Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 78 A Fluttering Heart (Please Subscribe)

Wu Chengsi relit the incense in his hand, a flash of sinister glint in his eyes.

The princes of the Wu clan below the stage gripped their jade tablets tightly, while the officials were still bewildered. The eerie atmosphere that had enveloped the entire hall had already dissipated.

On the eaves of the tall building, Lu Chenyuan couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

A morning breeze swept across the nine-layered palace, lifting his purple robe. As the robe fluttered, he stretched lazily and smiled: This time, I'm going to make the rich woman bleed. Divine weapons, rare treasures, and everything in between are essential. She also has to wear black stockings for three days!

Yuan Qingshuang loosened her grip slightly, and Xie Tingyun smiled.

Shangguan Wan'er gently raised her hand, and the [Cloud Dragon Drinking Ink] returned to her palm. She looked up at Lu Chenyuan, her eyes sparkling with surprise: "How did Lord Lu know that there was a secret hidden under that locust tree? What kind of technique did they use?"

"A relatively uncommon formation in the 'Ancient Formation Remnants'."

Lu Chenyuan casually said, "The Yin-Yang Puzzle Formation is also known as the Twin Puppet Show Stage. There was a reckless man named Zong Yue in the Southern Song Dynasty who was trapped by this formation when he led his troops to conquer the Wuxi Barbarians. Relying on his strength, he led his personal guards straight into the enemy formation, but after being hit, he was affected by the formation and killed half of his own battalion of brothers with his own hands, thinking that he was killing the enemy."

"This formation is derived from the secret arts of Miao witchcraft and the soul-capturing techniques of the Central Plains. It does not rely on magical artifacts, but only on blood, shadow, sound, and light as guides. The Yang formation, the Seven Emotions Bewitching Formation, is set up in the open, using the Seven Emotions Bewitching Talisman to trap the enemy's mind; the Yin formation, the Water Moon Puppet Platform, is hidden in the shadows, and the caster controls it remotely through a water mirror."

"At first, I was also attracted by the Gu worms and thought it was a formation based on Gu. But the Gu worms are just a decoy. Gu alone cannot allow twenty-four people to enter the formation at the same time. It must be a formation with greater power, or even a talisman formation. There are very few formations that can be set up in one day and have such power. This is the most likely one."

"This formation is extremely difficult to set up and consumes a great deal of resources. It requires four rare treasures as catalysts: Mermaid Tears, Thunderwood, Mirage Sand, and Dream Butterfly Scales. These materials bewitch the mind through sight, sound, smell, and taste, respectively, and trap the seven emotions. Finally, the blood of a strange beast is used to draw a Seven Emotions Bewitching Talisman, which seeks out gaps to enter and devour the mind. The larger the formation, the more blood is required. In history, even when the Miao region faced the threat of extinction, this formation was only used twice, and there are very few records of it."

"As for the flaws..."

Lu Chenyuan smiled and pointed to the locust tree: "This formation is powerful, but it also has great flaws. Not to mention the rare and precious materials and exotic beast blood used to inscribe the [Seven Emotions Bewitching Talisman] during its formation, you can't move during the spell, that's the first one. After the spell is broken, the backlash is severe, that's the second one. And there's a third... flaw that doesn't count as a flaw."

Look at that locust tree. In late autumn, October, all the plants within a radius of several dozen feet have withered and died, but that old locust tree alone is flourishing, even sprouting new tender leaves. This is irrefutable proof that the Yin Formation forcibly devours the surrounding life force to nourish itself. 'The Yang Formation bewitches the seven emotions, the Yin Formation controls the three souls; when the two formations are complete, all living beings are but a play.' The more people it controls, the more spiritual materials the formation needs to assist it, the stronger its power, and the greater its impact. This is what is meant by 'even the most meticulous plans can have a flaw.'"

Shangguan Wan'er looked closely and indeed saw that the area around the locust tree was all withered and yellow, but it alone was lush and green.

Her heart trembled slightly, and her fingertips unconsciously caressed the hilt of the sword [Cloud Dragon Drinking Ink].

