Chapter 6, The Deadly Trap of the Divine Pool
Long Ying bitterly smiled and said, "It is surprising that you still have the leisure to discern who is good and who is bad. Ultimately, who sent someone to kill me?"
***
The dragon eagle bent forward, wrapping his arms around Lili's slender waist, lifting the beautiful palace maiden entirely onto his lap, their chests and abdomens pressed together. He then shifted her slightly to the side while simultaneously reaching out with his other hand to retrieve the tri-colored cup that still held a little fragrant tea on the table. He had just enough time to drink the tea in one gulp, placing the cup against his chest.
The plump elder smiled and said: "Do not forget that you are the genuine Evil Emperor. Although you may not be as formidable as Shi Zhixuan in his prime, the difference is negligible. Who do you think Shi Zhixuan was ever afraid of?"
The assassin descended from the highest point and vanished into the pool of water
The Fat Duke said: "At that time, Emperor Gaozong was still in the position of Crown Prince, and Emperor Taizong Li Shimin was gravely ill. Gaozong went to care for his father. During a moment of respite, Wu Zetian, who was still a concubine of Taizong, took the opportunity to serve him closely, kneeling beside him with a bronze basin filled with hot water. Gaozong, seeing her enchanting beauty, could not help but disregard the rules of propriety and splashed her face with the water he used to wash his hands, while reciting the poem 'Clear water splashes the powdered face.' Wu Zetian responded with 'Gratefully receiving the blessings of rain and dew,' thus forming a fateful bond. Given Gaozong's familiarity with beautiful women, how could he lack self-control in such a situation, especially beside the sickbed of Li Shimin?"
Under the afterglow of the sun setting behind the western lake forest, the Moon Viewing Platform outside the Ge Dong Guan Yue Shu Xuan offers a broad view and enchanting scenery. One can imagine the joy of life when the bright moon hangs high in the sky, leaning on the railing to admire the full moon, and lowering one's head to play with the moon's reflection.
The plump official, with a beaming smile and a relaxed demeanor, said: "Have you reported to His Majesty?"
Li Duozuo and Long Ying, who were both somewhat skeptical of his predictions, exchanged incredulous glances at each other
The adaptability of the Imperial Guard has opened the eyes of the Dragon Eagle. In less than the time it takes to brew a cup of hot tea, the entire pond area was heavily surrounded, with thousands of soldiers meticulously searching the surrounding regions of the Sacred Pond and the eastern and western continents inch by inch. Hundreds of Imperial Guard members donned water gear and continuously submerged into the pond, conducting a thorough search of the pond's bottom without leaving any area unchecked
Long Ying inquired: "What should we do this time?"
Lord Rong, having completed his formalities, took his leave, and the group of young ladies surged forward in a rush
Lord Rong said: "Rest assured, Master Eagle, the General has his own arrangements." He then called one of the women forward and said: "Lili is the head of the eight maidservants; everything regarding bathing, changing clothes, massage, and proper meals can be accomplished with just a command."
Lili could not bear the intimate contact, and a soft moan escaped her lips. "When!" A powerful arrow shot through the gap between the table railing and struck the cup, then rebounded to the ground. The cup remained unscathed, but the hand of the dragon eagle holding the cup felt numb and sore. This arrow was filled with true strength; even a slight lack of skill would not suffice to handle it.
The ladies giggled and laughed, some even feigning shyness, instantly filling the hall with a sense of spring.
Laughter had not yet ceased when a troop of feathered soldiers emerged from the water near the shore, brandishing large iron bows and shouting with excitement
Li Duozuo rushed over in a fit of anger and, upon seeing Long Ying unharmed, felt a great weight lift from his heart. After dismissing the others, he arrived at the railing with Long Ying and let out a sigh, saying: "Little brother, you are indeed fortunate and blessed. The assassin used a steel arrowhead made of a mixed metal, weighing a total of nine pounds. To shoot such an arrow, one must use a large iron bow, along with considerable strength. There are fewer than one hundred people in the palace qualified to shoot such an arrow. However, you blocked it even more impressively, and still had time to drink a cup of hot tea; the cup showed no cracks after blocking the arrow. To block an iron arrow like you did, perhaps only twenty or thirty people in the palace could manage it, but I can guarantee that no one would have the time to sip tea first. You truly astonish me."
