I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1023 All Parties Gather in the Royal Capital, the Evil God Tibo Descends (5K4)

The backyard of the Governor's Mansion in Kapisa.

Meanwhile, the officials and ministers took their leave and went about their business. Su Yao rested here for a while, waiting for the preparations to be completed.

Suddenly, a clear, cold female voice came from behind:

"He's already found a new lover after just arriving in Kushan, and he's going to take her on a long journey together? Our Prince Tang really hasn't changed his ways at all."

"What do you mean, a spoiled young master from Anxi? This isn't an act at all, it's just your true self."

Su Yao opened his eyes and looked up, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Is my princess jealous?"

The newcomer was startled by the address. She glanced around and, seeing that no one was paying attention, walked over, looked up at Su Yao, and sneered, "This servant dares not be jealous of her master. You should say that to Sister Hong'er."

Su Yao remained noncommittal, smiled slightly, and pulled the woman close, placing her on his lap.

The girl's princess status is real, but it's a secret that has never been revealed.

That's right, it's the Xianbei princess Xiaochun, who was captured by Su Yao in the past.

This time, Su Yao's expedition would naturally require someone to serve him.

With both Hu Ji and her sister pregnant and Ashley having just married into the family, Hong'er and Xiao Chun teamed up again to accompany Su Yao on his journey.

However, due to the rapid pace of the battle, once the army crossed the Pamir Mountains, Su Yao could no longer keep the beauties by his side and instead had them follow the main force.

Now, the main force has just arrived at Kapisa to rest, and the two women have finally arrived as well.

The joys of separation for three people are better than a honeymoon, and the pleasures of their intimate moments need no further mention.

But soon, Su Yao's decision surprised the two of them.

During this costume trip, the person playing Su Yao's maid was not any of them, but a newly arrived dancer named Aisha?!

How could this not make the two women feel bitter?

However, unlike Hong'er, who was not good at expressing herself directly to Su Yao, Xiao Chun immediately went to see Su Yao without saying a word when she saw Hong'er bring up the matter with red eyes:
"I heard that her identity as the governor's daughter is fake. In the end, she's just a plaything kept in the Khuvishka household."

"His Highness the Prince of Tang is so fond of her, so this servant naturally won't do anything about it. But if His Majesty and the other ladies find out, I'm afraid it won't be good."

Although Xiaochun said she didn't dare to be jealous, her words were full of sour undertones.

Su Yao chuckled upon hearing this and pinched her nose: "You little rascal, you've learned to use others to intimidate me, haven't you?"

Xiao Chun snorted and turned her head away: "How could I dare? I just feel sorry for Sister Hong'er. She served her so diligently the whole way, yet she's not even as good as a dancer she just met."

Su Yao shook his head, and unusually patiently explained:

“You’ve misunderstood. I brought Aisha along not because of any personal relationship, but because I value her abilities and status.”

"Aisha was born in the Parthian Khorasan region, was familiar with local customs, and was educated in much of the knowledge of the Kushan upper class. She was fluent in two languages, and moreover..."

He paused, a profound look flashing in his eyes: "She was able to secretly warn me when Huvishka was poisoning me. Although it wasn't very significant, her courage and stance alone made her worth using."

Xiaochun was speechless upon hearing this. She wasn't sure if Su Yao's so-called warning about poisoning was just another fabricated story. Just as she was about to say something, Su Yao pulled her arms tightly around her and said:

"Moreover, this mission is deep in enemy territory, and there is still some danger involved."

Su Yao leaned close to Xiao Chun's ear and whispered, "You two are the apples of my eye. How could I bear to let you take risks? Just stay here obediently and wait for my triumphant return."

Xiaochun blushed slightly at the sudden intimacy, but still retorted, "Hmph, that's easy for you. Who knows if you really are?"

Before she could finish speaking, Su Yao silenced her with a kiss.

A moment later, Xiaochun, panting, pushed him away and scolded, "You...you only know how to use this trick!"

Su Yao laughed and said, "It's good that it works."

Xiaochun blushed, turned away, and snorted, "Fine, who am I anyway? I can't control you. Go out and have your fun. But..."

"Remember not to go too far. If anything happens to you, Sister Hong'er will regret it for the rest of her life."

"Is it only Hong'er?"

Su Yao teased her deliberately, gently lifting Xiao Chun's chin with his fingers. Xiao Chun bit her lip, a stubborn glint in her eyes: "I...I won't be sad for someone like you!"

