Chapter 868
The Great Capital Gathering: Interrogation of the True Immortal
Lan Xian understood. The top experts in this world were these three terrestrial immortals: Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang, Phagpa of Qianfo Temple, and the legendary Emperor.
"Land deity".
Lan Xian murmured, "The so-called 'Land Immortal' should be the strongest person in this world. The upper limit of this world is the fifth level of Spirit Gathering, and according to the rules of small worlds..."
Generally, once one reaches the Spirit Gathering Realm, they will gain the recognition of the world's laws and be able to mobilize a portion of them. Therefore, a terrestrial immortal should be someone at the fifth level of the Spirit Gathering Realm, plus someone who can mobilize the world's laws.
Having figured this out, Lan Xian understood that the three terrestrial immortals were gathered in Dadu, which was their so-called capital, probably because they, as outsiders, had come to devise a strategy.
I'm not in a good state right now. But I'm not necessarily safe outside either. On the contrary, it should be safer to be in Dadu, where it's dark and in the shadows.
Moreover, it allows you to observe up close what these so-called terrestrial immortals are really like.
Moreover, this wouldn't actually cause him much damage, because he still had a Boundary-Breaking Hammer in his hand.
If the situation becomes really bad, I can use the Boundary-Breaking Hammer to break through the boundary and escape this small world.
With this in mind, Lan Xian prepared to travel to Dadu to investigate the specifics of this world. This would make it easier for her to continue her conquest of this minor world on her next visit.
Thinking of this, Lan Xian got up to leave, but before leaving, she reached into her pocket and took out a piece of purple gold, placing it on the table.
She was a proud person from the upper realm; how could she possibly owe a favor to a mere ant from the lower realm?
The purple gold is a way of repaying these people for saving him. But what exactly is the purple gold?
This is considered a refining material in the Upper Realm. It is made by refining gold, and only one ounce of purple gold can be extracted from one hundred catties of gold. Therefore, this item is considered quite precious in the Upper Realm.
Of course, this was the cheapest material Lan Xian could offer. Lan Xian placed the purple gold on the table, then turned and left.
About half an hour later, the old woman went into the house to see if the noblewoman's daughter was alright, only to find that the house was already empty, except for a purple, gleaming treasure on the table.
The old lady didn't recognize the purple gold, but from its shimmering light, she could tell it was a very precious treasure. She said anxiously, "My daughter is gone. How could she leave such a valuable thing here? I'll be so worried when we find out it's lost."
Thinking that the old lady had picked up the things, she found a handkerchief, wrapped them up, and muttered, "I'll keep them for her for now, and give them to her when she comes back looking for them."
Lan Xian left the wonton shop and followed the crowd along the main road to Dadu. As soon as she arrived in Dadu, she was shocked.
On the outskirts of Dadu, towering buildings stood tall, the tallest of which was a hundred meters high. This was the Dadu Commercial Center, newly built by Chen Jie, located in the most central area of Dadu. The building had 28 floors, with the bottom five floors being a shopping mall that housed various large businesses, such as the Old Vermilion Bird Gold and Silver Hands Shop, the Zhuangxian Silk Shop, and various food courts, offering everything one could need.
On the fifth floor of the commercial building, there are various theaters, offering everything from Peking Opera and crosstalk to magic and acrobatics performances. You can find any activity you want to enjoy here.
Above the fifth floor is the largest hotel in the capital, whose prosperity rivals that of some small hotels in modern cities.
Below this building lies a bustling commercial street, with various snacks and vendors arranged in an orderly manner. People on the streets are all smiles, and the vendors are also very enthusiastic.
This is the best of times, where everyone can make money in their area of expertise.
Lan Xian was stunned for a moment when she walked here. This was not her first time entering such a small world, so she knew very well what it looked like.
Dirty, backward, and pedantic – these are what the microcosm should look like.
But this small world before her eyes completely opened Lan Xian's eyes.
"This emperor is quite capable." Even Lan Xian had to admit that Chen Jiu Si was indeed a valiant emperor.
She strolled around Dadu and unknowingly wandered to the Emperor Square. The reason it was called the Emperor Square was simply because there was a huge statue in the center of the square, a statue of Chen Jiu Si.
At this moment, one could see that the incense around the statue was burning brightly, and wherever people were, they would stop to watch and worship devoutly.
Lan Xian's face turned grim upon seeing this. Someone had actually laid out plans here beforehand and become emperor. Moreover, his incense offerings and religious practices were very authentic, indicating that he had already achieved considerable success.
