My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 235: Chapter 235: Sword Breaks the Dharma Image in Yujing City

Yujing City, an ordinary detached courtyard.

In the courtyard on both sides stood centuries-old palm trees with lush branches, under which were heavy stone tables and chairs.

A black-clothed elder sat cross-legged in the center of the courtyard, his eyes closed as he visualized the world within his heart.

Golden brilliance fluttered down from the sky, covering the heavens and brightening the originally dim sky immensely. A Vajra Buddha appeared in midair, as if looking down upon all sentient beings.

The elder slowly opened his eyes and looked up at the Buddha in the sky.

Just then, an explosive Zen chant rose, echoing across much of Yujing City.

The terrifying authority mixed with the grand solemnity of the Buddhist was particularly pronounced to those at the Grandmaster Realm.

“Bald donkeys of the Buddhist, quite the clamor.”

The black-clothed elder spoke indifferently, his sleeves waving, making the grand authority melt away instantly like snow meeting flame.

……

Lv Sect, the back yard.

Lv Guoyong was reclining in a chair, resting, hovering between wakefulness and drowsiness.

Lv Jingchun was reading beside him, also dozing off, but after glancing at Lv Guoyong, he couldn’t help but sigh in his heart.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ɴ0νǤօ.сο

“Such fine weather, yet here I am reading books, wasting the prime of my youth. It would be better to play with birds or walk dogs, or even just take a stroll; I wonder when I’ll be able to live the life I desire.”

Lv Jingchun picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, intending to compose a poem, but after a long struggle he realized he didn’t know what to write and could only give up in frustration.

Zhou Xianming opposite him chuckled lightly, picked up a brush and paper, and within a moment wrote down a poem and handed it to him.

“Spring is not for reading books; summer’s heat is just right for a nap. Autumn’s clear days are perfect for play; bitter winter makes one long for next year.”

Lv Jingchun read the verse and his eyes lit up as he silently recited, “Good poem, it fits my thoughts perfectly.”

“Copy this poem a hundred times.”

At that moment, a voice sounded from behind Lv Jingchun.

“Yes.”

Lv Jingchun, startled as if from a nightmare, looked pale as death.

Then, wonders arose in the sky above, and the Buddha appeared over the world.

Zhou Xianming felt the immense pressure, as if his entire body was under great stress, and cold sweat streamed down his forehead. “Is this the strength of the Buddhist Vajra?”

Such pressure was more acutely felt the stronger one was, and this was just the aura it emitted, which was already astonishing.

Lv Guoyong appeared to be unaffected by the pressure and said indifferently, “The Buddhist Vajra’s hand of killing and sermon is not a good sign.”

He knew in his heart that a conflict with the Buddhist was probably inevitable.

…….

In the Imperial Palace, an old eunuch stood before the Golden Throne Hall, looking at the Buddhist Vajra that seemed so near in the sky.

Though the tremendous pressure approached, it dissipated before entering the palace.

Eunuch Bai Mei said, “It seems the Buddhist are showing their resolve to intimidate that youngster with this move.”

Zhao Tianyi chuckled, “Grand Secretary, what do you think will happen?”

Bai Mei spoke slowly, “Young people, inevitably full of vigor, let’s see if he can resolve this situation. If he knows when to retreat, it will save much effort.”

Zhao Tianyi nodded, saying nothing.

…..

Within Inner City of Yujing, there was a tremor, as everyone felt the authority of the Buddhist Vajra.

What was with the Buddha in the sky?

Why was it so authoritative today, even instilling fear in people?

This was completely different from the Buddha that sat solemnly in the temple on normal days.

Which one was the true Buddha?

The entire Yujing City, with its millions of inhabitants and countless Jianghu practitioners, was astir.

Compared to ordinary people kneeling and worshiping, fearful and anxious, those from the Jianghu appeared extremely solemn, understanding clearly that this was obviously the Buddhist trying to intimidate the Demon Sect.

