Chapter Seven, What Evening Is This

Wu Zetian said calmly: "Do you know why he fainted outside the hall?"

Long Ying was immediately frightened into a cold sweat, realizing that it was not a dream. Just by seeing her ability to send her voice through walls and barriers directly into his ears, it was clear that this skill was unparalleled in the world, unmatched by anyone.

From a distance, this woman appears exceptionally outstanding, not only because she possesses long, beautiful legs and a tall figure, but also due to her choice to leave her hair down instead of styling it into an updo. Her lustrous black hair cascades down both sides of her fragrant shoulders, accentuating her skin, which is as fair and delicate as ice and jade, captivating all who behold her

The dragon eagle felt a chill throughout its body

He entered the Buddhist hall with a tingling scalp and saw another mat placed about five steps away from her. He had no choice but to sit cross-legged on the mat, imitating her. He thought to himself that at this moment, she resembled a beautiful and noble ghost lurking in the dark night, capable of claiming souls at any moment, with no chance of escape.

It was easy to recognize her as Wu Zetian, for Princess Taiping bore at least a five or six point resemblance to her. However, upon closer inspection, Wu Zetian appeared more like the princess's elder sister, and they were not too far apart in age. With such remarkable beauty-preserving techniques, Long Ying was greatly impressed. The princess inherited her pair of slanted, phoenix-like eyes and an alluring figure, yet lacked the profound charm and grace imbued with a heavy sense of the vicissitudes of life that Wu Zetian possessed. As she gazed at Long Ying, her eyes sparkled with an extraordinary brilliance, seemingly containing a tumultuous yet suppressed emotion.

Then, a pair of bright eyes appeared in the heart's lake, suddenly recalling past events, I sat up in shock, realizing that I was sleeping under a canopy in a bed draped with curtains. This living room, as large as a hall, was furnished with exquisite materials from the windows to the tables and chairs, all of which were meticulously crafted, with many pieces inlaid with gold and silver, showcasing the utmost in luxury.

In fact, he is quite fearless; as long as he does not transcribe Xiang Yutian's annotations, he can ensure that Wu Zhao will not be able to master the great demonic arts. At the same time, a strange feeling arises, as if the Buddhist hall he is in is like Wu Zhao's secluded land, plowed out from the hustle and bustle of the palace, where she can truly return to her authentic self.

Long Ying followed closely behind her as Wu Zhao stepped out of the door of the Buddhist hall

When the envoy's gaze met that of the fierce dragon hawk staring intently at her, the beauty suddenly trembled lightly, her exquisite eyes sparkling with brilliance, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, and three charming ripples appeared on her forehead, instantly adding to her allure, making her lively and vibrant, presenting yet another captivating beauty.

The envoy instantly withdrew his gaze, a look of astonishment fleetingly crossed his face, as if nothing had happened, and he passed by them.

Wu Zetian turned away from the dragon body and walked towards the main gate, saying: "Follow me!"

Wu Zetian revealed a smile that was like a ray of sunlight piercing through the dark clouds, instantly bringing her beautiful features to life, showcasing an enchanting charm and grace. She said with delight: "In that case, I shall treat you with the courtesy befitting a state guest. When I comprehend the great principles, perhaps I can help you avert the imminent disaster that looms before you."

I once read the "Biography of the Queen Mother of the West," yet I have not triumphed in this realm of the Nine Heavens

Her eyes, once bright and lively, now held a misty and ethereal beauty, reminiscent of smoke and fog, evoking in the dragon eagle the memory of her enchanting feminine magic

The deputy commander of the Yulin Army shouted to the eight subordinates who accompanied him: "It is the envoy from the Quiet Study, make way!"

Wu Zetian suddenly stood up, startling the dragon eagle, which hurriedly stood at attention, appearing somewhat at a loss, as it did not know how to properly observe the etiquette between ruler and subject. It did not even dare to gaze at her enchanting figure, which was even more alluring than that of Princess Taiping.