Recalling her battle with Chen Jiu Si at Qianfo Temple that day, she felt a chill run down her spine. The power of that slap from him was terrifying; a powerful cultivator at the fifth level of the Condensation Realm couldn't even last a single round against him.
The terrifying pressure made her feel as if she were facing a Xuan Realm elder from within the sect.
This person has probably taken over at least fifty percent of the incense offerings in this minor world. It's incredible that such a prodigy could be born in this minor world.
Or perhaps this person isn't from this small world at all, but belongs to the larger world just like them.
However, according to the people around him, this great emperor of the Han Dynasty rose from humble beginnings and was born in Xiantao Village, Mianshui County. He was a native with impeccable lineage. How could a native know this way of worshipping incense?
Lan Xian then thought of another possibility: could it be that a powerful being from the Great Thousand Worlds was reincarnated and cultivated to this world?
Lan Xian thought it was unlikely. Why would a powerful cultivator go to a minor world to rebuild their cultivation? The spiritual energy concentration in a major world is several times that of a minor world, and the various opportunities are incomparable to those in this world. Would anyone give up something simple and choose the more difficult minor world to achieve enlightenment?
Lan Xian thought it was unlikely, but the monstrous talent of the founding emperor Chen Jiu Si still made her feel terrified.
"No rush, no rush. Let's first find out how strong this person is. If it really doesn't work, then next time we'll ask our sect to send our senior sisters or uncles to help us. We'll definitely get our hands on this Lesser Thousand World."
With this in mind, Lan Xian made up her mind. She would not rush back. She would first thoroughly understand the ins and outs of this world, so that she would come prepared next time and see who could stop her from seizing the opportunities of this minor world.
Just as Lan Xian was thinking this through, she suddenly heard a commotion.
"Quickly, hurry to the East Gate, Master Zhang from Wudang is here."
As soon as the sound rang out, everyone in the square rushed towards the East Gate, and the number of people in the East City increased dramatically in an instant.
Just then, the royal army stationed in Dadu set out, led by Marquis Du Xiong, known for his loyalty and bravery.
The Royal Army immediately stationed troops on both sides of the eastern street, setting up a cordon to ensure the passage in the middle remained unobstructed.
Just then, a carriage slowly approached from the east gate, driven by Zhang Cuishan, a legendary swordsman known as the Iron Pen and Silver Hook.
This person is also the fifth of the Seven Heroes of Wudang, and the fastest to enter the Melting God Realm.
At this moment, Zhang Cuishan drove the carriage, followed by seven or eight young Taoist disciples, all riding horses. Inside the carriage sat the peerless Wudang Master Zhang. As the carriage entered the city, the surrounding people discussed it animatedly, craning their necks in anticipation, many looking at the carriage hoping to catch a glimpse of Master Zhang's true appearance.
At that moment, on the official road, someone shouted, "Look, it's His Majesty the Emperor himself who's here to greet us!"
As everyone looked, they saw the newly appointed emperor, former crown prince Chen Li, standing on the main road with civil and military officials, and heading towards Zhang Zhenren's carriage.
At this moment, Chen Li stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "This junior, Chen Li, the newly appointed emperor of the Great Han Empire, pays respects to Master Zhang."
"Whoa!"
Zhang Cuishan stopped the carriage, and then Zhang Sanfeng inside the carriage said, "To have alarmed His Majesty the Emperor to personally greet us, what merit do I, an old Taoist, possess?"
As he spoke, Zhang Cuishan lifted the carriage curtain, and then an old Taoist priest stepped out of the carriage. The old Taoist priest had white hair and a youthful face. Although his hair was all white, his skin was tender and smooth, like that of a baby.
He was wearing a gray Taoist robe, which, although not luxurious, gave off an extremely solemn feeling.
Those in the martial arts world who caught a glimpse of Master Zhang's face couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, "Truly the demeanor of a grandmaster."
Master Zhang then got out of the carriage, looked around at the prosperity of Dadu, and couldn't help but say, "Chen Jiu Si is truly a man of great talent in governing the country."
At this moment, Chen Li stepped forward again to pay his respects: "Junior Chen Li greets Master Zhang."
This time, he directly performed the junior's greeting instead of the greeting as an official of the Han Empire.
Zhang Sanfeng smiled and nodded, saying, "You young man, this old Taoist is aware of it. The whole world speaks of your wise reputation. It seems your father was not disappointed. Truly, like father, like son."
Chen Li quickly clasped his hands in greeting: "This junior is still young and has shortcomings. Please give me your guidance, senior."