At the gates of the Imperial Palace, Yu Qiurong, Qian Cishan, and several other Demon Sect masters felt like facing a great threat, retreating step by step, their footprints embedding three inches deep into the ground.

And all this was just the residual might of the Vajra Dharma Image; it was clear to imagine the pressure An Jing must be under.

An Jing’s robe fluttered with the wind, rustling. Instead of retreating, he stepped forward and said,

“If one’s heart is filled with demons, then all they see is demons. Great monk, how can you rid the world of demons?”

His voice was resonant, echoing between heaven and earth.

As if the Vajra’s chant was thunderous, reverberating everywhere, An Jing’s voice was like the toll of a bell, long and lingering.

“Whoosh!”

Suddenly, his figure stood upright, as if he transformed into a towering longsword between heaven and earth, and then a black-and-white light shot out towards the Vajra Dharma Image.

A chilling edge!

That was an endless chill!

Almost all the masters in Yujing City felt that icy sword light, feeling utterly cold, as if their very hair stood on end.

The sword light whistled by, cleaving open the golden clouds and heading straight for the Furious Eyes Vajra.

“Hum! Hum!”

The next moment, golden light burst forth again, forming two massive golden palms that clapped together as if trying to capture the sword light.

Under the astonished gaze of everyone, the sword light and the Vajra collided.

The frigid Sword Light was unstoppable, directly piercing through all the golden light ahead and the pair of gigantic palms, before heavily striking the Vajra Buddha above.

Crack! Crack!

Cracks appeared on the Vajra Buddha, and then the golden Buddha burst apart, its dazzling golden radiance mixing with the Sword Light, diffusing into the distance, and with a ‘boom’, the cloudless sky revealed its pure blue expanse to everyone present.

Desolate and vast, this was the true color of the heavens.

Such a spectacular scene had all of Yujing City holding their breath; such a sight had not been seen in their lifetime.

The Buddhist’s initial display of power had been easily broken by An Jing.

“The Buddhist’s Dharma Image has been broken!”

“A sect that has stood for a thousand years would not be so easily named in vain.”

“It’s uncertain who will ultimately obtain the National Teaching Order.”

“No matter who it falls to, it definitely won’t be the Demon Sect.”

…..

The oppressive aura also gradually dissipated. Just when everyone thought the matter would just end like that, the chant of Zen rose again.

“Whether this monk can exorcise demons and subdue evil, will be seen by one’s own ability,” said the voice.

As the words fell, peace returned to heaven and earth, only the clear sky seemed to hint at the events that had just unfolded.

“Son-in-law,”

After a long while, Yu Qiurong came back to her senses and looked towards An Jing.

Buddhism had initially sought to suppress the Demon Sect’s pride and force them to retreat, but now it had openly become a direct challenge.

“Let’s go back.”

An Jing’s demeanor remained undisturbed as he turned toward the distance.

Yu Qiurong and Qian Cishan exchanged a glance before quickly following him.

In no time, the group returned to the hostel.

In the afternoon, the anxious Minister of Rites, Zhu Yongfang, arrived and directly said, “An Tributor, you should not be so unyielding.”

His words carried a mix of helplessness and reproach.

Now that Buddhism and the Demon Sect were at loggerheads, the struggle for the National Teaching Order was inevitable.

An Jing offered a faint smile, “There’s no need for more words, Minister Zhu. You surely did not come here to lecture me, did you?”

Zhu Yongfang took a deep breath and said, “The decree of the National Teaching Order has been issued, and many sects have already given up on the competition, including the Four Symbols Sect, Youfeng Valley, the Five Poison Sect and others. Even Sect Master Lin from the Yu Heng Sword Sect has given up. Now, only your Sect and Buddhism intend to obtain this Order. The Human Emperor plans to hold a contest on the grounds of the Heavenly Martial Sect in Yujing City the day after tomorrow. The winner will be granted the Order.”

An Jing inquired, “When exactly?”