Long live Your Majesty! Long live, long live, long live!

The Left Law and the multitude of guards were taken aback. Could it be that just moments ago, while admiring the beauty, the Dragon Eagle was secretly ambushed without anyone noticing?

Diligent! Diligent! Diligent!

Wu Zetian extended her dragon-like hand, gently caressing his cheek. Her crystal-white hand was unreasonably warm, and with a smile full of joy, she said: "Aren't you going to fulfill my wish, sir? I have already arranged for you to work in my study, and I have selected the most charming and lovely young palace maid from the maidens of the Shangyang Palace to accompany you in grinding ink. After the morning court, I will personally come to keep you company."

Dragon Eagle did not understand and asked: "Great calamity?"

Someone responded loudly: "I am here, Your Majesty!"

At a distance of about fifty paces, the crowd finally saw clearly, and they immediately held their breath, forgetting even the admiration in their hearts. Her beauty seemed unfit for this mortal world; even if one exhausted all known adjectives, they could only describe a fraction of her ethereal grace. Before her pure and pristine aura, as delicate as smoke and water, any words fell short. Her strikingly beautiful eyes, distinct in black and white, were perfectly set within sharply defined contours, creating an impeccable seal for her beauty. Her beauty seemed unfit for this mortal world; even if one exhausted all known adjectives, they could only describe a fraction of her ethereal grace. Before her pure and pristine aura, as delicate as smoke and water, any words fell short. Her strikingly beautiful eyes, distinct in black and white, were perfectly set within sharply defined contours, creating an impeccable seal for her beauty. A beauty that could topple nations and cities, nothing less. The crowd cast aside the rules of propriety, forgetting that it was a moment to lower their gazes.

At this moment, a young lady, under the attentive guidance of the officials of the Imperial Ceremonial Office, descended the stone steps. Dressed simply and without any weapons, she should not have drawn attention; however, the gazes of the crowd could not be diverted from her.

His gaze involuntarily fell upon the embroidery of the quilt, which was composed of various embroidered symbols, including recognizable representations of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, and dragons, all beautifully adorned. A jolt ran through his heart as he realized this was Wu Zetian's dragon chamber, and his grandmother was sleeping on her dragon bed. The patterns on the quilt were far from ordinary; they were reserved for the emperor's exclusive use. For anyone else to use them was an act of usurpation, and for him to do so now was tantamount to committing a capital offense.

The dragon eagle made her feel utterly comfortable, secretly exclaiming that the technique of the enchanting woman was indeed different from the ordinary "touching." At the same time, she cursed herself in her heart and also cursed that scoundrel Lai Junchen. If it weren't for her inquiry about the brothel, Lai Junchen would not have concluded that she was lecherous, and if it weren't for Lai Junchen reporting this weakness to Wu Zetian, she wouldn't have to deal with wave after wave of beauty traps from Wu Zetian now

Wu Zetian coldly shouted: "Ling Yu!"

The plump elder, as if awakening from a dream, was about to set an example and lead everyone in greeting. The special envoy glanced over at them casually, and as her gaze met that of Fa and his subordinates, they felt as if struck by lightning, jolted awake, and were suddenly filled with a sense of shame, hastily lowering their heads to avoid her piercing gaze that resonated with the essence of the swordsmanship.

Wu Zetian took half a step closer to him, and with another step, she would find herself in his embrace, breathing softly as she said: "In the beginning, the Ten Volumes of the Demon Sect did not exist; they were merely a collection of notes on silk scrolls, encompassing all knowledge. During the Han Dynasty, the first evil emperor, Xie Tiao, refined the essence and, with his extraordinary wisdom, authored the 'Great Method of Cultivating the Demon Heart' and the 'Reflections on the Demon Path,' thus proclaiming himself as a demon, which led to the naming of the Demon Sect. The Great Method of Cultivating the Demon Heart is his primary teaching, while the Reflections are his miscellaneous studies. These two works are indeed the source of all the classics of the Demon Sect. Based on these two texts, he took on eight disciples who branched out and each authored their own works. To this day, only the 'Ten Volumes of the Heavenly Demon Strategy' has withstood the test of time; it is not merely ten sets of techniques but a comprehensive collection of the experiences, wisdom, and insights of the predecessors of the Demon Sect, encompassing myriad skills from various schools. I am the only one who has read all the Demon Sect texts except for the Great Method of Cultivating the Demon Heart, and I am naturally well aware of its origins and developments. It is almost dawn! I still need to groom myself and change clothes to preside over the morning court at the Wu Cheng Hall."