In the main hall, there are three rooms and seven racks, with a horizontal plaque inscribed with the three characters "Li Qi Ge" hanging above. Long Ying immediately recognized the handwriting of Wu Zhao.
The plump elder gazed at him and slowly said, word by word: "When she understands what your magical seed is all about, she may be able to steal your magical seed using the 'Chanu Great Method'. With her current mastery of the two factions and the six paths, who would dare to deny this possibility?"
The youngest maid, still in the bloom of youth, suddenly embraced him, her pretty face leaning against his neck, and she said, entranced: "Eagle Master is truly fragrant, more enchanting than jasmine."
A sudden warning sign appeared in his heart, and he woke up completely, directing his gaze towards the divine pool
Long Ying felt a tremor in his heart, for Cihang Jingzhai was the sect most feared by the demonic factions. Du Ao and others had often discussed it, leading him to have a detailed understanding of this sacred Buddhist place that transcended the martial world. It is said that since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, no disciples of Jingzhai had entered the world for nearly a hundred years, yet now a special envoy from Jingzhai had come to meet Wu Zhao, which was indeed unusual
Eight beautiful palace maids, each with exquisite features, awaited the arrival of the Dragon Eagle. They varied in height and figure, some slender and some plump, yet all radiated youthfulness and vitality. Kneeling on either side, the most striking aspect was that each maid wore a different colored palace gown, adorned with jade belts and headpieces that swayed as they moved, creating a dazzling spectacle. In such a setting, any normal man would find his heart stirred and his thoughts captivated.
At this moment, all the women finally understood what had happened. Looking at the iron arrows glimmering under the lights on the platform, they were greatly alarmed and screamed in unison
The dragon eagle initially wanted to answer, but upon speaking, realized it was completely unclear
The carriage traveled along the original route towards the imperial city, escorted by the Feather Forest Army led by Deputy Commander Zuo Zefa, with over one hundred riders in a grand procession, likely comparable to the display of power that Wu Zetian had within the palace
Long Ying questioned: "What is the relevance of these matters to the current situation?"
Li Duozuo performed his farewell and left. Watching his figure disappear into the hall, the plump eunuch sighed, "There are not many people in the palace as loyal and honest as he is"
The water of the pond rippled gently as a dark shadow sprang from the calm surface of the lake. At this moment, the sky had turned completely dark. The assassin rose from the pond, approximately three hundred paces away from them, his entire body wrapped in black cloth. Drawing his bow with an arrow nocked, he instantly pulled the bowstring back to its full moon shape, and with a swift "whoosh," the powerful arrow shot straight towards him.
The ladies responded in sweet voices
Long Ying steeled his heart, cast aside his concerns, and decided to adopt a delaying tactic. He laughed heartily and said, "Wait a moment! May I ask, sisters, where is the best view in Liqi Pavilion?"
Long Ying sighed, "It seems you are not at all concerned about my current situation"
Long Ying Dao: "Under the strict vigilance of Wu Zetian, what can I do?"
The heart of the dragon eagle is also crying out, crying out "finished", as all the details of this journey have been leaked.
Long Ying shrugged and said, "I hope the General will not be held accountable for this matter"
The chubby elder said irritably: "My good Evil Emperor, come on! Let's talk in the car."
