Chapter One Hundred and Eleven Your humble servant dares not

  Xi Zong temporarily stayed outside the Haodai platform. In a relatively intact temple, Liang Xin hurried over with the commander's order.

  In front of the main hall, the guards in green uniforms stood in layers, it was unclear whether they were the Tianzi Institute brought by the Emperor from the capital or the elite ambushed by the commander in Zhen Mountain.

  The eunuch announced, the emperor summoned, Liang Xin imitated Shi Lin's manner, bowing his head and waist, taking small steps into the grand hall.

  He walked all the way to the temporary dragon case, Shi Lin tidied up his clothes and shouted "Long live", just about to kneel down, Xi Zong waved his hand and said: "Forget it, when you're out, keep things simple." Xia Gong'e and the old eunuch stood solemnly behind the emperor.

  It's early winter, the days are short and the nights are long. At this moment, it's already evening, the sky is dimly lit, and the originally lifeless grand hall seems even more gloomy. In such a large temple, including the two blue-clad men who just entered, there are only five people in total. The emptiness makes one feel a little frightened.

  Li Xing stole a glance at the emperor, perhaps due to the dimness of the grand hall, Xi Zong had lost all the affability he showed when socializing with the monks during the day, and instead was faintly exuding an aura of killing intent, sitting blankly behind his desk, seemingly deep in thought, without immediately noticing the two eunuchs.

  On the bookcase, a blue-and-white porcelain parrot and peony incense burner, with dragon birth fragrance wafting...

  After a while, Xi Zong finally came back to his senses, and his face regained its vitality. He looked at Liang Xin with great interest: "Nine Dragon Green Robe, Riding Knight Liang Xin? Liang Mo Dao?"

  Liáng Xīn learned from the dialogue in the script, and hurriedly bowed his head: "Your humble servant dares not." After thinking about it for a moment, he felt that there was nothing to dare or not dare, since he was originally called by this name.

  Xi Zong's expression remained unchanged, and he continued: "The Nine Dragons Division governs the three major courts, Tongzhi, Qianshi, Zhenfu, Qianhu... tens of thousands of Qingyi guards belong to their respective divisions. Only the Youji (patrolling cavalry) are outside the sequence, listening only to the deployment of the commander-in-chief. The Qingyi Youji is an extraordinary position, and it can only be occupied by an extraordinary person. Liang Ai, you were weak in your early years, but your methods are extremely ruthless."

  As usual, Liang Xin generally smiled foolishly and nodded his head with the sheep horn on his neck. But this time, the sheep horn was in the arms of Second Brother outside the temple, and Liang Xin didn't know what to say. He could only repeat: "Your humble servant dares not."

  Xi Zong shook his head: "It's not that you're always afraid, you dare to investigate the Si Tian Jian, dare to kill Guo Shi's disciples, dare to force Qian Huang to take action, and dare to debate with Qi Lin. With such courage, it's hard to find a few in the vast ocean."

  Liang Xin suddenly felt it was quite easy to talk to the emperor and said loudly: "Your humble servant does not dare!"

  Xi Zong turned his head towards Shi Lin: "Whatever I say, he always responds with 'your humble servant dares not', this kind of slippery tactic, is it something you taught him?!"

  Shi Lin hastily bowed his head: "Your Majesty's words are too serious, I won't...I dare not!"

  Xi Zong burst out laughing and looked at Liang Xin again: "Liang Ai Qie doesn't need to be restrained, among the ministers in the court, there is actually a virtuous talent like you, I only have a joyful heart!" After finishing, he paused for a moment, then hurriedly added another sentence: "Don't say 'your humble servant dares not' again!"

  Li Xingle was delighted and hadn't thought of what to say, so he didn't dare say anything. Emperor Xi then waved his hand and instructed the eunuch behind him: "Take a seat!"

  The old eunuch responded with a sound, and quickly ran out. Liang Xin was very polite, and said to the old eunuch who was passing by his side in a low voice: "It's okay to stand there, no need to hurry."

  Before long, the old eunuch came back with two embroidered stools. Liang Xin sat steadily and didn't notice that the commander only touched the edge of the stool with his buttocks.