Long Ying exclaimed, "What should I do?"

In an instant, his spiritual awareness reached its peak, searching far and wide, yet unexpectedly, he heard no voices or footsteps. If this were Wu Zetian's living quarters, there should be groups of eunuchs and palace maids waiting outside. Could it be merely a lucid dream, where he awakens from one dream only to fall into another?

Wu Zetian said softly: "Look at me! I grant you permission to look."

***

The Dragon Eagle responded with consciousness, momentarily believing that he was still in the cabin of Princess Taiping's boat, and that the events occurring within the palace were merely a fleeting dream.

Wu Zetian said: "Treat Mr. Long well for me." After saying this, she left with a proud demeanor, surrounded by the crowd.

The orange blossoms bloom as the curtain city enters the ravine, while the jade chariot ascends the mountain amidst the dense laurel leaves

The sound of the wooden fish being struck came from a distance, and Long Ying followed the sound, passing through a bamboo grove, until a magnificent Buddhist hall appeared before him. Under the illumination of the light emanating from the hall, three large incense sticks were inserted into a cauldron set at waist height outside the hall, with smoke wafting in front of the hall.

Having spoken, she collapsed into the embrace of the plump old man, losing consciousness

Long Ying never expected that she would be so polite to herself, and there was even a hint of pleading in her tone. However, if she were to refuse outright, it would be akin to rejecting a toast and instead inviting punishment. If what she said was true, then tonight's meeting was indeed a chilling coincidence, no wonder she mentioned that there is a master in the dark guiding everything.

Unable to perceive any scent, hear any sound, or sense her presence in any way. She seems to be sitting there, yet is merely a phantom with a semblance of form, embodying such magical prowess that it reaches the realm of transcendence.

She sat cross-legged on a mat, dressed in simple white attire that clung to her form. Her complexion was pale, devoid of any makeup or adornments. Her black hair was styled in a bun, and her long, elegant neck was striking. Her eyelids appeared slightly swollen, as if she had just been crying. Nevertheless, she showed no signs of aging. Behind her stood a magnificent golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, towering at two zhang. A row of nine lamps was lit on the altar, casting her shadow forward, creating an eerie scene of the ancient Buddha and the empress.

Respectfully replied: "Your Majesty, whenever the common people take up the pen, that is when I shall take up the pen."

After the self-conclusion of magic, the most significant improvement for the Dragon Eagle is the enhancement of sensory antennae and sensitivity, granting him extraordinary abilities that he had never dreamed of before. His hearing and sense of smell are clearer than seeing with his eyes. All the secrets of life are like individual locks, and the magic seed is the key to unlock these locks; however, the empress in the Buddhist hall is the first lock that he cannot open.

On either side of the main gate stand two imposing stone statues of the Heavenly Kings, tall and powerful

Long Ying and Fat Grandpa moved aside to allow each other to pass before continuing their journey

As the crowd was about to take a step forward, they noticed the dragon eagle standing still, its eyes tightly closed, its whole body trembling lightly, on the verge of collapse

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The special envoy from the Quiet Studio appeared to be unremarkable, seemingly oblivious to their presence, approaching with a serene demeanor and a leisurely pace

"Dragon Eagle! Dragon Eagle! Come to me here."

The dragon eagle arrived at the garden in the courtyard, where the night sky was studded with stars. The vast courtyard was devoid of any human presence, with only the distant sound of the flowing Luo River, creating an eerily silent atmosphere.