The corpulent official stepped out from the pavilion, his stout figure moving beside the two individuals. Li Duozuo stood upright in salute, further highlighting the corpulent official's imposing presence
The process of Long Ying's growth is extraordinary; he does not know who his parents are. From a young age, he was taught by Du Ao to recognize characters and read, and he was imparted the core principles of the first chapter of the great law, while also being encouraged to read the rich collection of books within the mansion. The magical sect's collection of books certainly does not include the classics of Confucius and Mencius, nor does it discuss the Confucian works that extol propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame, or the virtues of benevolence and morality. Instead, it is well-stocked with texts such as "The Classic of the Plain Girl," "Essentials of the Jade Chamber," "Secrets of the Inner Chamber," and "Peng Zu's Cultivation of Life." Long Ying particularly enjoys reading works from the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties that discuss alchemy and metaphysics, filled with absurd and decadent themes, and extreme interpretations of Laozi and Zhuangzi's thoughts. He has also read extensively on celestial star techniques, yin-yang, the five elements, and various unorthodox practices of the martial world. Thus, he cultivates the authentic teachings of the Xuanmen, yet his thoughts are unconventional and unrestrained. Furthermore, the magical seed is an extraordinary entity that transcends reality, and Xiang Yutian, who plays an enlightening role in his emotional development, is like a divine dragon that is seen only in part, with thoughts that soar like a celestial steed, making him an exceptional figure beyond the mundane. This has fostered in him a fearless spirit, unwilling to be confined within a narrow scope of wisdom and talent. Therefore, after five years of solitude, when he unexpectedly encounters the stunningly beautiful Princess Taiping, he pays no heed to distinctions of rank or the division between friend and foe; all that matters is the pursuit of a noble partner, which inevitably leads to a messy conclusion.
Long Ying understood that, although he did not know who the four individuals he mentioned were, it was undoubtedly related to the struggles within the court. The perplexing part was why he himself had become the target. He said: "Such an obvious framing and scapegoating, how could it possibly deceive the wise and mighty Wu Zhao"
At this moment, someone sang out: "The fat eunuch has arrived!"
Long Ying sneered, "But Shi Zhixuan would not be foolish enough to be trapped in this cursed place where heaven does not respond and earth does not hear."
The Fat Elder said: "Everything is indistinguishable. Wu Zetian had long anticipated that you would cultivate the Demon Seed, yet she still went to great lengths to win you over, which certainly indicates ulterior motives. She summoned the three of us to speak, first meeting with Lai Junchen alone, then Princess Taiping, and finally me. At present, she is fully aware of your situation. Not to mention anything else, just the fact that you are not afraid of Lai Junchen's torturous punishments, and that even with the skills of a flower girl, she still cannot kill you in such circumstances, makes it clear that you are extraordinarily foolish, especially in the eyes of Wu Zetian. Now, you can only respond to force with force and adapt to the situation as it arises. The only asset you possess is the Demon Seed, which you yourself do not fully understand.
He changed his title to Lord Eagle, and Long Ying couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart. At this moment, the women lit the lamps, some using incense-scented cloths to cleanse his hands and wipe his face, fluttering around him like butterflies, yet they did not forget to glance back with a faint smile or throw a flirtatious glance. If Princess Taiping's allure was feigned, theirs was undoubtedly genuine. At the same time, he harbored doubts about the words of Eunuch Rong; observing their playful glances and charming demeanor, despite their young age, they all seemed to possess considerable experience in matters of love, which had nothing to do with the bashful innocence one would expect from maidens.
***
The sudden arrival of the Fat Eunuch took Long Ying by surprise, and he never expected that even those within the palace referred to him as the Fat Eunuch. At present, he is like a blind man riding a blind horse; with the guidance of the Fat Eunuch, it is certainly more beneficial than harmful
Kneeling before him, Lili seized the opportunity to launch a gentle offensive. She first placed the fragrant tea she was holding onto the small table beside the chair, then wrapped her arms around his calves, resting her fragrant cheek on his thigh, half-closing her beautiful eyes and tilting her delicate face upward. Suddenly, her delicate body trembled violently, and she exclaimed in surprise: "It is not the scent of jasmine, but the fragrance of ambergris. I have never smelled it on anyone before."
