I Possess a Scroll of Demon-Subduing Records

She vanished from Xiao Zhao's sight like a shadow, and she no longer needed to see what decision Xiao Zhao would make.

From the moment she saw the look in Xiao Zhao's eyes, she knew she would get the result she wanted...

Chapter 277 Undercurrents

In today's world, there are three main religions: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Whether in officialdom, among the common people, or in the spiritual community, these three religions are undoubtedly the leaders.

Among them, Buddhism has the shortest history in China because it is a foreign religion. After being introduced to China, it has been constantly learning from Confucianism and Taoism.

It can be said that the Buddhism in China is no longer the same as the Buddhism in the Western Regions.

It was precisely because of the absorption of Confucian and Taoist ideas that Buddhism flourished in China, with countless people, from royalty and nobility to ordinary peddlers, believing in Buddhism.

In the cultivation world, Buddhist monks are also a very powerful force, on par with Confucianism and Taoism, and in fact, they are showing signs of surpassing Taoism and becoming number one.

This is because Taoism is relatively low-key, and most of its various traditions adhere to a low-key approach.

You won't know how capable someone is until you push them to the limit.

In short, the influence of Buddhism in the public eye is so great that it cannot be explained in just a few words.

It can be said that destroying a dynasty is far less difficult than destroying Buddhism.

But on this day, when Abbot Kongwen of Jiming Temple was chanting scriptures, he suddenly had a feeling.

Buddhist calamities arise everywhere, and demons emerge in droves.

Master Kongwen never expected that just when Buddhism was developing well, a Buddhist calamity would occur.

But since he had a feeling about this, it meant that it was a sign from heaven and a blessing from Buddha, who had sent him a divine secret.

Since that's the case, we should deal with this matter properly.

The way Buddhism deals with problems is certainly not to find the root cause of the Buddhist calamity now and then destroy it, but to choose to find the person who is destined to face the calamity and lead Buddhism through it.

This must be a test from heaven for Buddhism!

Master Kongwen was certain of this, and immediately contacted various eminent monks to discuss this important matter.

Since this is a Buddhist calamity, it will not be a matter for Jiming Temple alone. All Buddhist temples need to strengthen cooperation and overcome the difficulties together.

For a time, undercurrents surged within the cultivation world.

As for the changes in the imperial court, they were even more earth-shattering.

When Gu Siming learned that he had been punished by the emperor and his entire family had been exiled to Yuezhou, and that the emperor had already abdicated without a fight, he couldn't help but burst into tears.

“I have committed three crimes: failing to eliminate Xiao Zhao, recover Han territory, and safeguard the dynasty. Today I am about to die. You should all go to Yuezhou and never look back north.”

Having said that, Gu Siming, whose health was already failing, passed away suddenly. The entire Gu family was filled with grief and wept. However, before Gu Siming could be buried, the emperor's men arrived at the Prime Minister's residence and drove the Gu family away from Jiankang, exiling them to the impoverished land of Yuezhou.

It's pitiful that Gu Siming, who had been loyal to the emperor all his life, would face such a situation on his deathbed. Many of Gu's descendants were filled with anger and curses, but only one girl remained calm, neither crying nor making a scene, and she did not curse Xiao Qian like the others.

From the roof beam, Lu Yuanhua watched helplessly as his old friend died, and he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss.

Gu Siming was already exhausted and furious when he learned that Xiao Qian had surrendered without using a single soldier.

But even on his deathbed, he never blamed the emperor, only himself for his own sins.

A subject should be like Gu Siming.

As for the Gu family's sons hating Xiao Qian, that's understandable; not everyone can see the situation clearly.

If Lu Yuanhua hadn't met Xiao Qian once, he would have thought that this emperor was truly incompetent. But now, he understood Xiao Qian's good intentions to some extent.

Given the current situation, it's almost a foregone conclusion that the King of Liang will seize the throne, and Xiao Qian's resistance will only increase casualties.

His decisive surrender, which saved many lives, was already considered wise. Afterwards, he berated his loyal subjects, obviously to give them a way out to defect to the new dynasty.

Anyone who was once loyal to Xiao Qian could turn around and side with Xiao Zhao.