  Xi Zong finally spoke to Liang Xin again: "You did a good job this time, but I still don't understand one thing." As he spoke, Xi Zong's hands rested on the desk, his body leaning forward slightly, and the smile in his tone had disappeared without warning: "How did you know?"

  Xi Zong's tone was low and solemn, but Liang Xin was completely bewildered, having no idea what he was saying. Without thinking, he replied: "It's all because of the commander's wise arrangements; I'm just following orders."

  Shi Lin's face turned even darker, and he cursed loudly in his heart. He hastily stood up: "Your humble servant does not know what Your Majesty is referring to, but..."

  The commander, being an old and cunning man, didn't quite understand the emperor's words, but he could roughly guess that they were related to today's case. After a brief pause, he reopened his mouth, looking terrified but speaking sincerely: "Qing Shi, the governor of Yin Prefecture, may have a somewhat sinister nature, but he is a man of strong principles and loyalty, diligent in his duties, and devoted to the imperial court; otherwise, I wouldn't have entrusted him with such an important task."

  Xi Zong didn't say anything and gestured for Shi Lin to continue speaking.

  "Based on my humble understanding of him, even if Qu Qing Shi really had some grudge against Dong Hai Gan, he wouldn't put the imperial court in a difficult situation to take revenge. I am certain that Qu Qing Shi is not the mastermind behind the Gan Shan case, which is why I successively dispatched three riders, two of whom were severely injured by the powerful men under the evil monk's command, only Liang Mo Dao..."

  Xi Zong shook his head: "If there is merit, then reward. For now, there's no need to plead for sympathy." As he spoke, he looked at Liang Xin again: "How did you discover that the National Master was a demon?"

  Guoshi altered the Feng Shui of Zhongtu, but Shi Lin didn't mention it. Liang Xin naturally wouldn't say more, and only replied: "I was at Tuji Hill, protecting some officials who were about to be silenced by the Sitianjian, and fought against the demonic monk Haitang and his disciples. I discovered that this monk had achieved the Xuanji boundary cultivation. His disciples were all five-step cultivators, let alone the monk's own cultivation. This is quite suspicious."

  As he spoke, Liang Xin revealed a triumphant smile: "Actually, from start to finish, I didn't know if Guoshi was the real culprit or not. I just grasped onto this suspicious point and wouldn't let go."

  It seems that the Emperor is still unaware of Gu Shi's change in the world's spiritual energy, lacking this key point, it's naturally impossible to distinguish whether Liang Xin is telling a lie. Xi Zong looked at the two Qing Yi and fell silent for a while, finally revealing a smile: "So, it's just a coincidence?" Following that, he shook his head and inexplicably said: "It's not a coincidence, huh, the Jiulong Si is indeed not to be trifled with!"

  Shilin E'jiao saw the sweat, and could no longer sit still. He leaned forward, speaking in a low voice: "Your Majesty, your humble servant is dull-witted, and dare not make reckless guesses..."

  Before he could finish, Xi Zong burst out laughing: "Not stupid or not stupid, I don't know yet. Shi Ai doesn't need to be too humble!" He then turned his head back and said to the little palace maid behind him: "Let's ask everyone to discuss it!"

  No matter who, as long as they can defeat Qilin and Shang, they are worthy of the two words "everybody".

  Xiang Xin looked at her carefully, and Xiaogua's face was red and flushed, with a hint of shyness on her face, but between her eyebrows, there was an air of composure that could not be wiped away no matter what. Two completely opposite expressions converged on one face, yet they did not seem out of place or contradictory at all.

  Xiao Gong'er stepped out from behind Xi Zong's back, and softly said to Liang Xin and Shi Lin: "Remove armor mountain city, six auspicious omens, Jiahe is as blue as the sky."

  The six auspicious omens of Xiajiashan City are the White Wolf, Red Hare, Blue Bird, Red Swallow, Auspicious Grain and Lucky Grass. These are six people who hold a position within the Menzong equivalent to that of an elder, only with a slightly different title.

  Qī Qīng's identity is the same as Gù Huítóu and Qín Jié on the Dahongtai, all of whom are important figures among the Eight Great Heavenly Gates.

  Liang Xin and Shi Lin exchanged a glance, both of them had a hunch in their hearts. Once Qi Qing's identity was confirmed, they basically understood what was going on.