Long Ying has yet to have the opportunity to clear his mind. Under the direction of Lord Rong, the ladies have already surrounded Long Ying, guiding him through the entrance and the sedan hall, arriving at the main hall. The main hall is grand and lofty, with intricately carved beams and frames. On both sides, there are marble hanging screens, along with hanging scrolls and displayed ancient vases, which further enhance the antique charm of the redwood furniture, cleansing the dust and refreshing the heart.
The plump elder scanned the surface of the pond and said calmly: "If the elder's estimation is correct, the general can find the evidence at the bottom of the pond. As long as the general brings all the evidence and presents it to His Majesty after the meeting with the Immortal Lady Jingzhai, not only will His Majesty not blame the general, but he will also commend him for his efficiency in handling the matter. Hahaha"
Li Duozuo hesitated to speak
Lord Rong left Longying's ear and said loudly: "You must serve His Majesty well and take good care of Lord Ying. If Lord Ying has even a word of complaint, there will be no mercy."
The plump elder asked pointedly, "Do you know how Wu Zetian usurped the Tang dynasty's throne?"
Long Ying felt a stir in his heart, recalling what Xiang Yutian had once said: the process of the fusion between the demon seed and a human is lengthy, gradually altering one's essence. He had become accustomed to it, making it difficult to notice, and coupled with his current state of utter relaxation, his essence leaked out, which was detected by the little sister.
The key lies in the fact that before Wu Zetian entered the palace, she had already mastered the "Charming Woman Technique," a formidable skill that represents the culmination of the esoteric arts of our predecessors in the realm of sexual practices and the unique method of supplementing yin with yang. Li Yuan himself had fallen victim to it back in the day. Do you understand? If it were not for me advising Empress Wang to suggest that Emperor Gaozong take Wu Zetian as a concubine to counter the fiercely favored Consort Xiao, Wu Zetian would have had no chance of ascending the throne today. You can then infer that, by employing the "Charming Woman Technique," Wu Zetian continuously weakened Emperor Gaozong's constitution, gradually gaining control over the court.
The dragon eagle ascends into the realm of self-forgetfulness, not only forgetting itself but also the demonic seed. Its mind is crystal clear, without any omissions. The deadly arrow seems to slow down, and it can still grasp that the arrow will first pierce through Lili's delicate body before finally embedding itself in its own heart. The angle is precisely calculated, demonstrating that the assassin is an extraordinary marksman with an astonishing accuracy.
The dragon eagle, upon seeing this woman with her picturesque features, tall and slender figure, and beauty surpassing all other women, secretly pondered that she alone had captivated him. He truly wished to grab hold of this young eunuch and implore him not to abandon him in this land of fragrant beauty.
The heart of the dragon eagle nearly melted, thinking that it is a blessing rather than a curse; if it is a curse, one cannot escape it. After all, he had never engaged in intimate relations with a woman, so why not start with the beautiful women before him? He could pretend to be unable to resist the temptation and indulge in their beauty, then adapt as the situation unfolds. Although he was well aware that he was merely making excuses for himself, he truly could not resist their various provocations. Another woman moved forward behind him, and he instinctively sensed that her next move would be to sit on his lap, seeking his embrace.
***
Lord Rong said to Long Ying with pleasure: "They were once specially trained, each possessing their own set of skills to serve their master, as Lord Ying has surely experienced."
The corpulent eunuch moved to Li Duozuo's position, leaning against the railing and gazing into the distance, making Long Ying truly fear that the exquisitely carved wooden railing could not withstand his weight. The chief eunuch in the palace remarked: "If neither Wu Chengsi nor Wu Sansi is involved, then the iron bow must be one of the recently stolen items from the residences of either Li Xian, the King of Luling, or Li Dan, the Prince of Yu."
