Section 1.

I caught a glimpse of the national teacher's robe... ... After all, she is still young, appearing mature and steady on the surface, but her heart is still that of a child. The national teacher does not show herself, just like a puzzle with no solution revealed. She has a desire to explore, but she reluctantly suppresses her curiosity and clears her throat to continue, "Since arriving in Chang'an, I have had interactions with General Yunhui and two officials from the Ministry of Personnel. In the future, I will pay more attention when I am outside and will not cause any trouble for the Divine Palace. Please rest assured, national teacher." As she spoke, she slightly bent her waist, hoping for a stronger wind... ... Clearing her throat again, she continued, "Since arriving in Chang'an, I have had interactions with General Yunhui and two officials from the Ministry of Personnel. In the future, I will pay more attention when I am outside and will not cause any trouble for the Divine Palace. Please rest assured, national teacher." As she spoke, she slightly bent her waist, hoping for a stronger wind... ...

The lotus lamp suddenly woke up and realized that she had taken the wrong first step when she entered Chang'an. When she was interrogated by the mansion guards, she should not have implicated the Supreme Shrine, but at that time, she was too preoccupied with escaping to consider it, and even eager to prove the origin of the shrine's wooden plaque, revealing information about Dunhuang. It seems that she is living on borrowed time, able to hide while alive, but falling into someone else's hands if she dies, inevitably pointing the spearhead at the Supreme Shrine and Wang Apu.

She concealed her doubts in her heart. Just now, she could still talk, but now she was speechless. After hesitating for a long time, she tentatively asked: "Forgive my rudeness... Are you the National Teacher?"

Each has their own position, which is understandable. She respectfully bowed and thanked him, saying "The National Teacher is kind and righteous, and the Lotus Lamp is grateful to tears."

The lotus lamp stood aside with its head down, pondering quietly. She did feel guilty towards Wang Apo. Since the moment she learned about her own origin from Tan Nu's mouth, she had never truly let it go. She had lived aimlessly for two years in Mingsha Mountain, not knowing why she existed or what the meaning of life was. Now she finally had a goal that made her throw Wang Apo to the back of her mind and rush forward without hesitation. For her, Wang Apo's loneliness could never compare to the tragic death of her parents. She was not ungrateful, but there were priorities. First, she needed to untie the knot in her heart, and then she could return to Dunhuang to accompany him. Of course, if she died, she could only repay the debt of saving her life in the next life.

The lotus lamp was in great distress, and she never expected to encounter such a strange situation. She took a step back and bowed to him, saying, "I was reckless earlier, and I beg the Master's forgiveness for any offense." She felt embarrassed and forced a smile, dryly flattering, "Apu once praised the Master's demeanor, and today I am fortunate enough to meet the Master. Indeed, your lofty presence is awe-inspiring."

Baili, the commander, won every battle, but when winning became a habit, occasional failures were no longer tolerated. Three years ago, in a war against the Turks, he suffered a defeat and sought help but was refused. He wanted to retreat to the inside of the Great Wall. The emperor was furious and closed the Yang Pass, abandoning eight thousand soldiers in the vast desert. She couldn't imagine the blow and pain he must have suffered, but he miraculously rooted himself and repelled the Turkish army, extending the front line to Persia.

The person behind the curtain probably didn't pay much attention to her, and responded calmly to her words: "Chang'an is not like Dunhuang. The snow is too heavy to walk a single step. It's not too late to leave after the snow stops. Since Wang Lang asked you to come to the temple, I cannot fail the trust of an old friend. If you encounter any trouble, just inform Lu Changshi."

He raised an eyebrow slightly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, shaking his head and saying, "I'm afraid you can't withstand the torment. Moreover, using this method for a long time will cause facial features to shift, even immortals won't be able to restore them. Isn't it a case of losing more than gaining? It's better to choose the second option, even though it takes some time to accomplish, at least it won't be irreparable. When I return to Dunhuang in the future, I can also explain it to Wang Lang."