  Donghai Qian was framed, and the five great masters of the crude faction came down to investigate the case. They had already colluded with Xi Zong and set their sights on Guoshi. The previous confrontation between Donghai Qian and the imperial court, as well as Yitian's appearance and attempts to mediate, were all just tricks to confuse the real culprit.

  In the grand scheme of things, capturing the true culprit is important, but what's even more crucial is finding out the key to changing the world's spiritual energy and restoring it. That's why they colluded with Emperor Xizong and handed over the task of pursuing the murderer to the two national masters.

  Guoshi took action to deal with the arrest of Qu Qingshi and Liu Yidian. Throughout the process, Qi Qing was observing from the side, first to determine the accomplices of the two monks; secondly, Guoshi wanted to make an iron case while hiding himself and eliminating evidence, which would inevitably reveal flaws.

  At this point, Qi Qing slightly furrowed his brow and looked at the two men in green: "Recently, we have been following Guoshi and his disciples closely. Every move they make is under our surveillance..."

  Liang Xin's face sank, from Yongzhou to Zhen Mountain, all the way, Liang Xin encountered Guoshi disciples several times and fought fiercely. A large number of innocent green-clad men died miserably, while Wu Da San Cu only lurked on the side, watching the excitement.

  Qī Qīng didn't notice Liáng Xīn's expression, and continued: "Only in Jiě Líng Town, at that time a senior fellow disciple of the Zhǐ Yè Dào Sect was responsible for tracking and investigating. However, this senior fellow disciple unintentionally offended a formidable hidden cultivator, and after a fierce battle, missed the opportunity to understand what happened in Jiě Líng Town." As he spoke, he turned his inquiring gaze towards the two men in green clothes.

  Liang Xin was too lazy to bother with him, but Shi Lin didn't tell the truth either. He didn't mention Zhao Qing and the secret stake at all, and just made Lingguan Town out to be an ordinary small town: "The five great disciples under the National Master's seat don't know why they attacked Lingguan Town. Liang Mochou happened to pass by and saw the evil monk wreaking havoc. He issued a training order to gather the nearby Qingyi, and after a fierce battle, several of the National Master's disciples were executed. However, Lingguan Town was also slaughtered, and the Qingyi who came to reinforce were even more severely wounded."

  Qing nodded and said, "The two demons were very cautious, we didn't find anything useful. As for today's trial, it was originally intended to capture the demon monks in front of all the cultivators."

  Liang Xin nodded: "As a result, the demon escaped, knowing that the two of them were six-step masters, you sent three people to catch them, and it's not bad if they weren't defeated by the demon monk."

  Qī Qīng didn't think much of it and responded to Liáng Xīn with a bitter smile: "Among the Eight Great Heavenly Gates, five of them are Daoist sects, three are secular doorways. If the three secular doorways have already sent people, how could the five Daoist sects not send anyone?"

  Liáng Xīn only then realized that the 'Five Great and Three Rough' had sent out a total of eight masters, with eight against two, thinking it was foolproof. But who would have thought that Qí Lín and Qiān Huáng's bodies actually still carried the legendary treasure, and they escaped right in front of everyone.

  Five hidden Taoist masters would certainly not jump out and lose face, but instead retreat into the shadows and begin a meticulous search within a radius of one thousand miles.

  After finishing speaking, Qi Qing stretched out her small hand and rubbed her own face, letting out a mouthful of stagnant air: "Things are just like that."

  This time, the three halls joined forces and the Eight Great Heavenly Gates took action. Although they severely injured two demon monks, in reality, they suffered a crushing defeat. Not only did they fail to capture anyone, but they also failed to find out the reason behind the mysterious changes happening all over the world.

  Liang Xin laughed and shook his head, saying: "Making such a big fuss, it's better to just capture those two demon monks and force them to confess from the start."

  "Who says it's not...?" Qi Qing's face was full of helplessness: "However, the evil path is inherently brutal and cunning. After being caught, most will have unexpected methods to end their own lives. Moreover, this three-court trial also has a famous hall."

  Today's three-court trial was grand and lively, but rather than saying that all the monks in the world were invited to work together to judge the prisoners, it would be better to say that the "Five Greats" joined forces to launch a thunderous attack, capturing two evil monks on the spot and establishing their prestige.