Zhang Sanfeng waved his hand and said, "If you want to talk about martial arts, this old Taoist can give you some pointers, but when it comes to governing a country, this old Taoist is no match for you. If there is anything you don't know, you should ask your father, the emperor, who is the true genius emperor."
Chen Li said, "My father said that in front of seniors, he is always a junior. If there is anything I don't know, I should ask the master for guidance."
Zhang Sanfeng smiled and said, "That's because your father praised me highly. By the way, where is your father?"
Chen Li said, "It's in the palace. Master Phagpa arrived yesterday and he and my father are guarding that immortal in the palace, waiting for the real person to come and question him."
"Hahaha, that's true, I'm late."
Master Zhang smiled and said, "We won't linger any longer. Let's quickly go to the palace to see your father, the Emperor."
Chen Li said, "Please, Master."
As he spoke, Chen Li gestured for him to proceed. Zhang Zhenren nodded, turned around, and returned to the carriage. Zhang Cuishan, sitting on the carriage shaft, lightly flicked the whip and continued forward, with the imperial palace ahead.
Chen Li and all the civil and military officials watched as Master Zhang entered the palace, while the martial arts practitioners around them also watched Master Zhang enter the palace little by little.
At this moment, Lan Xian, who was mixed in with the crowd, changed her expression drastically. Xu Yuandao's family had actually been captured alive by these people. Then she looked in the direction of the palace, and immediately walked out of the crowd and headed towards the palace.
In the past few days, her strength has recovered to about 60%, and 60% of her strength is enough for her to enter the palace without anyone noticing.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained." She decided to risk going to the palace, hoping to save Xu Yuandao if the opportunity arose.
At this moment, inside the palace, in the underground training ground built by Chen Jie, the three giants finally met.
The three—Emperor Chen Jiu Si, Taoist Zhang San Feng, and Buddha Phagpa—met underground.
"Master Sanfeng".
Chen Jiu Si bowed to Zhang San Feng upon seeing him. Phagpa also stood up at this moment, having already heard about Zhang San Feng's heroic deeds from Chen Jiu Si.
One person blocked the rift in the heavens, killing so many celestial beings that they dared not descend to the mortal realm again.
In contrast, seeing how easily he was dealt with by a woman from the celestial realm, Phagpa couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion, remembering how he and Zhang Sanfeng were once considered the two most outstanding figures in the world.
But looking at myself and Zhang Sanfeng now, it's like heaven and earth. How can the gap between people be so big?
Phagpa felt quite dejected, after all, he was a proud man. His martial arts talent was once hailed as the best in the world, but now, compared to Zhang Sanfeng, he was like a clown. This psychological gap made him feel extremely lonely.
Then he looked at Chen Jiu Si and felt even more dejected. Compared to Zhang San Feng, he was alright, after all, Zhang San Feng was over 140 years old. But compared to Chen Jiu Si, he felt like a complete joke.
Chen Jiu Si sent that immortal flying with a single palm strike, and then casually captured another immortal alive.
Compared to his talent, he felt as if he had wasted his life at over 140 years old. The desolation in Phagpa's heart was indescribable.
Chen Jie and Zhang Sanfeng also noticed Phagpa's dejection, but neither of them offered any words of comfort. They were all adults, and he needed to learn to comfort himself.
At this moment, Zhang Sanfeng said, "Your Majesty, I heard that you have captured an immortal. Is it permissible to interrogate him now?"
Chen Jie waved his hand after hearing Zhang Sanfeng's words and said, "Master Zhang is joking. Master Zhang can simply call me 'Nine Four,' so why the 'Your Majesty'?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Sanfeng said, "The proper etiquette cannot be abandoned. Since I am a subject of the Great Han Empire, I should naturally address Your Majesty as Your Majesty when I see you."
Seeing that Zhang Sanfeng was determined to do so, Chen Jie did not try to persuade him, but simply said to Phagpa, "Please trouble the master to bring that person here."
Soon the captured immortal was brought up. He was bound with ropes. In theory, ropes shouldn't be able to restrain him, but his meridians were now imprisoned by Chen Jie's power, making him equivalent to a mortal. Therefore, a mortal rope was enough to bind him.
The immortal was brought before the three of them. Chen Jie looked at the immortal and said, "Since you are from the upper realm, you have seen the current situation. If you don't want to suffer, then cooperate with us."
Upon hearing this, the immortal smiled and said, "We are all cultivators, why be so formal? Just ask me what you need to know, and I will answer you. I'm not going to run away, so why not untie the ropes binding me and let me relax a bit so I can answer your questions?" (End of Chapter)