Chapter 660: Chaoge City Is Seizing the Righteous Throne
Chaoge City seemed to be bustling recently.
Li Changshou, who had originally s.h.i.+fted his attention to a few important pa.s.ses in the Shang territory, had no choice but to temporarily s.h.i.+ft his gaze back.
The small earthquake of the children being killed seemed to be endless.
Li Changshou captured a communication jade token that came from the southeast and landed in Young Master Wen Zhong’s residence. In less than an hour, Wen Zhong secretly left the Young Master’s residence and rushed in the direction of the jade token.
He should have returned to the Green Touring Palace to report his work.
As soon as Wen Zhong left, a few streams of light flew into the night sky of Chaoge City. The “restaurant immortals” of Chan School returned and sneaked into Chaoge City.
Li Changshou raised his eyebrows.
His intuition told him that a good show was about to happen. He continued to observe and wait.
Wen Zhong returned three days later, looking quite comfortable.
If Li Changshou’s guess was right, Wen Zhong should be talking about his gains in the mortal world over the years in the Green Touring Palace and recommended Zi Shou to be the “leading” chess player of Jie School. He also obtained the support of Jie School.
To be safe, Li Changshou still sent a letter to Zhao Gongming to investigate the matter.
It was not much different from his deduction.
After Wen Zhong returned to the Green Touring Palace, he first greeted the G.o.ddess of Golden Spirit and was brought to Daoist Duobao by the G.o.ddess of Golden Spirit.
Wen Zhong knelt down and confessed. He said what he had seen and heard in the Shang Nation. He a.n.a.lyzed the structure of power in and outside the Shang Nation and explained the relations.h.i.+p between the merchants and the eight hundred dukes in detail.
There was also something related to Li Changshou.
Wen Zhong actually said that Li Changshou supported his son to be the next ruler of Shang.
Therefore, Jie School did not hesitate much and decided to fully support the “strategic plan” of becoming the ruler of Shang.
Li Changshou was rendered speechless.
Fortunately, Zhao Gongming’s reply also included Senior Brother Duobao’s words after Wen Zhong left.
Daoist Duobao said, “Disciple-Nephew Wen Zhong clearly likes Zi Shou. He sees him as a student. His words are trustworthy, but not completely. We still have to make two preparations for this matter. On the one hand, we will support our son to become the ruler of Shang. On the other hand, we will continue to observe which feudal lords will suddenly rise in the future. For example, the Jiang family in the east is rich and powerful. The King of Shang has no choice but to use the marriage alliance to stabilize Jiang Huanchu. At least it’s not a loss.”
Li Changshou felt relieved. He was really afraid that Jie School would confirm their future path.
He had to take a look before making a decision.
A few days after Wen Zhong returned to Chaoge City, the “restaurant immortals” of Chan School began to secretly become active.
They first revealed their special techniques to attract the attention of the officials and n.o.bles in the city. Then, they became familiar with the n.o.bles and gave some pills and talismans that did not increase their lifespans and could treat calamities. They became guests of the aristocratic circle in Chaoge City.
Mortals would only yearn for longevity, no illnesses, and no disasters. Although this was a little unfair, it was grasped perfectly.
From that, Li Changshou concluded that it must be the senior brothers of Chan School who were guiding him.
The reason was probably because Wen Zhong and his son were too close.
Hence, Li Changshou… stabilized himself.
A letter was sent to Perfected Taiyi’s Cave Abode and he quickly received a reply.
Perfected Taiyi’s letter mentioned that Chan School was indeed worried about the third generation disciple of Jie School, Wen Zhong. His current status in Chaoge City and his future development potential.
According to Senior Brother Guang Chengzi, Chan School had to at least match Jie School on this matter.
Therefore, Chan School had made two preparations.
Firstly, he supported Wei Ziqi and promoted his ident.i.ty as the eldest son of Di Yi.
Secondly, he would place disciples of Chan School beside him and gradually gain their trust and balance Wen Zhong.