"I see……"

She spoke softly, her voice even softer than the morning breeze brushing against the eaves.

The morning light shone on the man's smiling lips, and his purple robe fluttered in the wind.

Shangguan Wan'er glanced at him unconsciously for a moment, then looked away. She suddenly realized that this was the third time this month, and she had to admit that this man's methods were indeed clever.

Suddenly, the bronze bell beneath the altar rang, and the [Xiaochen Bracelet] on her wrist chimed along with it, making a crisp, tinkling sound.

Shangguan Wan'er frowned and pressed her hand on the bracelet, but noticed that her pulse was three times faster than the sound of the bracelet. This discovery made her expression turn serious - as a female official in the inner court, she knew all too well that in the Wu Zhou court, any flaw could be fatal.

Especially the flaw of showing interest in Princess Taiping's male favorites...

She turned around abruptly, wanting to leave, but after taking three steps, she inexplicably turned back and glanced at the eaves—the man was lazily counting the copper bells, as if what he had just solved was nothing more than a child's trick.

Shangguan Wan'er took a deep breath, turned around, and said softly, "What does Lord Lu think of that sorcerer? Can you guess his background?"

Lu Chenyuan shook his head: "There are so many extraordinary people in the world, especially in a place like Miao Jiang, with its vast mountains and thousands of Miao villages. Even the intelligence of the Yuanwei is not enough... But we can do the opposite. Who has the ability, the right, and the resources to set up this kind of formation, invite this kind of people, and do this kind of thing? The answer is self-evident and there is no need to guess."

Shangguan Wan'er naturally knew all this, and following his gaze to the altar below, she said softly, "That's true..."

Lu Chenyuan laughed and said, "Even so, so many rare and precious materials have gone down the drain, and such a capable person has been crippled. He should feel bad for a while, hahaha."

Shangguan Wan'er's lips curled slightly: "What a pity... what a pity that person got away. If we had captured him and sent him to the Emperor..."

That's pointless.

Lu Chenyuan disagreed.

Wu Chengsi sent two maids to poison Li Dan, and Wu Zetian knew he was the mastermind, but she didn't take it seriously.

For an emperor, especially one who has killed or distrusted her children, the more intense the infighting is, the more peacefully she sleeps, because both sides are vying for her favor—perhaps only after Li Dan dies will she favor Taiping, and only after Wu Chengsi dies will she favor the next one.

The festival below is still ongoing.

After the second offering, came the final offering. Li Dan walked slowly toward the altar, his plain white robe appearing somewhat thin in the autumn wind.

This nominal heir to the throne was thin and pale, a stark contrast to the imposing Wu Chengsi beside him.

But his steps were steady, calm and composed—just like his situation in the court over the years, clearly walking on thin ice, yet still having to maintain the last vestige of the Li Tang imperial family's dignity.

"In the first year of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the year of Gengyin, on the twenty-sixth day of the tenth month, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I, Dan, the Imperial Heir, dare to proclaim to the Venerable God of the Luo River: Your Holy and Divine Emperor, having received the mandate of heaven and earth, reigns supreme. Your brilliance shines like the sun and moon, your blessings extend to all. The Luo River, with its divine power, nurtures your sacred foundation, truly a great blessing for all people and the refuge of all citizens. Your subject, Dan, assuming the position of Crown Prince, is diligent and cautious day and night. Now, by imperial decree, I respectfully offer this final sacrifice, reverently presenting this bright offering:"
First Prayer: May the Luo River flow smoothly and abundantly, bringing lasting blessings. May its waves be calm and tranquil, ensuring smooth transport of grain. Second Prayer: May the weather be favorable, bringing bountiful harvests. May the farmers enjoy auspicious mornings, and the treasury be full. May the people be healthy and the world at peace. Third Prayer: May His Majesty the Emperor enjoy good health and longevity. May His wisdom and virtue be bestowed upon the nine regions forever.

We humbly beseech the revered deity to bestow this fragrant blessing, silently protecting our nation and showering down auspicious omens.

