Chapter 3, Elder of the Demon Gate

Gazing up at the night sky, I spoke somewhat to myself: "I once sacrificed everything for my ideals, ruthlessly eliminating dissenters, turning the impossible into the possible, to the point of seemingly achieving complete victory and success. Looking back, all that remains is the heavy burden of bloodshed and hatred that weighs on my heart. The future holds nothing that brings me joy; power can no longer evoke any feelings within me. All I can do is indulge in food and drink, resulting in my current state of being overweight."

The stout elder gazed at him and sighed: "There is absolutely no chance. As long as Wu Zhao sits on the emperor's dragon throne, you are doomed. Because you are the Evil Emperor, according to the regulations of the Demon Sect, whoever possesses the sect's foundational texts is the sect's leader. Du Ao is dead, so it is your turn now. Dragon Eagle! You are the last figure of the Demon Sect; if you are eliminated, the Demon Sect will be finished. Alas! I have said too much; the princess must be growing impatient, so let us go!" You are the last figure of the Demon Sect; if you are eliminated, the Demon Sect will be finished. Alas! I have said too much; the princess must be growing impatient, so let us go!

Who is disturbing his peaceful dreams at such a late hour? Could it be Princess Taiping having a change of heart, coming to apologize to him?

The plump elder grasped his arm and, retracing his steps, lowered his voice to say: "Quite the opposite, it is recovering too quickly. Initially, the clear bloodstains were still visible, but in the blink of an eye, they faded away, as if no one had ever slapped you. Fortunately, the princess urged you to leave; it would have been disastrous if she had seen it."

The fat elder said dejectedly: "She is waiting for me to oppose her, so she can find an excuse to kill me. She has always had special feelings for me. I can only play the fool and even praise her for being willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. However, she understands me better than anyone, just as I understand her. This time, I volunteered to accompany her; she did not want me to suspect that she harbored intentions to kill me, so she agreed.

Although the Yin Gui Sect has declined after the legendary figure Wan Wan of the demonic realm disappeared without a trace, its foundation remains deep and resilient, like a centipede that, though dead, does not stiffen. Later, Wan Wan suddenly reappeared, returned the "Heavenly Demon Canon," and formally severed ties with the Yin Gui Sect. This led to a subtle resurgence of the sect, yet it was unexpectedly unable to withstand a blow from Wu Zhao, who named it the "Demon-Slaying Group".

Princess Taiping expressed her displeasure, saying: "How can one know whether you will have a change of heart by then?"

The plump elder said with a bitter smile: "If I were of your age, knowing it would lead to death, I would still walk with you. For now, I will take you to that treacherous scoundrel, Liu Junchen, and after you have thought it through, I will speak with you again"

After the dragon eagle landed, it fled for its life. Once it believed it had escaped danger, it found the journey tedious. Moreover, as it cherished books dearly, it thought that the oath it was forced to take could not be considered valid, just as a promissory note signed under duress does not represent a genuine debt. Its curiosity was insatiable. It reasoned that looking at a page should not be considered a violation; it was merely to satisfy its own desire to know what it was carrying.

Long Ying restlessly said: "If you help me escape, how can I hide it from her?"

Upon entering the study, Long Ying's emotions had yet to settle. What secret does the Fat Eunuch know about Wu Zhao that could provoke her to turn against her loyal subordinates? The Fat Eunuch suddenly felt a surge of emotion, unable to contain himself, likely triggered by something Princess Taiping had revealed to him, which he too could not escape from.

Princess Taiping curled the corners of her lips into a faintly mocking smile and said softly: "Sit!"

Princess Taiping exclaimed with great joy: "Enough! Enough! It is impossible not to believe. Not only can you read ten lines at a glance, but you also remember every word without missing a single one. No wonder you were willing to burn the secret scrolls."

Princess Taiping, exceptionally intelligent, soon realized that Long Ying would not be so easy to deal with. In a mix of surprise and joy, she personally selected an old, yellowed manuscript on Taoist alchemy from the bookshelf on her left and casually opened it, placing it on the several tables in front of Long Ying.

Long Ying was taken aback, realizing that it would be difficult to cope with the situation, and the more he explained, the more doubts he raised in her mind. He hurriedly said: "Princess, you did not summon me just to chat about trivial matters. Why not let me get straight to the point and discuss a transaction."

Long Ying is certain that she is the most outstanding beauty he has encountered in his entire life up to this moment

The plump elder gazed intently at the stream and continued, "Cooperate obediently! Remember how much you have memorized and write it all down. Do not attempt any tricks; otherwise, whatever you request from Wu Zhao, she will do her utmost to fulfill it, while also delaying time. The moment you finish writing is the moment you depart from this world, with no chance of escape.