Her heart skipped a beat, only then did she remember that not long ago she had shouted his name loudly across the snow. Perhaps he felt offended, as he didn't answer at the time. However, after a few hours, she came knocking on his door again. Now there's no need to ask; he can tell her directly that these two words are enough for her to ponder over for half a day.

Listening to her lengthy discourse on the edge of the abyss, that phrase "longing and reminiscing" made him smile. He knew Wang Lang's intention in bringing her to the Supreme God Palace, but she seemed unwilling to take shortcuts. Just as she had said before, she relied only on herself, not others, truly possessing the pride of Baili Ji.

She had an impression of this sound, and should have heard it somewhere before. She had always thought that the national teacher was very old, an elderly person who could not have such a clear voice. Did she guess wrong from the beginning? Or is the so-called "living as long as the Great Calendar" completely a rumor?

She hardly hesitated, looking up and saying, "If this face will bring trouble, then abandon it, make a few cuts, or try some strange medicine, it's all acceptable."

Everyone has the right to choose their own life. Since you have made a decision, others have no right to interfere. He turned his head and glanced at her, then turned his gaze away again. "But you were saved by Arang himself, and he has a debt of gratitude towards you. While you are single-mindedly seeking revenge for your father, can you also consider him? Have you ever thought about why he saved you? Besides admiring your father's character, I think it is more because of loneliness. I have been friends with him for over twenty years, and I know his temperament. He is not harmonious in his dealings with others, nor is he skilled in handling matters. Everything in Chang'an is unbearable for him, so he would rather give up everything and exile himself to Dunhuang."

Is your father the Deputy Protector General of Anxi, Bai Li Ji?

For the lotus lamp, the momentary glimpse of the lifted curtain is enough to shock her soul.

After Lu Qing brought her in, he left. She stood there alone, at a loss, because it was too quiet and her heartbeat became unusually loud. Gradually, something else mixed in and clashed with the ground. She held her breath and listened carefully. The rhythm became more and more rapid, and suddenly something rolled out from the end of the hall, the size of a fingernail, and rolled all the way to her feet.

The national teacher remained silent, while the figure behind the curtain moved slowly. They approached the hanging curtain even closer, and after a long time, they finally asked, "Since you escaped death, why didn't you find a place to hide, but instead came to Chang'an?"

She suddenly felt a great pressure, and now it's too late for regrets. This face has shown its true colors. No matter how careful, there are still times when a single slip may cause a hundred flaws.

When she saw the golden spherical sachet hanging on the Master's lapel, she felt a surge of excitement. The sachet was unique and exquisite, with every arc intricately carved in hollow copper, complementing his immaculate robe. It was not overly luxurious, but it possessed a power that struck straight to the heart.

Since there are even **鲛珠** here, it is not unimaginable for **易容**. She said, "A **阿菩** did mention it to me, but unfortunately, he is not proficient himself, so there was no in-depth discussion." She was a little eager and took two steps forward, saying, "The **国师** has great supernatural powers, and must have a deep understanding of this. Could the **国师** please give me some guidance? I learn quickly, so it won't take the **国师** much time. If I succeed, it will be for my own protection, and it will also reduce the risk for the **神宫** and **阿菩**. Can the **国师** agree to this?"

He was obviously taken aback, but the surprise only lasted for a moment. He quickly regained his composure and said in a calm voice, "To make such a big decision, it seems that no amount of persuasion will work. If you want to completely change your appearance, there is not only the option of destroying your own appearance. Wang Lang has taught you everything he knows, but didn't he mention a secret technique from the Central Plains called disguise?"

The wind outside the palace gradually rises, and the fine snow rolls up and sweeps into the corridor and into the palace. She stood there speaking with a straight face, suddenly distracted. She turned her eyes to the hanging curtain, which fluttered and floated, and could be lifted up halfway by a sudden gust of wind.