The dragon eagle shook its head to indicate that it did not understand
The Dragon Eagle took the initiative and said: "The matter of concealing my martial arts is the Emperor's intention. Can the Grand General ensure that this information does not leak out?"
Li Duozuo smiled wryly and said, "News within the palace spreads rapidly, far beyond what outsiders can imagine. This matter has already reached the heavens, and even the Emperor cannot suppress it. It will inevitably leak outside the palace and cause a stir in Luoyang. I never expected that as soon as you arrived in the capital, you would become a celebrity."
The fat eunuch was clearly aware of the matter and casually remarked: "Not seeing is still seeing. Fortunately, the Fairy of the Quiet Study has come to ease the Emperor's mind; otherwise, the General would have suffered to some extent. Rest assured, General! The eunuch guarantees that the Emperor will not impose any punishment."
Long Ying sat comfortably in his chair, with two women behind him massaging his shoulders, while two others attended to his arms and thighs. The head maid, Lili, knelt beside him, feeding him fragrant tea sip by sip, making him begin to understand why, regardless of how brilliant a monarch may be at the beginning of their reign, they ultimately become a debauched ruler who only seeks pleasure.
The corpulent elder said lightly: "What Wu Zetian needs is not conclusive evidence, but rather a grandiose excuse. Otherwise, there would not be a wide-open door for informants within the imperial city, nor a tribunal specifically established to suppress dissent. That treacherous fellow, Cai Junchen, would not be able to rise to power and wealth. Now, he not only serves as the head of the tribunal but also holds two significant positions as the Grand Master of the Imperial Guards and the Chief of the Criminal Investigation Department."
Liqi Pavilion is uniquely distinctive, with the twin osmanthus trees standing prominently in front of the main building, presenting a picturesque scene of a Jiangnan garden. The residence is adjacent to the garden, with water from the pond introduced, forming streams and pools, establishing the overall landscape framework of the garden. Just by observing the grand layout of the pavilions in a secluded corner of the palace, one can glimpse the opulent court life of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
The chubby elder kindly patted him on the shoulder and smiled, saying: "Asking too much is of no use. General, rest assured and go meet the Emperor. Eagle and I will follow shortly."
Lord Rong peered through the window at the sky and, pretending to be an old friend, leaned close to his ear and softly said: "The sun is about to set! I heard that His Majesty is particularly busy today. Why doesn't Lord Ying take a good rest and let them serve you? As long as Lord Ying is in the palace for the day, they are all at your service. I have followed the imperial will and selected them from among the thousands of palace maids to serve Lord Ying, all of whom are untouched maidens. Regardless of any requests Lord Ying may have of them, they will only be delighted, grateful for the favor and grace they receive"
Li Duozuo respectfully said: "The subordinate has already sent someone to report to His Majesty, but I fear that His Majesty is still receiving the special envoy from Cihang Jingzhai and is unaware of this matter"
Li Duozuo's expression darkened, and he sighed: "Fortunately, the young brother is safe and sound. Thank you for your concern, young brother."
The two sat side by side, and the stout old man lowered his voice, saying: "This is a specially designed carriage equipped with armor, so we need not worry about outsiders hearing our conversation"
He weakly asked, "When exactly will we meet the Emperor?"
Long Ying is overwhelmed; he is by no means a gentleman who adheres to the principles of propriety and solemnity. Having lived for many years among peers who indulge in the pleasures of women, his awareness of the boundaries between men and women is weak. Indeed, a graceful lady is a match for a gentleman. The issue is that he now faces the most severe challenge, with the formidable Empress Wu Zetian as his opponent, and he must negotiate and set conditions for survival. If he were to engage in romantic escapades with numerous women, indulging in reckless abandon, how could he possibly stand tall and display the courage and character of a new generation of wicked emperors before the dragon carriage of Wu Zetian?
Li Duozuo felt a sense of relief, hurriedly expressing gratitude, as if the fat man was a tapeworm within Wu Zetian, with his words carrying the weight of Wu Zetian's own voice.