Zhao Kuangyi was somewhat surprised, thinking to himself, "Just who is this person? How dare you say such a thing?"
Although Zhao Kuangyin did not know that Chen Yun was now the Great Emperor of Taoism, he knew that the other party was Lü Dongbin's junior brother and possessed very strong magical power. So when he heard that Chen Yun had summoned the Prince of Jin, he immediately said, "Then I will trouble the scholar to step forward on my behalf."

"It's out of the way."

Chen Yun waved his hand, but remained seated.

Zhao Kuangyi became increasingly confused, wondering how Chen Yun intended to summon Guo Rong here.

Just as he was filled with doubt, ripples suddenly appeared in the surrounding space.

Immediately afterwards, the surrounding scenery changed rapidly, transforming from the backyard under the night sky into a brightly lit celestial palace filled with endless clouds.

Zhao Kuangyi looked slightly surprised.

He could clearly see that the heavenly palace he was in was filled with auspicious light, fragrant smoke, and purple mist, as if he had entered a fairyland.

At this moment, he realized that the scholar Chen sitting in front of him was indeed an immortal, and one whose magical power was unbelievably high.

Knowing that Chen Yun possessed boundless magical power, Zhao Kuangyi secretly regretted that he had only wanted to learn the magic of controlling livestock. If he had wanted to learn more, he might have already stepped onto the path of immortality.

Not to mention Zhao Kuangyi was dumbfounded when he first saw Chen Yun use the "scene shifting" technique.

Even Zhao Kuangyin, who knew a little about Chen Yun's background, was speechless at the sight of the changing scenery.

Zhao Kuangyin had an instinctive intuition that what he was seeing was not an illusion, but rather a real heavenly palace.

Just as the Zhao brothers were surprised, Chen Yun reached out and waved.

Immediately, Guo Rong's spirit was summoned.

The Zhao brothers were even more astonished upon seeing this.

They truly hadn't expected Chen Yun to summon Guo Rong in this way.

Perhaps it was because Chen Yun used his powerful magic, "shifting scenery" and "summoning the soul."

This piqued the interest of Zhao Kuangyi, who had previously harbored some doubts about Chen Yun, and he wanted to know what Chen Yun would do next.

(End of this chapter)