He released his hands and turned to the side. The wind passed by him from behind, rustling the curtain in front of him. He saw her face, young and full of vitality. The desert and the northern wind had not caused any harm to her skin. Unlike most people from the Western Regions, she was not yet old, but her face was already filled with vicissitudes. She was fresh and vibrant, with beautiful contours and clear eyes. Her beauty was just right, her demeanor was just right, everything was perfect. The desert and the northern wind had not caused any harm to her skin. Unlike most people from the Western Regions, she was not yet old, but her face was already filled with vicissitudes. She was fresh and vibrant, with beautiful contours and clear eyes. Her beauty was just right, her demeanor was just right, everything was perfect.

The lotus lamp has little contact with others. As for Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan, it goes without saying. They have a fiery and passionate personality. As for Wang Apu, last time he found a rabbit and shouted for half a day. Therefore, he is a person without any emotional fluctuations, which is a bit scary to say. The national teacher is such a person. You cannot see the seven emotions and six desires from his face. His smile can represent many things, or his satisfaction and dissatisfaction, all in one glance, one turn.

The lotus lamp is silent, and the heart is as clear as a mirror. The ancestors of the Bai Li family followed the emperor to battle, and once were the most relied upon generals of the emperor. The descendants of the Bai Li family are brave and skilled in battle. The mantle was passed down to Bai Li Ji, who is the fifth generation. The fifth generation seems to be a hurdle for all noble families. After generations of accumulation, if there is no decline, there is suspicion of being too powerful, and the consequences are naturally serious.

The person behind the curtain tucked their wide sleeves and calmly watched her. Up until just now, everything she said and did was in accordance with the standards of maturity, but unexpectedly, in the span of half a joss stick, it had become like this. That's why children are children, easily distracted by something. Perhaps it was because she trusted Wang Lang too much, or maybe the Taishang Shengong made her feel very safe!

However, she doesn't quite believe in karma and doesn't have the patience to wait.

She calmed down her emotions and said, "I am Apuo, who was dug out from the Gobi Desert. At that time, I was still alive, barely. But I knew nothing about my past until Apuo told me about my identity, saying that my father was Baili Ji."

He turned around upon hearing the words, nodded, and said, "But what you said is completely different. What does it actually mean?"

Fortunately, she is good at controlling her emotions. Her mind is spinning rapidly, and her facial features have returned to their rightful places. She began to suspect that there might be another person in the temple who looks exactly like the Grand Preceptor, otherwise, everything that happened last night would be too difficult to explain. She thought about asking directly, but couldn't muster the courage. It was like being disrespectful in front of Buddha, and this kind of question itself was blasphemy against him.

He walked out, stepping on the lotus brick with cloud-like footsteps, silent. He turned his gaze towards her and said, "I am. Wang Lang should have told you that the national teacher's name is Lin Yuan."

He didn't respond to her words, and after a while, he said, "Three years may seem short, but do you think you can protect your own life?" He pointed to Chang'an from afar and said, "It is the most prosperous place in the Central Plains, but many people only see the surface of peace and cannot see the hidden dangers beneath the flourishing times. The court is the brain of the Great Calendar, and there is no simple role above it. Those who manipulate power will not willingly face death. Even if you have good skills, there are also many talented people around them. Once certain things start, they will not stop until they reach their end. At that time, not only you, but also the one who is devoted to painting on the Ming Sha Mountain may not be able to escape this catastrophe."

She thought for a moment and asked, "If I become unrecognizable and no one knows my origin, will it no longer implicate Apuo?"

Her background is a bit complicated, but when introducing herself, she still tries to speak as smoothly as possible. Who knew that he only asked one question and completely blocked her words. It's okay though, there's no need to pretend everything is fine, it's better to be genuine.

Defeat is a shame, and victory is incomprehensible. The pampered brains in the court are swollen with wealth and honor, and all irrationalities must have deceit. If it weren't for the mercy of the Turks, how could he survive? Therefore, someone advised the king to execute Bai Li Ji at Suiye City, and the glory of hereditary founding heroes came to an end.