  Qī Qīng said faintly: "In the past decade or so, there have been some evil spirits causing trouble. The Eight Great Heavenly Gates have not appeared in the world for a long time. This time we appear, it is to deter the evil and also to gather people's hearts!" After finishing speaking, Qī Qīng turned around and returned behind the Emperor.

  Liang Xin was originally puzzled, after defeating the demon monk, why did Qi Qing still want to stay here. After thinking about it, he understood that Qi Qing wanted to go through each and every case of public affairs handled by the two national masters over the years, in order to find clues related to the change in the spiritual energy of the world.

  Liáng Xīn secretly sneered, Qí Lín and Qiǎng Huáng changed the Feng Shui of the Central Plains using a slow and meticulous approach, one small project at a time, ultimately shaking up the entire Feng Shui landscape. None of these projects were personally handled by Guó Shī, making it extremely difficult to investigate!

  At this time, a cheerful sound of wooden bells came from beside Qi Qing. After listening carefully for a moment, Qi Qing smiled at Xi Zong and said: "Qin Shijie has subdued that beast, now that I have made my move, everything is settled, we should go and greet the fellow Taoists of the world, we'll be back soon."

  Having said that, he didn't even wait for Xi Zong's nod and flashed out with a swish of his body.

  Only after Qi Qing left the grand hall did Xi Zong turn to the two men in green robes and ask, "Now, do you understand?"

  Liang Xin sighed, shook his head with a bitter smile and replied: "Understood. Actually, even if we don't investigate, the State Master can't escape justice today. We're wasting our energy by clinging to him."

  After figuring out the beginning and end of things, thinking back to the situation on Da Hongtai, whether it was Tian or the Emperor, neither of them had questioned Qu Qingshi or Liu Yi as suspects. When they occasionally spoke up, they were all lukewarm in steering the conversation towards Guoshi.

  Looking back on the past few months, I've been through a series of bitter battles, narrowly escaping death time and again. Whether it was at Tuji Village, Jie Ling Town, or colluding with the demoness to break into Qingliang City, everything seemed like a self-inflicted trouble. However, I did manage to pick up a godfather and acquire some genuine skills that are worth their weight in gold.

  Xi Zong shook his head and smiled: "It can't be said that way, your busy work today, although it didn't help save anyone, but it did bring me a great deal of face! Ha! You should know, the Eight Great Heavenly Gates investigating Guoshi is a secret within secrets, and Dahong Qingyi also followed the clues to find the real culprit! This mortal's method will let those immortal families take a look!"

  Liang Xin thought for a moment and couldn't help but laugh, today's performance has indeed earned a glory that no one dares to underestimate in front of the world's cultivators, for himself, his adoptive father, two sworn brothers, and the ancestors of the Nine Dragons Green Robes!

  As for the imperial court's face, let it go...

  There is a minister who can do such a thing, and his performance is not inferior to that of the high-ranking officials in the imperial court. Emperor Xizong was overjoyed and praised him for several sentences before smiling and granting Liang Xin the title of "Sixth-Rank Imperial Guard Officer", allowing him to wear a sword in front of the emperor and rewarding him with a Qinglin long sword.

  Liáng Xīn was somewhat perplexed, turned his head to look at Shí Lín and thought: "So this is how one changes from a green-clad guard to an imperial bodyguard?"

  "Quickly thank him!" Shi Lin hastily said in a low voice.

  The Imperial Guard is a formal sixth-grade guard, but the Imperial Guard is an idle job. In peacetime, it's just doing what it should be doing, with the added title of imperial gift. As for the Qinglin long knife, it's three inches and three points longer than the embroidered spring knife, which is also a symbol. However, whether it's an official title or a long knife, it can only be an imperial gift. Although it can't be considered as one of the top three extremes of seeing officials, it's also a very high honor.

  On this side, Xie En was busy, when a loud and enthusiastic cheer suddenly came from the direction of Da Hongtai, also knowing that the strong in Tiān Mén had announced some good news about the repair of the true way.

  Xi Zong was very enthusiastic and didn't rush to ask what had happened on the other side. He chatted with Liang Xin for a while before waving his hand to dismiss them.