The plump old man waiting outside the study approached and said irritably: "Why have you offended the princess? The applause can be heard a hundred miles away, let me see it."

After receiving Long Ying from the corpulent official, Lai Junchen assumed the demeanor of an old friend and took him to a small hall in the west of the residence to feast heartily. Long Ying had not eaten a single grain of rice for over ten hours, so he naturally did not hold back, treating the boastful head of the cruel officials as mere background noise. It was only when the conversation turned to the trend of female Taoists flourishing in the two capitals of Chang'an and Luoyang that he showed some interest and asked, "Then does that mean the Taoist temples have become brothels?"

The plump elder looked at him, his entire demeanor seeming to age a few years, revealing a bitter expression as he shook his head and sighed: "Whether I tell her or not makes no difference to me. Do not ask the elder for the reason, for I will not tell you."

The dragon eagle looked at the wide-eyed Princess Taiping, whose anger had not yet subsided, and while stroking her increasingly swollen cheek, he said with a bitter smile: "It hurts a bit, but at least the princess has touched it."

The dragon eagle replied in its true colors, grinning and saying: "The princess can definitely do it, it's just a matter of nodding or shaking her head"

As he stepped onto a small bridge crossing the stream in the center of the garden, he suddenly halted, resting his hand on the railing, gazing down at the water. The sounds of fish stirring in the stream rose and fell, harmonizing with the chirping of insects and the singing of cicadas, creating a symphony of nature.

The stout elder gazed at him, his eyes radiating a resolute expression, and spoke in a deep voice, word by word: "Because you are the last hope of my sacred sect. The situation has not changed; ultimately, you cannot escape the fate of being caught in the net. However, you can utilize the vast powers of the demonic seed to buy as much time as possible. As long as you cultivate to the level of becoming a demon, it will greatly enhance your leverage in dealing with Wu Zhao"

Xiang Yutian is a person of exceptional insight, with a mind that roams freely like a wild horse. His extensive knowledge, vast experiences, and broad-mindedness surpass ordinary imagination, leaving one astonished at how he could have encountered so many people and events in his short life. Du Ao's understanding is quite commendable, yet it pales in comparison to Xiang Yutian, akin to the contest between a firefly and the bright moon. What excites Long Ying the most is that after reading through the countless tiny characters written in vermilion ink scattered throughout the book, except for the sixth chapter, he discerned from several subtle hints that Xiang Yutian is the first person in the history of the demonic sect to have mastered the Great Demonic Technique.

The Dragon Eagle closed his eyes and recited: "The divine has its manifestations, and there are also methods to achieve them. What is the refinement of the spirit, and what is the return to emptiness? The breath of man is interdependent, and through prolonged practice, one attains a state of victory..."

The stout elder said in a deep voice: "What I am about to tell you should never be spoken aloud, yet I find myself unable to restrain my words. Do you understand? Patience and self-control have always been my greatest virtues, so do not take my words lightly." After saying this, he turned his head to glance at him.

He lay on the bed, his thoughts in turmoil, trying to organize the overwhelming emotions caused by the multitude of events that had transpired

It also left Du Ao perplexed as to why something that the court and the martial arts world had long sought to accomplish since the Han dynasty was so easily achieved by Wu Zetian. Moreover, since Li Shimin ascended to the throne, the various sects of the demonic path had been more cautious than at any other time in history. The Holy Emperor's residence changed its location every three years.

The old man said softly: "Her mindset is very subtle; she will leave the vanity of killing the last saint to me, as a way to thank me for the years I risked my life to support her. Perhaps I am mistaken, but what does it matter? The old man is seventy-two years old; what difference does it make whether he dies at seventy-three or seventy-four?"

If any other sect master of the Demon Gate had seen Xiang Yutian's warning, they would certainly have halted their steps. Little did they know that they were playing right into Long Ying's hands, deceiving themselves by reasoning: "As long as I only look at Xiang Yutian's annotations and do not touch the original text, there should be no problem"

The dragon and the eagle are well aware of the situation, leaving me at a loss for words

The dragon eagle halted at his command, and he pondered what schemes this smiling eunuch was up to again.

Long Ying lost interest in listening any further. After finishing his meal, he was confined in a small independent stone house in a nearby garden, which contained only a bed and a night pot. The only door had a peephole, through which people occasionally observed him. The exterior was heavily guarded, while inside, the lights were not allowed to be turned off. The guards were impeccable in their duties; however, being a prisoner in such conditions could be considered quite decent.

***

Princess Taiping's suspicion grew, and she frowned, saying: "Is this what you call getting straight to the point by going in circles?"

Princess Taiping frowned and said, "Is this your request?"