Chan School was also experienced in exercising discipline.
The battle for the throne in Chaoge City officially began.
The first to enter the venue were the third-generation disciples. After hearing Li Changshou’s advice twice, they quickly adapted to the days of scheming and fighting.
At this stage, the two sides were mainly focused on roping in the ministers and generals.
Zi Shou and Wen Zhong made a good move.
They had chosen the son of Huang Feihu who was from a military family, and nurtured him carefully.
Zi Shou and Huang Feihu had known each other since they were young. The latter was proficient in the art of war and had outstanding martial arts. He had the ability to tear tigers and leopards apart. He was a rising star in the army.
Zi Shou was tasked to protect Huang Feihu and help him advance in the army.
Huang Feihu was quite hardworking. He had gone out to fight a few times in the past three years and won consecutively.
He had long been the leader of the troops at the border pa.s.s. He was a general of the border and had close ties with many old aristocratic families.
After receiving the instructions from the Hall, Di Yi happily agreed. Huang Feihu was under the command of General Feng Huw.a.n.g and was in charge of guarding Chaoge City and leading the military affairs outside the city.
That was equivalent to handing half of Chaoge City to Zi Shou in advance.
Chan School reacted to that. The Three Heavenly Scholars Regiment had come to Pu Xian and Ci Hang. They had also conspired with Chi Jingzi to plot against Chaoge City.
Not long after, rumors spread in the city. Soon, Li Changshou’s familiar move appeared…
Three days after the river in the north of Chaoge City dried up, an ancient monument appeared in the mud on the riverbed. On it were three words:
“Shang Duanzi suffered.”
That caused a huge commotion in Chaoge City.
A few days later, cracks appeared in the tombs of the past rulers of Shang. Two tombs even collapsed.
Di Yi could not sleep.
The mortals in the Primordial World had to be superst.i.tious and believe in the words of G.o.ds and ghosts.
In the Young Master’s Residence, Wen Zhong was so anxious that his hair turned white. He hurriedly asked the Jade Void Palace for help and invited the G.o.ddess of Turtle Spirit and the G.o.ddess of Wudang.
Fortunately, the G.o.ddess of Golden Spirit did not come to Chaoge City to draw her sword…
The two parties attacked consecutively and fought across s.p.a.ce. It did not matter if it was sinister or not. As long as it was useful.
Li Changshou was purely watching the fun. Every day, he would sit on half a small stool in the emissary’s residence. He placed his immortal senses outside and various situations appeared in his heart.
Although the scene was beautiful, it was a little “expensive”.
Di Yi, who could originally hold on for a few more years in the position of the ruler of Shang, had “aged” at a speed that could be seen with the naked eye. His physical condition was getting worse every day, and he would have to transfer work in the next three to four years.
That further intensified the power struggle in Chaoge City.
When the top-notch immortal Dao factions began to interfere with the mortal royal authority, they would definitely attack the original order of the mortal world. A series of magical events would happen.
When an immortal of Chan School suggested that they secretly approached the palace and changed the memories of Di Yi…
Li Changshou, who had been watching the show, had no choice but to stand up.
It’s fine if you want to play, but don’t joke with the human emperor.
Now, in the order of the Heaven, Earth, and Man Three Realms, although the human emperor was only a mortal, he could not be casually manipulated.
Li Changshou waved his wide sleeve. The soldiers and servants of the Great s.h.i.+ Inst.i.tute almost broke their legs. The dark web that was woven in Chaoge City quickly surfaced, catching the Chan and Jie School off guard.
First, in the King’s Hall, the twenty-nine ministers jointly submitted a memorial. They said that rumors were spreading in Chaoge City that those who wanted to disturb the outline of the court. They proposed that they should investigate the matter.