The lotus lamp was described by him as increasingly embarrassing. Wang Apu certainly did not praise him. When he mentioned him when he sent camels to them, the evaluation was nothing more than four words - aloof and cold. But how could these words be revealed? She coughed to cover up and said, "Playing chess is an elegant pastime. Even if there is a dispute because of it, it shouldn't be taken seriously. Apu is alone outside, saying that Dunhuang is good, but sometimes he looks melancholy at the moon, actually missing his hometown. He keeps the wooden plaque of the temple very well, which shows that he cherishes the friendship with the national teacher. Apu is alone outside, saying that Dunhuang is good, but sometimes he looks melancholy at the moon, actually missing his hometown. He keeps the wooden plaque of the temple very well, which shows that he cherishes the friendship with the national teacher. I have two friends who often argue with them, but no one gets angry with each other. However, when talking to strangers, they are very particular about etiquette because they feel unfamiliar." She explained in a serious manner to cover up a lie. She felt it was very reasonable, and finally concluded, "Apu and the national teacher are not strangers. The national teacher is Apu's best friend. Longing and remembering, the national teacher is in Apu's heart. So when we come to Chang'an, before we leave, we repeatedly urge each other to visit the national teacher." She explained in a serious manner to cover up a lie. She felt it was very reasonable, and finally concluded, "Apu and the national teacher are not strangers. The national teacher is Apu's best friend. Longing and remembering, the national teacher is in Apu's heart. So when we come to Chang'an, before we leave, we repeatedly urge each other to visit the national teacher."

Where did you hear the news that the national teacher is 180 years old?

She bent down to pick it up and saw that it was a semi-transparent bead. In the light, she could distinguish the wheat-like filaments inside. She pinched it and found it to be very hard, not knowing what it was. Just as she was wondering, a voice came from behind the curtain, saying emotionlessly, "This is a mermaid's pearl. Wearing it can ward off all poisons."

She was aroused by curiosity, and tried to look over there, but ultimately had concerns and didn't want to be too presumptuous. Unfortunately, she couldn't use her eyes to lift the curtain and see what was behind. Feeling hopeless, she eventually gave up and greeted from behind the curtain, "I apologize for the sudden visit and for disturbing the Master's meditation. I hope the Master can forgive me. I wonder if the Chief Historian has informed you on my behalf. I have come from Dunhuang and have been a disciple under Wang Apu for more than two years..."

He turned around and looked at her. The clear spring-like gaze flowed across her face. "I don't want Wang Lang's efforts to turn into nothingness. The things you need to do, as long as they don't cross my doorstep, the Heavenly Palace of the Supreme God will not interfere. But if one day the Heavenly Palace receives an order, at that time, life and death will be determined by fate. It will depend on your destiny."

This year's climate is not very good. There was no rain for two consecutive months in midsummer, and the snow in winter was heavier than usual. It's a pity for his flowers and plants. He squinted and looked into the distance, but could hardly see any green on the branches, only endless white, pure but also dull.

After she finished speaking, she looked at his reaction. He stood facing the wide street, only seeing the gentle lines of his profile. Neither happy nor sad, he resembled a solemn Bodhisattva in a cave.

He did not immediately respond to her, but Lian Deng understood his meaning. Before he got involved, he could give her some small help and then stand by. But if the emperor wanted to use the power of the divine palace, no matter how great Wang Apu's face was, it would not work. He would defend the dignity of his master, and any personal favors would be in vain.

She held it in the palm of her hand in surprise, then looked behind the curtain where someone stood with their hands behind their back. They kept a certain distance and their features were unclear.

"Does the National Teacher want to persuade me to give up?" She shook her head, "Some people can afford to be careless, while others cannot. Before leaving Dunhuang, I made a three-year agreement with Apo. Regardless of whether things are resolved within three years, I will return to Dunhuang." She smiled and changed to a more relaxed tone, "I once advised Apo to find a wife, as a Taoist like him can get married. But he refused, saying he was too poor and no one would marry him."

Perhaps everyone has an inescapable fate. Upon hearing this, Lian Deng had a rough understanding and was able to connect the cause and effect, viewing it from the perspective of an onlooker, feeling regretful but remaining calm.