Long Ying, Fat Grandpa, and others dismounted from their vehicles at the main gate as per usual, walking past the main gate tower. The grand and imposing main hall, the Observation Hall, stood before them, while the gate guards descended the jade steps from the hall platform, holding halberds, their armor gleaming, exuding a solemn and profound atmosphere. This vividly displayed the might of the Great Zhou Emperor Wu Zhao, who was in the prime of her power.

In Long Ying's heart, she called out to her mother; these two sentences are laden with double meanings, possessing a more provocative nature than any direct and explicit words, suggesting a great deal for one to behold. He gazed at her.

The dragon eagle struggled to open its eyelids slightly and said to the approaching plump old man: "Hurry up with the magic!"

The flowers and trees of Shangyang have never known autumn, while the waters of Luo flow everywhere through the palace

The usher responsible for seeing off the guests first cast a reproachful glance at them, but upon seeing that the leader was the plump eunuch, he dared not show too much expression or movement

Shangyang Palace is located at the southwestern corner of the imperial city, bordered to the south by the Luo River, to the west by the Gu River, and connected to the imperial city to the east, with the main hall's entrance facing east. To the south of the palace, a winding corridor is built along the Luo River, extending for one mile, creating a remarkable sight. Additionally, the Gu and Luo rivers are introduced into the palace, adorned with pavilions and gardens, densely planted with flowers and trees, while clear streams meander through, and bamboo and trees flourish in lush greenery, enhancing the beauty of the palace's halls and courtyards, presenting an endless array of splendid scenery

Long Ying took a deep breath. Since being taken away from the small valley, all his thoughts had been focused on the Empress before him. Now, while the tense relationship with Wu Zhao had at least superficially eased, he found himself trapped in another crisis. What kind of fate is this

The plump grandfather tightened his grip on his arm and exclaimed, "What is the matter?"

Long Ying steeled himself as he entered the Buddhist hall, mentally preparing for everything, ready to flee at the first sign of trouble. If escape was not possible, he would have to accept his fate. Just as his right foot touched the first stone step of the hall, the sound of the wooden fish ceased simultaneously, and then he saw her

Wu Zetian's height is comparable to that of the truly ethereal Duanmu Ling from Jingzhai, and with her high coiled hair, she is only a few inches shorter than him. She gazes at him with her phoenix-like eyes, devoid of any of the wayward expressions characteristic of Princess Taiping, exuding an air of dignity and composure. Gently, she says: "I sense the demonic seed of Mr. Long; your Dao heart is pure and beautiful, which invigorates it with vibrant life, embodying the essence of the great law."

Meeting the gaze of the Dragon Eagle, Wu Zhao said: "The celestial embryo and the demonic seed are inherently antagonistic, unable to coexist, leaving no room for negotiation. I did not expect that the girl Duanmu Ling, not yet twenty years old, has actually cultivated the celestial embryo of the Sword Canon, reaching the ultimate realm of clear sword heart. Without a doubt, she is the most outstanding expert in Jingzhai after Master Feixuan. Do not be deceived by her pure and beautiful appearance; this is a phenomenon where the celestial embryo's inner qualities manifest outwardly. In fact, she is as sharp as a sword. At that time, her celestial embryo triggered your demonic seed. Due to the unprecedented nature of this event, she was momentarily unable to grasp what was happening. However, as long as she enters meditation, her enlightened mind will allow her to understand."

Various individuals such as palace maids, eunuchs, and personal guards knelt across the vast open space surrounding the furnace, numbering over one hundred in total

She slowly moved her dragon body, gracefully approaching the dragon eagle within reach. Suddenly, from the perspective of his demonic nature, she transformed from an illusion into a flesh-and-blood person. For the first time, the dragon eagle heard her heartbeat, her breath, and even the barely perceptible pulse of her blood, filled with her unique fragrance. A thought flashed through the dragon eagle's mind, realizing how perilous the situation was, knowing that she had been operating her magical powers, ready to strike at any moment if things went awry. Fortunately, his performance aligned with her expectations, and he became her state guest.