"Is that so?" Su Yao chuckled, then suddenly picked her up and strode into the inner room. "Then let me see just how stubborn our little princess really is."

"Put me down!" Xiaochun exclaimed, but instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Su Yao kicked open the door and winked at Hong'er, who was guarding outside: "Hong'er, come and help me 'interrogate' this disobedient little girl."

Hong'er covered her mouth and chuckled softly, then obediently followed her in.

A short while later, Xiaochun's voice, both embarrassed and annoyed, came from inside the room: "You...you...don't...don't touch there!"

"Ugh, oh dear! How annoying—"

A few days later, a peculiar group appeared on the mountain road leading to the Khyber Pass.

Leading the group was a young nobleman dressed in magnificent Persian attire, riding a pure white Akhal-Teke horse, with a jewel-encrusted scimitar hanging at his waist.

He had a handsome face, but his brows exuded an imposing aura, which was none other than Su Yao in disguise.

“Young master, the city of Bagran is another fifty miles ahead. The envoy of the Northern Governor will meet us there, and we can rest there tonight.”

The speaker was a burly guard standing next to Su Yao; he was Zhang Liao, who was also disguised.

Su Yao nodded slightly, but his gaze was fixed on the more distant south.

Over there, in the Kushan capital of Furusha, a power struggle concerning the fate of the empire was about to unfold, and he couldn't afford to miss it.

"So, is it confirmed that the Northern Governor has already taken the first step?" Su Yao asked in Kushan without turning his head.

"Yes."

Tipo, the young man dressed in priestly attire, quickly rode forward:
"In reply to your question, young master, it is reported that after he attacked Bo Diao, he did not return to Gao Fu, but led his army directly south to the capital. Now, judging from the distance, he should have already passed the Khyber Pass, which is at least 7 days' journey ahead of us."

"Don't worry, Master."

Inside the carriage, Aisha, her face veiled, peeked out, revealing her bright eyes, and said:
"The power dynamics in the Kushan capital are complex. Although the governor of the north has the queen as an ally, Prince Botiao also has the support of many nobles, especially the temple and the people, who overwhelmingly support the prince."

"If the prince is really not dead, then even if the governor leads troops to the capital, it will not be so easy for him to succeed."

"Oh? Do you mean I don't want him to succeed?" Su Yao asked with a chuckle.

Aisha blinked and said softly, "This servant dares not presume to guess Master's thoughts. I just feel that if the prince were truly not dead, this drama might be even more exciting."

"Well said!" Su Yao laughed upon hearing this, and pointed his whip south: "However, this young master is not just going to watch the show, but to become the protagonist."

Zhang Liao lowered his voice: "My lord, the scouts ahead report that the garrison in Bagran City seems to have increased its vigilance. As for our identities..."

"It's alright." Su Yao's lips curled up slightly. "Since the Northern Governor-General has agreed to let us enter the capital, he won't set up checkpoints in places like this. But we just need to be careful not to expose our true identities."

Su Yao had no intention of telling these Kushans in advance that he, the "god," was personally involved; he simply said he was an ordinary messenger.

Tibo understood immediately. He turned to look at the guards disguised as caravan members behind him and said, "Don't worry, sir. We understand. Besides, we didn't come empty-handed."

Tibo patted the silk-covered wooden chest on the carriage—it was filled with treasures seized from Kapisa, and even two carefully prepared chests of "palm-sized thunderbolts."

The group continued on their way, the setting sun casting long shadows. Aisha watched Su Yao's retreating figure, a complex expression flashing in her eyes.

The man who so easily destroyed her original owner's ambition has now given her an unprecedented sense of security and freedom?

She gently stroked the gold bracelet on her wrist, a gift from Su Yao, which had two Chinese characters engraved on it—though she didn't recognize them yet, Hong'er had told her it was called "Peace and Tranquility."

“Master,” Aisha suddenly spoke, “if we arrive in the capital and you need to interact with those noble ladies, I can…”

Su Yao waved his hand without turning his head: "No need. You just need to be a good translator and guide, I'll take care of everything else."

Aisha lowered her head, feeling a sense of loss for some reason.

Just then, a troop of cavalry, about twenty men, suddenly appeared from a bend in the mountain road ahead. The leader shouted, "Who goes there? State your name!"