She had been waiting for the National Teacher to come out. Little did she know that she had already seen him on the night she first entered the Divine Palace. Even before she jumped down from the wall, she had spoken to him. No wonder she felt that the person she had met before was familiar with Wang Apu. It turned out that he was the National Teacher. She had never complained about Tanu's unreliability as much as she did now. She said that the National Teacher was older than Dalai, about 180 years old. What was going on with this person in front of her? Apart from blinking once in a long while, there was nothing that could be associated with the term "old and feeble". She had never complained about Tanu's unreliability as much as she did now. She said that the National Teacher was older than Dalai, about 180 years old. What was going on with this person in front of her? Apart from blinking once in a long while, there was nothing that could be associated with the term "old and feeble".

He stood with his hands behind his back and looked into the distance, saying in a cold voice, "There are two types of disguises. One originates from oneself, while the other relies on tools. The first type involves using silver needles to seal the main acupoints, mute the voice, and immobilize the body. The silver needle penetrates seven-tenths deep, causing unbearable pain, but it does not require external force, thus leaving no flaws. The other type is a human skin mask, which has subtle flaws, causes no pain, and does no harm to the body. In your opinion, which one is better?" The other type is a human skin mask, which has subtle flaws, causes no pain, and does no harm to the body. In your opinion, which one is better?

Actually, when Lu Qing first arrived at the Tai Shang Shen Gong, he had already revealed that the National Teacher was aware of it. Coupled with the person he had met before, who was also familiar with Wang Apo, her secret may not even be considered a secret in the Tai Shang Shen Gong. So, let's just be frank. Even if he wanted to stop her, he wouldn't have taken her in for the past two days.

Standing at the edge of the abyss, she automatically ignored those obscure words of praise, murmuring, "Wang Lang would say I'm good, how rare it sounds. Back then, he used to come to challenge me in chess, often arguing fiercely over a single move, his face turning red. Now that he's gone so far away, we may never meet again in this lifetime, yet I find myself reminiscing about the benefits he brought."

After listening quietly behind the curtain, she was not surprised by her frankness. The only strange thing was that there was no trace of anger in her tone. There was no deep-seated hatred, not even a furrowed brow. So where did her persistence come from? He sighed slowly, "It is indeed a pity for General Bairi, but to be beheaded in the fifth generation is the fate that many founding heroes cannot escape. It is better to think more positively. Today, you hold the knife, tomorrow, you will be the fish on the chopping board. If you don't take action, someone else will do it for you."

The lotus lamp is a person who can be ruthless when necessary, and always strives to do their best. They said, "I am not afraid of pain, please teach me the first method, Your Excellency."

Instead of relying on others, it is better to rely on myself. I have limited time and need to return to Dunhuang immediately after finishing. I am worried about Apu being alone in the Mingsha Mountain. Since I have come to Chang'an, there is no reason to return empty-handed. She clasped her hands and said, "I came here to express my gratitude to the national teacher and bid farewell. I have troubled you for two days, so it's time for me to take my leave..."

With his hands behind his back, he slowly strolled to the eaves, where a light and charming whistle sounded from the branches, filling his sleeves with the wind.

In the mouth of the lotus lamp, there should be something, but she didn't hear clearly what he said. Her attention was all on the gauze curtain, which was always teasingly close but then slowly drifted away. She didn't give up, following the movement of the curtain and bending down lower and lower, until she was almost leaning against the pillar.

In front of the National Teacher, I dare not speak falsely." She raised her eyes and answered firmly, "I once inquired about my father's life from others. At that time, my father was accused because of rumors that he colluded with the Turks in the court. But I grew up in the Western Regions, and people in the desert all know that Baili Du, my father, pacified the chaos three times and made great contributions to the reign of Dali. Such a person, if he had the intention to collude with the Turks, how could the Anxi Protectorate still exist today? Only the Baili family was accused, and I am the only one left. Since I am still alive, I cannot let my parents die in vain."