Then, the female sacrificial team sent an invitation. They would bring forward the Heaven and Earth Grand Ceremony that should have happened three years later to the auspicious day after a month. They would sacrifice their ancestors and wors.h.i.+p the Heavenly Emperor. They would pray for the prosperity of the country and the good weather.
The King of Shang pondered for a long time and agreed. Chaoge immediately got busy in and outside the city.
Chan School had the intention to hold the grand ceremony this time. They had made many arrangements outside and were prepared to embarra.s.s their son and lose the position of heir.
Jie School had already expected that. They naturally protected him secretly and wanted him to complete the wors.h.i.+p smoothly.
However, on that day.
The King of Shang slowly climbed onto the platform in the middle of Chaoge City. Before Zi Shou could move forward, golden light suddenly filled the sky, and m.u.f.fled thunder sounded from the surrounding sky.
The King of Shang was overjoyed when he saw that. He finished singing his prayers with a trembling voice. The golden light turned into two groups of golden-armored Divine Generals and flew over from the sky.
What followed was vast heavenly might!
The leader of the Divine Generals was dressed in a light red dress and a golden armor. Her slim figure became more and more fiery, but she had an unconcealable dignity that made mortals not dare to look at her.
It was naturally Youqin Xuanya.
Thirty thousand Spirit Stones for this business trip.
Youqin Xuanya flew into the sky and lowered her head to look at the old King of Shang below. Her gaze swept across the city, and her calm, lark-like voice spread everywhere.
“By the orders of the True Jade Emperor! The Shang Nation is in the mortal world. It is protected by the Heavenly Courts. Those who dare to use Dharma spells to disturb the Shang Nation’s government are listed as demons and enemies of the Heavenly Courts.”
After saying that, Youqin Xuanya turned around and left. Her ponytail swung in the air in a carefree and unrestrained manner.
“Ancestor!”
Shang Jun recognized Youqin Xuanya and could not help but shout.
“Ancestor, can you bring me back!?!”
Youqin Xuanya frowned slightly and looked down at the trembling Di Yi. She, who did not know how to answer, heard a voice transmission and immediately replied, “Since you are the human emperor, how can you let your subjects down? There are differences between immortals and mortals. The human Dao is prosperous, and the immortal Dao is bitter. You should be a good king. If you don’t do anything against your conscience, the world will not treat you unfairly.”
After saying that, the golden light in the sky dissipated. Youqin Xuanya and the two Divine Generals rose into the sky and disappeared.
As soon as Youqin Xuanya left, the Chan School and Jie School immediately stopped their plans for the day. The disciples that they had planted temporarily retreated from Chaoge City and they would discuss it later.
The two sects naturally knew about Youqin Xuanya’s ident.i.ty.
Although her cultivation level was not high, she was the G.o.ddess of War of the Heavenly Courts, a disciple of the Immortal Du Sect of the Ren School, and the junior sister that Li Changgeng trusted.
Today, she appeared in Chaoge City and could be interpreted several times. It was basically the same as the person who was the main tribulation shouting in the ears of the Eldest Senior Brother of the two sects.
“I crossed the line. Stop.”
After carefully experiencing it, he was reminding the Chan School and Jie School that the battle for the throne should not involve the current human emperor.
After the ceremony, Chaoge City finally calmed down.
However, the peace only lasted for two months. There were more riots in the army. Huang Feihu’s Deputy General was a.s.sa.s.sinated. His death was extremely strange.
The battle for the throne had begun to glow with blood.
Li Changshou turned a blind eye to that. He allowed the Chan School and Jie School to torment each other and adhered to his principles as a “judge”.
Firstly, he would not be impulsive… Ahem, he had taken the wrong script.
His rules were actually simple. He could not attack the human emperor or the innocent mortals. Apart from that, there was only one last rule.
Only two sects could compete in Chaoge City.
…
In the dead of the night, at the seaside Chentang Pa.s.s.
In the backyard of the Li Residence, Li Changshou’s paper effigy and high-ranking servant, w.a.n.g Chang’an, had already returned to their own residence and was lying on the bed sleeping.