As for the Gu family, exile was the only way to save their lives; there was basically no other way.

Xiao Qian's actions were an open conspiracy. Even if Xiao Zhao knew what Xiao Qian was planning, he couldn't continue to exterminate the old ministers of the previous dynasty. Since it was a rebellion, he could secure his position with less bloodshed. He didn't need to stained his throne with too much blood.

How many emperors in the world would be willing to risk their own reputation to save the lives of their subjects?

That alone was enough to move Lu Yuanhua.

Unfortunately, although Xiao Qian had the potential to be a wise ruler, he did not have the destiny to be one; fate was not on his side.

Lu Yuanhua couldn't bear to listen to the Gu family cursing Xiao Qian any longer. As someone in the know, he couldn't reveal the truth to avoid any unforeseen complications.

He leaped and landed in front of the Gu family's gate. A gentle breeze ruffled his robes, making him appear quite ethereal and otherworldly.

He did not conceal his aura as a first-rank expert. In an instant, the withered trees in the courtyard came back to life, sprouting new buds, and peonies bloomed in profusion. Even in the bleak autumn, the Gu family mansion was still full of red flowers.

Such an atmosphere clearly indicates that a distinguished guest has arrived.

The constable in charge of escorting the Gu family south hurriedly asked, "May I ask your honorable name, sir, and what brings you to the Gu residence?"

"Lu Yuanhua, a hermit, accepted a friend's grandson as his disciple at someone's request."

Upon hearing Lu Yuanhua's name, everyone present gasped in unison.

Lu Yuanhua was a great Confucian scholar of his time, with countless disciples. Even the emperor would treat such a person with respect, let alone lowly people like them.

The Gu family was in an uproar again, and someone mustered up their courage to ask, "I wonder which disciple Master Yuanhua wishes to take on?"

The grandchildren of the Gu family were all looking forward to it, but everyone knew in their hearts that the spot for the apprentice would definitely go to the eldest grandson.

As expected, Lu Yuanhua said, "Gu Tingxuan."

Everyone looked at the handsome young man, their eyes filled with envy.

The emperor has already issued an edict to exile the entire Gu family to Yuezhou. Yuezhou is a poor place, and it is unknown whether they will be able to adapt to the environment there.

As for disobeying orders, the new emperor might not be kind to them either. After all, Gu Siming is the banner of the royalist party. Anyone else might survive, but the Gu family is unlikely to.

If they could go with Lu Yuanhua, they would not be exiled to Yuezhou, nor would they have to worry about Xiao Zhao's retribution.

A first-rank expert, while not necessarily able to disregard imperial power, can certainly protect one or two insignificant people without any problem.

Clearly, the handsome young man was Gu Tingxuan.

But despite the envious glances of the crowd, the young man did not immediately agree to let Lu Yuanhua become his disciple, but instead refused outright.

"Thank you for your help in this time of crisis, sir. Tingxuan is young and not afraid to go south, but my father is nearing the end of his life. He has been overwhelmed with worry and has damaged his health. I am afraid he will not be able to withstand the journey. I would like to ask you to take my father as your disciple."

These words moved everyone. Who didn't know that following Lu Yuanhua meant a bright future, while heading south to Yuezhou meant that even if the King of Liang didn't settle scores, they would only face more hardship.

This child is so filial to give up such an opportunity to his father!

A middle-aged man with graying temples standing to the side was also moved to tears. He was Gu Siming's eldest son and Gu Tingxuan's biological father, Gu Youzhi.

“Silly child, your father is an old man, past the age of pursuing scholarship. You should go instead. Don’t miss this opportunity to study the classics with Master Yuanhua.”

This scene of fatherly love and filial piety moved Lu Yuanhua. It showed that true feelings are revealed in times of adversity, and that the most authentic side of human nature can be seen, especially in times of hardship.

They are truly worthy descendants of Gu Siming; they are all outstanding.

If it weren't for the circumstances, he would have wanted to save the entire Gu family, but Xiao Qian only asked him to save one person, and there was a reason for that.

If Xiao Zhao were to protect one person, he would have to give Lu Yuanhua face; if he were to protect a whole group, then Lu Yuanhua would be disrespecting Xiao Zhao.

