The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 1179 - 636: The Empress’s Westward Expedition

Chapter 1179: Chapter 636: The Empress’s Westward Expedition

"You have a way, don’t you?"

Deep within the courtyard of the Heavenly Master Mansion, the Old Heavenly Master spoke these words with certainty, waiting for Zhao Douan’s reaction.

Both the sovereign and the minister were taken aback, exchanged glances, and realized something.

"The Heavenly Master jests. I remember you saying that no one in this age can enter Mubei Forest; how could I possibly have this ability?" Zhao Douan replied with ’bewilderment’.

Zhang Yan Yi gave a ’you’re pretending’ look, glanced at the Empress, and slowly said:

"Each generation of Heavenly Masters, before their ascension, had a tradition. Your Majesty might have heard of it: deducing heavenly secrets often provokes retribution from the Heavenly Dao. This is why, when the end is near, each Heavenly Master, to preserve the legacy of the Heavenly Master Mansion and for the future disciples, would gamble the remainder of their lifespan to glimpse certain matters.

These insights are recorded in the Heavenly Book, a secret not passed on by our Heavenly Master Mansion. Before the last Heavenly Master died, he left a few words in the Heavenly Book. Among them is a sentence that roughly implies when the Grand Ancestor of Yu Country returns to the world, the ’Child of Heaven and Earth’ will open the golden gate to the far north."

The term Child of Heaven and Earth... the last time Zhao Douan heard it was when the Jade Sleeve Priestess first sought him out. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

It refers to the one who emerges every few hundred years, destined to stir the tides of the era.

Zhang Yan Yi mused:

"When I took over the Heavenly Book, I knew of this prophecy, but at that time, I did not understand what it truly referred to. Not to mention how the long-gone Grand Ancestor Emperor might return to the earthly realm."

Insight struck Zhao Douan, and he said:

"So, you’ve been intentionally engaging with some rising talents in the capital, once with Song Zhi, and now with me..."

At this moment, he finally understood why Zhang had always regarded him differently and what he was plotting against him.

Zhang Yan Yi did not deny it, nodding:

"Indeed, the previous Heavenly Master’s prophecy was too vague, and I do not even know whether this prophecy will prove true during my lifetime.

Until I glimpsed the Dragon Essence within you, I had some guesses. And when you transformed the Grand Ancestor of Yu Country using the Dragon Essence on the Marine Road the day before, I realized the prophecy comes true at this moment."

No wonder... it makes sense now why back on Zhengyang Mountain, you hinted at the use of Dragon Essence... Zhao Douan had a sudden epiphany.

Xu Zhenguan was cautious, positioning Zhao Douan behind him, with a slightly cooler expression:

"Does the Heavenly Master intend to enter Mubei Forest?"

Zhang Yan Yi candidly met the Empress’s scrutiny and calmly said:

"I have been pursuing the path of Heavenly Human for many years, always seeking the opportunity for ascension. Although I am not certain if Mubei is effective, after much pondering, I realize that if I wish to advance further on the Grand Dao, I must imitate the yarns of the past such as the Moya Practitioner, the first-generation Heavenly Master, the Ksitigarbha Dharma King, the Grand Ancestor of Yu Country... and others, attempting to enter Mubei in search of opportunities."

His eyes were gentle and tranquil:

"I am aware of Your Highness’s caution in your heart, and indeed, I do have my own interests. However, what has been spoken are true words, not threats. If Your Highness does not believe, the Heavenly Book is here, and you may view it.

Moreover, Your Highness has just entered Heavenly Human, your foundation is unstable, and you bear injuries, shouldering the duty of the nation. Now unable to pursue the traces of Human Immortals, therefore, if Your Highness and Little Zhao would cooperate with me, we could each acquire what we seek, a joyous outcome for all."

Saying this, the Old Heavenly Master truly handed the Heavenly Book to the Empress.

Xu Zhenguan paused and courteously began to read in detail.

Zhao Douan peeked curiously, and then tears welled up in his eyes, seeing the twisted lines on the jade slip appear and disappear, unable to discern its contents.

Damn it... there’s an anti-spying feature... or more likely, I’m just too weak... Zhao Douan wiped away the tears.

A moment later, Xu Zhenguan set down the Heavenly Book, frowning.

In truth, she did not doubt Zhang Yan Yi’s statement too much, for whether it was the appearance of the Disaster Star or the ancestors arranging step by step.

Including the emergence of the Dragon Essence and the appearance of the golden gate... these were not things Zhang Yan Yi could control or arrange.

She was certain Zhang Yan Yi could not possibly have spied on the process of exploration of the Grand Temple by the sovereign and minister moments ago.

"As the Heavenly Master says, if he truly upgrades to Human Immortal, the Heaven and Human Balance might be broken." The Empress suddenly said.

The implication:

Zhang Yan Yi will become so strong he will override the court.

To this question, the Old Heavenly Master decisively answered: "What I cultivate is the Heavenly Dao."

This sentence seemed off-topic, but in truth, it was precise.

To chiefly cultivate the Heavenly Dao means that the higher one’s cultivation, the more one must act according to the ’Dao’, and it implies that their actions are bound by the constraints of heaven and earth, unable to act recklessly. Should their actions defy the Heavenly Dao, they would suffer retaliation.

Abstractly speaking, the ’Heavenly Dao’ as a Divine itself represents order.

And not chaos.

This is why successive emperors have maintained a good relationship with the Heavenly Master Mansion—their paths do not conflict.

Daoist magicians maintain a minimal presence and rarely intervene in worldly matters, as is tradition.

Thinking deeply.

The Empress said, "I trust the Heavenly Master Mansion, and as for the method to enter Mubei, it does indeed exist. However, it requires fulfilling certain conditions."

Zhang Yan Yi’s eyes lit up, touched: "What conditions?"

Xu Zhenguan pointed to Zhao Douan, "I need Heavenly Master Zhang to help Mr. Zhao accomplish certain tasks, ensuring his safety."

Zhao Douan froze momentarily, looked at the Empress, and as their eyes met, he instantly understood her meaning:

Regardless of the truth of Zhang Yan Yi’s words, merely the ’task’ left by the Grand Ancestor Emperor requires completion.

Originally thinking to delay seeking the secrets, but now if Xuan Yin truly intends to cause trouble, it cannot be delayed.

And to open the golden gate, one must first find the key. This task can only be entrusted to Zhao Douan, but alone he cannot succeed; if Zhang Yan Yi shields him, the success rate vastly increases.