Zhang Liao stood silently in front, sword drawn, while Tibo spurred his horse forward and responded in Kushan with a slight Persian accent:

"My master is a young master from the Anxi Mihran family. He has been invited by the Northern Governor to attend a banquet in the capital!"

"What?! The Mihran family?!"

The newcomer was clearly a minor nobleman of the Kushan Empire, and had heard of the Mihran family:
"Are you referring to the Mihran family, one of the seven great Parthian families, who govern Khorasan and Transoxiana on behalf of the royal family???"

“That’s right, exactly,” Tipo said, raising his head.

Although the general still looked suspicious, his tone became noticeably more respectful as he asked, "Does the young master have any proof?"

Tipo then produced a bronze token—a keepsake given to them by Parvaz before their departure.

After inspecting the documents, the general became even more respectful: "So it is distinguished guests who have arrived. I have been impolite. The governor has already gone ahead and ordered us to wait for you here." He gestured, and the cavalry behind him immediately made way: "Please follow me. The city of Bagran has prepared accommodations for you."

Su Yao nodded slightly, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.

It seems the Governor-General of the North has indeed made proper arrangements; this trip to the capital is sure to be very interesting.

The group continued onward, and soon the outline of Bagran came into view.

This city, located on the southern slopes of the Hindu Kush Mountains, was an important gateway to the Kushan capital. Its walls were high and sturdy, and its defenses were formidable.

After entering the city, Su Yao and his party were settled in a luxurious mansion.

As night fell, Su Yao stood in the courtyard, gazing up at the southern starry sky.

"Master, what are you thinking about?" Aisha quietly approached and draped a thin blanket over him.

Su Yao said calmly, "I was thinking about that Prince Bo Diao. If he really is not dead, he should be arriving in the capital soon."

Aisha said softly, "I have heard that Prince Bo Diao is highly respected among the people. If he were to appear in the capital, it would likely cause a commotion."

The Kushan Empire was vast, stretching from the Bamiyan Valley in the north to the capital of Gandhara in the south, a distance of thousands of miles.

This means that it would take an ordinary caravan about half a month to reach the destination.

However, with the help of Miss Dina and the temple forces, Prince Bo Diao, using both land and water routes and changing horses at high speed, finally arrived in the capital three days before Moroko's army.

However, there was no disturbance.

Because Prince Bo Diao entered the capital secretly, he did not immediately reveal his identity.

“Miss Dina, High Priest, Samira and I were able to escape danger this time thanks to your help. If I ascend the throne in the future, I will never forget this kindness.” Prince Bo Diao bowed deeply to Dina and the High Priest in the secret chamber of the temple.

Miss Dina veiled her face, revealing only a pair of clear, autumn-water-like eyes: "Your Highness is too kind. The divine oracle has already foretold that you will ascend the throne; we are merely following the will of Heaven."

The high priest stroked his beard and nodded: "Your Highness, the situation in the capital is delicate. You must act with caution. Morok has not only spread rumors that you were defeated and killed, but his army will also arrive soon, and your father..."

Prince Bo's expression hardened: "How is my father?"

"The Queen has imposed a palace curfew, and no one knows about His Majesty's illness except her."

The high priest sighed and said, "But many people are saying that His Majesty, upon hearing of your defeat and death, was consumed by rage and has passed away. The Queen is keeping your death a secret, waiting for the arrival of the Northern Governor's army."

"asshole!"

In contrast to Samira, who was weeping with her face covered, Prince Bo Diao angrily kicked over the pillar next to him.

He clenched his fists, looked at the high priest, and said, "High priest, please mobilize the believers and follow me into the palace. I will expose their conspiracy!"

"Your Highness can't!"

The high priest hurriedly advised:

"Now the royal guards have been completely incorporated into the royal army by the Queen and the eldest prince, and only two thousand troops remain stationed in the south of the city who still believe in the prince."

"With our limited strength, attempting to storm the palace would be tantamount to suicide."

"So, am I just going to sit here and wait to die?!"

Prince Bo Diao roared, "If we delay any longer, and Moroko's army arrives, then we will truly be powerless to reverse the situation."

"Your Highness, please calm your anger. The oracle reveals that your destiny remains perfectly clear."

Miss Dina moved gracefully and said softly, "You will surely be crowned king, but you will need to be patient until the time comes."

"Patience? What's the use of just being patient?"

Prince Bo Diao said impatiently, "Does this mean that if we just wait here, the enemy will give way and die on their own?"