The Dragon Eagle Kill has a matter-of-fact approach: "The first move, Opening the Door to the Mountain, is called a demonstration. This place is filled with the fragrance of books, and I can sense my bookworm instincts stirring. Plus, the princess's clarity... Hey! It's nothing. The princess can casually pick a volume and specify a page number."

Long Ying asked: "Did the elder not oppose it?"

One can refrain from looking, but once one does, it becomes uncontrollable

The plump elder let out a deep sigh and said bitterly: "As long as one is aware in their heart, it is sufficient; there is no need to speak it out loud, nor to casually inform others. Her background was arranged too cleverly, everything is well-founded. Alas! Back when the late emperor was gravely ill, she issued the 'Demon Extermination Edict' against the Holy Sect. I initially thought it was merely a façade, aimed at pleasing the righteous martial arts community led by Cihang Jingzhai. Little did I know, she acted decisively, gathering the strength of both the government and the elite from various sects in the martial world, uprooting the Holy Sect with overwhelming force."

Long Ying exclaimed, "How could the elder know about the formation of the spell?"

Lai Junchen revealed an ambiguous smile and said suggestively, "This is not a Taoist temple, but a women's temple, which is vastly different from the pleasures of a brothel. Brother Eagle will know once he tries it."

Princess Taiping shouted: "Get lost!"

Long Ying let out a breath of cold air, incredulously saying: "The elder is actually a member of the demonic sect, then she... she..."

Long Ying conceded, saying: "I can first record the first article, so that the Holy One will be pleased, and then the princess can present my conditions to the Holy One."

His height only reaches the shoulders of the dragon eagle, with a chubby figure and a prominent belly, his appearance is comical. However, at this moment, he seems to be weighed down by thoughts stirred by Princess Taiping, his steps heavy.

At this moment, he paid no attention to anything else, completely forgetting everything, and immersed himself in his studies with a dazed and fervent dedication. Gradually, under the influence of his surroundings, he allowed the rain to shape the development of his character.

Princess Taiping chuckled softly and said, "This is the first time I have heard you refer to yourself as a petty person. Your attitude is inconsistent, which surely is not a good approach. Speak up! Let us see if there is room for negotiation."

Long Ying Ding Shen took the time of half a cup of hot tea to turn the manuscript back to the princess. The latter, unable to believe it, said: "The two pages add up to nearly one thousand characters, do you really remember it all?"

Dragon Eagle Path: "Why don't you escape with me, my lord?"

Du Ao finally decided to escape overseas to avoid the storm, accompanied by seven disciples and Long Ying. They hid during the day and traveled at night, stealthily arriving at Jiangling, where they purchased a boat and began their journey downstream. Before they had passed Liyang, they discovered the presence of enemy ships. Du Ao then summoned Long Ying into the cabin and, with a serious expression, said: "Xiao Pu! I now entrust you with the sacred texts of our sect, wrapped in waterproof oilcloth. For this, you must take a sacred oath to the sect, vowing never to open it. No matter how powerful the enemy may be, they will not know of your existence. When I and the other senior brothers appear on deck to attract attention, you will take the opportunity to slip into the water, swim to the right bank, and wait for us at the designated location according to the map I have given you for five years. If we do not meet after that time, you must burn the items I have entrusted to you. However, if everything goes smoothly, we will return to meet you after two or three years abroad."

"The first to bear the brunt was unexpectedly the Yin Gui Sect to which she and I belong. Given Wu Zhao's thorough understanding of the two sects of the Holy Gate and the Six Paths, along with her overwhelming strength, how could the Holy Gate possibly be a match? She is ruthless! Truly ruthless!"

The plump elder led the way ahead, guiding him through the moon gate into the elegant little garden. A crescent moon hung gracefully in the starry sky, reminding him of the noble and beautiful princess who had come to meet him alone, evoking a sense of "a rendezvous after dusk".

Long Ying smiled and said, "I really want to live, I just cannot live!"

This eunuch, who served Wu Zetian for over thirty years, is certainly not simple, especially since Long Ying overheard that he knows more about Wu Zetian than Princess Taiping, and that if this information were to leak, it would end in a tragic death, further highlighting his special position within Wu Zetian's circle. One can imagine that for more than thirty years, the corpulent eunuch has firmly stood by Wu Zetian's side, experiencing the intense struggles of the court's ever-changing intrigues.

The gaze of the dragon eagle made his heart tremble, not because of its sharpness, but due to the helplessness and sorrow contained within. He felt that the look from the fat old man was sincere and unreserved, a profound lament of shared grief, akin to the sorrow felt by a rabbit at the death of a fox, mourning for its kind.

The fat elder did not answer him, pondering for a moment, then exclaimed with astonishment: "You must escape!"