Please take a seat

Long Ying was greatly alarmed, not by any imminent disaster, but by the fact that after awakening, Wu Zhao had seized the initiative, controlling everything, directing him to the east when she wished and to the west when she commanded

The dragon eagle asked, "Will she kill me?"

A eunuch bowed his head and bent his body, holding a stack of garments high above his head. He approached the empress, who stood tall and proud, undoubtedly a ruler without precedent and likely one who will have no successors. Two other eunuchs carefully draped the dragon robe over her and placed the crown upon her head, then knelt down beside her.

The dragon eagle was also captivated by her ethereal aura and her exquisite, otherworldly beauty, forgetting Wu Zhao and wholeheartedly indulging in her charm. Especially her pair of eyes, resembling two bottomless clear pools, were utterly enchanting.

Wu Zetian's complexion darkened, and a fleeting, indescribable sadness appeared on her charming face, as if recalling a sorrowful chapter from her life that had left her heartbroken. She gently said: "In the depths of fate, there is a master. Mr. Long may wonder why there is no one in the Immortal Residence today; the reason is that today marks the anniversary of a beloved elder of mine. Every year on this night, I choose to be alone in quiet reflection. I can never repay her kindness, and the only thing I can do is fulfill her wish to consolidate the ten volumes of the Heavenly Demon Strategy into one. Mr. Long, would you be willing to assist me in this endeavor?"

Her voice is deep, gentle, and melodious, devoid of any hint of a domineering presence, and carries a sense of profound experience, captivatingly narrating with an infectious charm that is inherently hard to resist

Wu Zetian said lightly: "It will likely render your martial arts useless, and your demonic seed will never be restored. " Then she sighed and continued: "Looking at you, I can tell that you have completely disregarded my warning. Your crisis is one of identity. Originally, I only needed to issue a public announcement to resolve all issues. It is regrettable that you have indeed cultivated the demonic seed; whether you like it or not, you are the new generation of the Evil Emperor. I ask, after the martial world has gone to great lengths to eradicate the demonic sect that has ravaged for many years, can they tolerate the rise of another Evil Emperor? Can they allow the demonic sect to rise from the ashes? Unless you never step out of the palace even a single step, otherwise, you will find it difficult to move an inch.

The female envoy exudes a relaxed and natural demeanor, her graceful stride captivating. Under the long winds blowing from the Luo River, her hair dances with the breeze, showcasing her elegant bearing, which makes one yearn to catch a glimpse of her exquisite beauty

The dragon eagle's gaze crossed over Wu Zetian's fragrant shoulders, and upon looking outside, it was instantly taken aback.

The sound of the wooden fish resonates gently from within the hall

According to etiquette, especially when the other party is a woman, the person avoiding should keep their eyes on the ground and must not look directly. However, the sound of the fairy in the quiet chamber was too striking; during the founding of the nation, the enchanting Shi Feixuan, who assisted Li Shimin in ascending to the throne, was exceptionally beautiful. Without mentioning the dragon eagle, everyone else, including the plump eunuch, could not contain their curiosity and took the opportunity to scrutinize the lady from a distance.

Having spoken, she gently patted his cheek twice, then affectionately withdrew her noble hand, as if the dragon eagle were her most treasured plaything

Long Ying asked a question that had to be asked, feigning surprise, "How could Your Majesty be so well-versed in the art of demonic cultivation?"

The maidens of the Red Chamber laugh in the painted pavilion, while the jade flute and golden pipes evoke the sorrow of passersby

The plump elder's heart is formidable; she clearly employs a powerful technique that can subdue demons and vanquish monsters merely with her gaze, without the need for battle to compel submission. It is also evident that this woman is markedly different in style from the benevolent Shi Feixuan of yore, showing no tolerance for their rudeness and opting for a small punishment to serve as a stern warning.