The martial arts world is not just about fighting and killing; it's about human relationships and social interactions.

The most important thing in speaking and acting is to be tactful.

He couldn't protect the second generation of the Gu family, because these people were all officials of varying ranks. The third generation, however, had not yet entered officialdom and were insignificant. Protecting one of them would naturally ensure his safety.

Seeing Gu Tingxuan's filial piety, he was very pleased and naturally did not want him to bear too much psychological pressure, so he explained, "I am very pleased that you are so filial, but my abilities are limited. I am powerless to help those who are too deeply involved with the court."

This took on the responsibility of not being able to protect Gu Tingxuan's father, which was also a way of protecting Gu Tingxuan.

Gu Tingxuan looked disappointed, then said to Lu Yuanhua, "Sir, I have another request. Could you please take on one more disciple?"

My younger sister, Gu Tinglan, is not a member of the Gu family; she is the daughter of my grandfather's friend and has no deep connection with the Gu family. I think she shouldn't cause you too much trouble, sir. Please take her in.

This request is indeed unreasonable. It was agreed that I would only take one apprentice, but I am asking to take one more. If I can take one more, why can't I take one more?

However, Lu Yuanhua had a very good impression of Gu Tingxuan. At this time, he was willing to risk offending himself to seek a chance for the life of his sworn sister, which could be considered gentlemanly.

Who is Gu Tinglan?

The most poised and composed young woman we had seen earlier slowly stepped forward, bowed to Lu Yuanhua, and said, "Junior Gu Tinglan greets Mr. Yuanhua."

"Very well, you shall become my disciple by name. As for the rest, I am powerless to help you. I hope you all take care."

Having said all that, naturally no one asked Lu Yuanhua to take on another disciple. The Gu family had very strict family rules, and at this point, they certainly wouldn't lose face.

"You two, come with me!"

Lu Yuanhua led the two away, and no one else dared to raise any objections. They acted as if nothing had happened and continued to escort the Gu family south.

Lu Yuanhua led the two back to the Book Mountain, leaving the other disciples to take care of their daily needs before hurriedly departing.

The Gu siblings were then placed in adjacent bamboo houses, a arrangement made by Lu Yuanhua to consider their feelings and allow them to keep each other company.

Gu Tinglan was not Gu Youzhi's biological daughter, but the daughter of Gu Qing, a friend of Gu Youzhi. Gu Qing died early, leaving behind an orphan girl. Since they both had the surname Gu, Gu Youzhi adopted her as his goddaughter and named her Tinglan.

Lu Yuanhua thought Gu Tingxuan was a caring older brother to his younger sister, but that wasn't the case. The relationship between Gu Tinglan and Gu Tingxuan wasn't very good.

They weren't blood-related siblings, so their relationship was only so-so, maintaining a superficial friendliness.

There was a reason why Gu Tingxuan was willing to speak up for Gu Tinglan.

That is everything he showed today, all of which was taught to him by Gu Tinglan.

She guessed that Lu Yuanhua would come to take him as a disciple, and that if he acted more filial, he would win Lu Yuanhua's favor.

In exchange, he would lend her a hand, which would be beneficial and harmless to him as well.

Gu Tingxuan was initially skeptical, but after seeing Lu Yuanhua appear, he truly believed Gu Tinglan's words and was amazed by Gu Tinglan's wisdom.

It should be noted that Gu Tinglan had said these words to Gu Siming long before he first returned home in anger after banging his head against a pillar in the palace.

Is this person some kind of divine strategist?

As soon as the others left, Gu Tingxuan couldn't wait to find Gu Tinglan. He wanted to ask what to do next.

Although his previous words and actions had an element of performance, he was genuinely worried about his family and had no better solutions, so he had no choice but to seek help from the seemingly capable Gu Tinglan.

But as soon as he arrived at Gu Tinglan's residence, before he even entered the door, Gu Tinglan preemptively said, "Brother, there's no need to worry too much. Go back first, get a good night's sleep, and you'll naturally have a good plan tomorrow."

Furthermore, elder brother, please refrain from coming to see me at night in the future, lest people misunderstand.