Princess Taiping scrutinized him for a while, returning his gaze that showed no distinction between high and low status, and exclaimed: "Is it that I did not observe you closely enough before, or has your expression changed? Why do I now feel as if I am looking at another person when I look at you?"

Long Ying faintly sensed that he understood this high-ranking old eunuch, which was a direct perception of the demonic seed, yet he could not precisely articulate what he understood about him. Frowning, he said: "If you truly care for me, why do you not teach me how to escape from this predicament"

Long Ying said in astonishment: "Are you not afraid that I will reveal this conversation to Wu Zhao?" As long as Wu Zhao believes that the fat eunuch has directly addressed her by name, it is certain that the fat eunuch's life will be in jeopardy

The Princess Taiping, having removed her veil, sat on the opposite side of the long table, her delicate and beautiful face as serene as still water. The glistening eyes, like dark pearls, in her elegantly arched phoenix-like brows were fixed on him, seemingly trying to see through him completely.

***

Knowing that she harbored ill intentions, and relying on her natural beauty to confuse and ensnare him, Long Ying still found himself at her mercy, sitting across the table from her in a dazed manner. The thought that she was the esteemed princess of the current royal family, yet he could sit on equal footing with her, was truly bizarre, strange, and exhilarating

Long Ying felt a chill run down his spine as he wondered why that person was looking at him with such eyes. He had no familial ties with the fat eunuch, and they were completely unrelated. One could imagine how many people, directly or indirectly, had died at his hands within the palace; a person like him would never show compassion.

***

The plump elder pulled him back to the small bridge from earlier, stopped, and grasped his hand. A surge of true energy erupted, delicately and subtly probing his meridians, much like the experience in the stone house in the desolate valley, but even more meticulous than that previous examination. After a considerable time, he suddenly released his grip, unable to believe, and said: "You still possess not the slightest martial ability. The demonic seed of the Dao heart is indeed extraordinary; in my view, you have already reached the realm of 'demonic binding'"

The door of the temple closed, and without any preparation, Long Ying stared in astonishment.

Long Ying exclaimed: "Why has Your Excellency suddenly changed your mind? Did you not say that I had no chance? Why are you willing to help me?"

Princess Taiping, in a fit of anger, exclaimed: "Still dare to speak! Since the day I was born, no one has ever dared to utter even half a sentence of disrespect towards me. You... you... do you not wish to live any longer!"

These words seem to have been spoken yesterday, yet in the blink of an eye, it is already today, five years later. The fat old man is right; the passage of time, once gone, bears no distinction.

The only person who can kill the fat grandfather is Wu Zhao

At this moment, the sound of footsteps came through the door from outside.

He continued after a slight pause: "What I just said is the best advice for your current situation. Isn't it quite good to postpone the completion date by six months? The most important thing is to live happily, my dear. Whatever you desire, I will provide in abundance. Luoyang offers all kinds of entertainment, and the luxurious and indulgent lifestyle of the powerful is something you probably have never even dreamed of. You can live however you wish; what does it matter if the nights are filled with music and revelry? Whether life is long or short, once it has passed, there is no distinction. If I could exchange the past thirty years for your six months, I would do so without hesitation."

When the news of the complete extermination of the Yin Gui faction arrived, Du Ao, who had always taken Wu Zetian's "Demon-Exorcising Edict" lightly, was awakened, realizing that disaster was imminent

Little did he know that what attracted him upon turning the first page was not the ancient manuscript itself, but rather the words written in vermilion: "Above all, do not read my annotations, for I do not wish for you to repeat the mistakes I made in the rain-soaked fields, leading you to a place of irretrievable doom"

Her beauty is extraordinary, and what most captivates Long Ying is that although she radiates youth, there is a trace of poignant experience hidden deep within her eyes, giving her a unique charm

Long Ying proudly said: "I can transcribe the Great Magic of Planting without missing a word, but it must be after I visit the Holy Spirit in Luoyang."

The dragon eagle lowered his hand from his face and said dejectedly, "I almost got disfigured." Upon seeing the surprised expression on the fat eunuch's face, he exclaimed in horror, "Is it possible that it can never be restored?"

Long Eagle Path: "It is a prerequisite. Princess, do not deceive me! What enjoyment of wealth and glory is there? The moment the work is completed is the moment of my demise; even the princess cannot change that. The Holy Spirit will never allow another who knows the great law to live. Therefore, I have settled for less, descending from endless wealth and glory to fleeting pleasure, only seeking to embrace the princess's fragrance... Ah!" So I have settled for less, descending from endless wealth and glory to fleeting pleasure, only seeking to embrace the princess's fragrance... Ah!

With a sound of "pa", five distinct fingerprints appeared on the left side of the dragon eagle