Your Majesty, I, Dan, am filled with utmost sincerity and anxiety. May you accept this offering!

He bowed respectfully to the sacrificial cauldron.

These words were extremely respectful and cautious.

—Absolute obedience and acceptance of reality: The opening emphasizes "Her Majesty the Holy and Divine Emperor"; it stresses the national welfare and people's livelihood; the core themes revolve around "peace and tranquility of the Luo River" and "smooth flow of the Grand Canal"; it wishes Wu Zetian health and longevity, using restrained and standardized language such as "May Your Majesty be healthy and your life be blessed with abundant fortune"; at the same time, it downplays the identity of "Imperial Heir" and highlights the position of "subject"; moreover, it does not mention any elements of the Li Tang dynasty, does not express personal demands, does not involve the succession to the throne, and does not challenge Wu Chengsi's dedication...

The courtiers below, who still cherished the memory of the Li Tang imperial family, felt both heartbroken and comforted upon hearing these words.

They all looked eagerly at this hope for the future of the Li Tang dynasty.

Li Lingyue was also looking at her fourth brother, feeling relieved that the danger had been averted.

Abyss...

She knew who had interrupted the assassination attempt and who had stopped the rushing assassin. Recalling her previous plan, her pretty face flushed slightly.

After those five days and five nights, she knew his body and his preferences all too well.

Humph.

At worst, let him have his way...

After the three offerings, the officiant took the stage and began reading the prayer, starting with the creation myth and recounting how the birth of the Wu Zhou regime was in accordance with the will of Heaven. He praised Wu Zetian's achievements in both governance and military prowess—making Yao and Shun pale in comparison, Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han pale in comparison, Emperor Wen of Han pale in comparison, and Emperor Taizong of Tang… well, that was barely acceptable. In short, when it came to true governance and military achievements, one had to look to my holy and divine Emperor!
Wu Zetian expressed her satisfaction.

Next came the burning and burying, followed by the removal of the food offerings and the sending off of the gods.

Finally, there is the ritual of observing the fire.

The crowd stood silently watching the still-burning pile of firewood.

As the last wisp of smoke dissipated over the Luo River, the ceremony came to a successful conclusion.

Wu Zetian, satisfied, ascended the imperial carriage surrounded by the Imperial Guards. With a wave of her sleeve, she said to Li Lingyue, "Taiping has rendered meritorious service in overseeing the sacrificial ceremony this time, and I am greatly pleased! Tonight, at the banquet in the Mingtang Hall, you and..."

She paused meaningfully, "...You and your Lord Lu must come together to receive the reward."

With your...

Li Lingyue pursed her lips. Her skin was getting thicker and thicker. She blushed slightly at her mother's teasing and then nodded in agreement. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Wu Chengsi's face turn ashen and Wu Youji's face turn as black as a pig's liver in the crowd.

Li Lingyue didn't take it to heart, and followed behind the imperial carriage with a dignified posture, her back straight. She thought to herself, "This is Shen Yuan's first time attending such a banquet. Wu Chengsi suffered a great loss this time, and he will probably make things difficult for him at the banquet."

but……

Li Lingyue sneered inwardly, "I'd like to see who dares to touch my people!"

When the imperial carriage reached Luoqiao Bridge, she suddenly stopped, turned to the lady-in-waiting beside her and said, "Go and tell the Bureau of Ceremonies that an extra seat should be set up next to my seat tonight." Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for the Wu family members around her to hear clearly. "Use the sandalwood table that was newly acquired last month."

The jade tablet in Wu Youji's hand cracked with a "crack".

—An extra seat added to the table? And the imperial tribute is being given to a male favorite?!
His face instantly turned ashen, and veins bulged on his forehead, as if he had been stabbed in the chest.

Li Lingyue acted as if she hadn't seen anything, and then instructed, "Tell Lu Qing again..." She raised the corners of her lips slightly, "...that I have just acquired the Kunlun Jade Elixir from the Western Regions, and it's no fun drinking it alone. Tell him to come quickly!"

(End of this chapter)