"Patience is not about waiting idly."

The high priest glanced at his daughter Dina and nodded. Only then did Dina lower her eyes and say:

“We need some time and preparation to perform a ceremony so that you may receive Indra’s blessing.”

"Once the ritual is completed, you will gain the power of the God of War."

"At that time, not only will the palace guards be no match for you, but even that demon king from the Eastern lands will tremble under your might."

Upon hearing this, Prince Bo Diao's pupils suddenly contracted: "Miss Dina, you mean... that Han general?"

Dina nodded slightly, her veiled face flickering in the candlelight.

"That's right. The oracle shows that only a king who receives Indra's blessing can defeat that demon king from the East."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Prince Bo Diao said eagerly, "Let's begin the ceremony now!"

The high priest shook his head: "Your Highness, the ceremony requires not only a venue but also a large number of offerings."

"Most importantly, if we want to hold a complete ceremony, it must be carried out simultaneously with the coronation ceremony in the main hall of the palace."

"At that time, you will receive the blessing of both royal power and divine power."

Prince Bo Diao frowned: "How is this possible? The palace is now under the Queen's control."

“So we need to wait for the right opportunity,” Dina said softly. “The Northern Governor’s army is about to enter the city, and the Queen will surely summon the nobles to hold a grand ceremony to announce the Crown Prince’s accession to the throne. That will be our chance.”

Prince Bo Diao pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up: "You mean... you want me to appear at the coronation ceremony?"

“Exactly.” The high priest looked at him with approval. “When all the nobles gather, you will appear as the chosen one, with the support of the temple. The queen and the governor of the north will be helpless.”

Princess Samira said worriedly, "But what if they disregard their dignity and resort to violence on the spot?"

"So we plan to hold a small ceremony first."

The high priest clenched his fist and said:

"Although it cannot obtain the full power of a complete ritual, if the records in the scriptures and the hints from the oracle are correct, it will be enough for Your Highness to gain the power to break the deadlock."

"However, such rituals, lacking the protection of royal authority, require more sacrifices, especially human sacrifices."

"What?! You mean human sacrifice?!"

Prince Bo Diao was greatly surprised.

Although he was born in a southern region where Brahmanism was prevalent, he received a traditional Buddhist education despite being of royal lineage, which is probably why he had been unable to win Dina's heart.

Buddhism, from its inception, was founded on a strong critique of Brahmanical doctrines.

Opposition to human sacrifice is a major tenet of Buddhism.

Thanks to this, as the influence of Buddhism expanded, Brahmanism gradually changed in the last one or two hundred years, no longer using cruel human sacrifices as frequently as in the early days, but instead using animals such as goats and lambs.

Upon hearing that they were going to revive human sacrifice, Prince Bo Diao felt a sudden unease.

“This is far too cruel,” Princess Samira said, frowning. “Isn’t there any other way?”

The high priest stroked his beard and said, “Your Highnesses, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.”

"This ceremony is of great importance. If we do not strictly follow the ancient rites and make any mistakes, we will all be in dire straits."

"Besides, although it is a human sacrifice, I have already applied to the Queen for these sacrifices. They are all criminals and prostitutes. If their lives can bring peace to the kingdom, it can be considered an atonement."

"Apply to the Queen?" Prince Bodiao gritted his teeth and turned his attention to another matter.

“Yes,” the high priest nodded. “This ceremony cannot be performed in secret, so I have requested that it be held three days from now in the name of praying for His Majesty and the Kingdom.”

"At that time, the Governor-General of the North was coming to the capital. They must have had a lot to do, and our temple was too busy to attend to anything else. The Queen readily agreed to my request."

“Very well,” Prince Bo Diao said, clenching his fist. “Then let’s do as the High Priest says, and hopefully all these sacrifices will be worthwhile.”

Three days later, the situation in Fulousha City changed dramatically, and Su Yao, who had just passed through the Khyber Pass, suddenly raised his head.

For the first time ever, he received a system notification: [Slay Bodhi Vasudeva (Incarnation of an Evil God)]

【mission rewards:
1. Experience points: 10,000.

2. Weapon: Indra's Wrath (Epic Vajra)

3. Achievement Title: Godslayer (All attributes +5%, increased damage and resistance to divine creatures)

"Huh? What the hell? It's an incarnation of an evil god? That's interesting."

(End of this chapter)