  The two had just walked a few steps when Xi Zong stopped them again, facing the Stone Forest and saying: "In these dozen or so years, the court has opened up maritime transport, with remarkable results. However, pirates have become increasingly rampant, especially in the southeastern coastal areas of Fuzhou. Not only are merchant ships being plundered, but even official ships are no longer safe. The land is the great flood's land, and the sea is also the great flood's sea. You, the Green Robes, cannot just run around on land, matters at sea should also be managed! Send capable people!" After finishing speaking, he waved his hand again and dismissed them.

  After leaving the grand hall, Liang Xin only then realized he was still a Qingyi Youji, and let out a sigh of relief. Shi Lin walked alongside him, asking in a low voice, "Do you know why I had to conceal from Guoshi the alteration of the Feng Shui?"

  Liáng Xīn curled his lip and said coldly, "Regardless of whether it's an evil or righteous path, the national master has changed the Feng Shui, which is a good thing for the mortal world. Of course, this can't be spoken of, otherwise the cultivators will change it back. The embankments that have been built need to be blown up, the roads that have been repaired need to be buried, and the projects that took decades to complete need to be restored in just a few months. This is no small matter."

  Shilin nodded: "What you said is one, the second is that although Guoshi is the mastermind, it was actually the officials of Dahong Dynasty who built the dam and repaired the road. If things are exposed, hundreds of officials will be implicated, what about the court politics? Moreover... the disciples of Guoshi may not necessarily be bad officials, we need to carefully examine and replace them."

  After finishing speaking, Shi Lin turned his head and stared at Liang Xin: "You're too famous today, I'm afraid that in the future, there will be people who will come to find you on the path of cultivating truth. As for feng shui matters, even if one dies, they cannot be spoken of."

  Liang Xin nodded in agreement and then thought of another thing: "Does the emperor know about Feng Shui?"

  Shilin smiled and replied in a low voice, "During these days, Your Majesty has asked me about the events that have occurred, but from start to finish, he never mentioned the three words 'Jie Ling Zhen' to me. Do you think he knows or not?"

  The fierce battle in Jie Ling Town ended with a huge commotion, not only did the entire town disappear into thin air, but even the Dahong Iron Cavalry was summoned. Such a big thing, how could Xi Zong not know? However, he didn't ask.

  Didn't ask, and yet Shi Lin was told: There is no such thing. There is no such person.

  Shi Lin's tone was somewhat bland: "Your Majesty Xi Zong, a generation of heroes! In this case, the national teacher took action against Qu and Liu, the Jiulong Temple made a big fuss, but Your Majesty just watched from the side, isn't it also to intimidate me, this green-robed old master!"

  Liáng Xīn didn't know what to say, and with a kind intention, patted Shí Lín's shoulder, but felt it was somewhat inappropriate.

  Shilin continued to sigh: "The great Hong's national fortune is prosperous, every generation is a wise and bright ruler, and one generation is better than the other!"

  This is indeed the truth, in the 300 years of the Great Hong Dynasty, there were a total of 24 emperors. Except for the second emperor who firmly believed in the Taoist way, all the other emperors worked hard to govern and improve the country. It's very clear that each successive emperor was more excellent than the previous one. Now, the Central Plains are prosperous and rich, far surpassing the peak of the previous dynasty.

  With a sigh, Shi Lin shook his head and smiled: "You're getting off track, Liang Mochou, do you really want to become a Green Robed Cavalier?"

  Liang Xin was stunned, then burst out laughing, and finally lowered his voice: "I'm afraid that if I don't do it, you won't be able to get away with it!" Even Emperor Xianzong had seen him before, Shi Lin, this green-clad cavalryman, had already become a real fake.

  Shilin also smiled: "The token in your hand, you use it first. Next time when you come to the capital, I'll take you to cast a new one. Also, if there's an opportunity, bring the owner of this life token to see me."

  Liang Xin was startled and shook his head with a smile: "I advise you, it's better not to see him."

  Shilin didn't understand what he meant, but she didn't ask further and instead abruptly changed the subject: "You know many extraordinary people. Among them, there should be some with great divine powers, right? I'm referring to... the art of reversing heaven."

  Liáng Xīn furrowed his brow: "Who needs saving? What's wrong with him?"

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