Recently, he had a new job, and that was to teach Jinzha to read and write.
Although he did not want to admit that he had any relations.h.i.+p with Li Jing’s foster father, when he looked at Jinzha, he really felt that he was looking at his great grandson.
Ugh!
Remember the pure Yang mission and maintain a young mentality!
The night breeze brought some conversation. It was Li Jing and Lady Yin talking on the pillow.
Chen Tang was at the edge of the mortal world. There, he had almost lost contact with Chaoge City. There was only one official who would bring news of Chaoge City every half a month, as well as various military orders and political orders.
Of course, the taxes here had to be sent to Chaoge City. As the journey was long, the teams that were transported would only set off once every three years.
The enemies that Chentang Pa.s.s had to face were not only bandits and barbarians, but also demonic beasts that often appeared.
In addition, when Chentang Pa.s.s was still in Chentang Town, many human Qi Refinement cultivators had stayed behind. Although their standards were not high, there were indeed superficial Qi Refinement techniques.
Lady Yin was originally from an ordinary family in the Great Yin City and was completely unaware of cultivation. However, with Li Jing’s help, she was now a Qi Refinement cultivator who had entered the sect. Apart from the increase in her lifespan, she was also young and had a hint of maturity.
Li Jing and his wife were as loving as before. If they did not have any military affairs, they would definitely be in his house.
That was really…
It was as if the sun did not rise the next day.
If Li Changshou could not retract the Wind Speech Incantation in time at night, he would always blush and feel awkward.
Muzha was already on the way.
Tonight, Lady Yin said softly, “Ah, when will the chaos in Chaoge City end? It has already spread to the army.”
“The First Prince is not convinced. The Third Prince is a little far-fetched. His mother and father were born at different times. One was a minister, and the other was a ruler…”
Li Jing sighed softly and smiled. “Madam, let’s not worry about that. The heavens are high and the ruler is far away. Just protect Chentang Pa.s.s.”
“There are many relatives and friends in the clan who are officials. How can I not be worried?”
Lady Yin asked, “Hubby, you are an immortal. Do you know if there are really immortals causing trouble in Chaoge City?”
“Of course there are. However, they are all hiding in the dark. It’s not appropriate to say anything,” Li Jing said in a low voice. “Madam, you also know that our foster father is a top existence among immortals. The rule that he had set in his early years was that immortals and mortals were separated. Immortals could not interfere with the mortal world. Mortals could not seek immortals. The ancestral teachings of the Shang Nation are the same. Previously, the King had also violated the taboo by requesting the ancestor of the Shang Nation to bring him away. For that, he even suffered a few nightmares.”
“Hubby, how long do you think the King can last?”
“That’s hard to say, but Madam.” Li Jing chuckled. “If we don’t take off our clothes and sleep, I won’t be able to hold on.”
What Li Changshou deduced afterwards was to be censored.
The Wind Speech Incantation was temporarily closed. Just as Li Changshou was about to s.h.i.+ft his attention away, he suddenly sensed a stream of light flying over from the sky.
He carefully sensed that it was the immortals of Chan School.
Wen Shu?
Are you here to take away Jinzha?
Aren’t you afraid of disturbing the couple’s loving time at night?
Li Changshou sat up and pondered if he should remind Jie School. Wen Shu had already changed into a cloud and slowly landed in the military headquarters.
Wen Shu was also middle-aged. He was dressed in an exquisite gray Daoist robe. There were elegant Dao runes around him. At that moment, he was smiling and had a strong sense of affinity.
A few hundred feet above the ground, Wen Shu stopped the cloud and her voice spread throughout the Li Residence.
“Is Li Jing at home?”
In the backyard of the Li Residence, Lady Yin hurriedly b.u.t.toned up her skirt. Li Jing hurriedly put on his armor. When he was done packing, he closed the layers of barriers around the house and walked out together.
He was in a disheveled state.