Zhu Yongfang replied, “The day after tomorrow.”

An Jing said solemnly, “Alright, then the day after tomorrow it is.”

“Then I shall take my leave and report back.”

Zhu Yongfang took a careful look at the young man in front of him, then, with a bow, prepared to leave.

This An Jing is still too brash, failing to see the situation clearly. If even Lin Yiyang has surrendered the competition, it’s obvious.

The Yu Heng Sword Sect and Buddhism have significant animosities, but direct concession in the competition is partly due to the huge gap between the Yu Heng Sword Sect and Buddhism, and partly due to understanding the Human Emperor’s intent, recognizing the difficulty and retreating.

“Wait.”

An Jing stopped Zhu Yongfang who was about to leave.

Zhu Yongfang asked with confusion, “Is there something else?”

An Jing stated, “My Sect’s Li Fuzhou is detained in the Heavenly Prison. Tomorrow, I wish to visit the Prison. Please report this to the Crown Prince, and I hope he approves.”

Zhu Yongfang immediately shook his head, “The Heavenly Prison is a heavily protected area of Great Yan, nobody but the Human Emperor has approval to enter.”

“Oh?”

An Jing chuckled lightly, “So even my visit is not allowed?”

“It’s not that it’s not allowed, it’s just the rules of Great Yan.”

“Rules are dead, but people are alive.”

“Rules are still rules.”

Zhu Yongfang didn’t think twice before directly denying the request.

An Jing said flatly, “I don’t repeat myself.”

Zhu Yongfang felt a chill in his heart, seeing the young man still smiling with his demeanor unchanged, yet he felt a cold tide within.

That earlier gentle attitude had almost made him forget that the youth before him was an emissary of the Demon Sect, a decisive expert who had slain a Grandmaster, and who had just broken the existence of the Vajra Dharma Image.

“I understand,” Zhu Yongfang said, with a heavy heart stepping out of the hostel.

Yu Qiurong and Qian Cishan also felt a gathering storm within; the pressure on the Demon Sect’s mission was immense. They faced oppression not only from the court but also from the streets and the Jianghu, where the Demon Sect maintained a notorious reputation.

Should the contest for the National Teaching Order between Buddhism and the Demon Sect proceed, they would also have to face the top expert of Buddhism, the Exalted Vajra.

He was known as the first Vajra of Buddhism.

Yu Qiurong’s eyebrows slightly arched as she said, “The Yan Kingdom Court is too oppressive.”

In her view, the Yan Kingdom Court clearly had not treated the Demon Sect with fair judgement.

Qian Cishan shook his head, “If it were an alliance, indeed we wouldn’t have to suffer so, but now our Sect wishes to spread teachings in Yan Country, and also to free Sect Master Li, which means we need something from Yan Country, thus inevitably facing some hardship.”

An alliance with Yan Country would be the best choice for the Demon Sect; not to mention that most top fighters within the Demon Sect were originally from Yan Country and had a natural affection for their homeland.

If the Demon Sect allied with Houjin, there would be only one outcome: once Yan Country fell, Dongluo Pass would also be swallowed by Houjin.

Houjin was devoid of Jianghu; it had only countless tribes and a single Great Snow Mountain.

The Holy Master of Great Snow Mountain was the present lord of the Houjin royal court.

How could Great Snow Mountain possibly allow the Demon Sect to rise within Houjin? Especially now, when the Holy Master of Houjin possessed such sweeping genius and ambition, there wasn’t room for even a grain of sand in his eyes.

The interests at stake didn’t need to be pointed out to the wise; they could see through it all with a single glance.

An Jing remained silent, his expression as calm as still water, leaving others clueless as to what he was thinking.

Zhu Yongfang left swiftly and returned just as quickly.

In about half an hour, he came back to the hostel and said with a smiling face, “His Highness the Crown Prince has gone to great lengths, and finally, your sect has been granted an opportunity to visit the Heavenly Prison.”

An Jing replied with a faint smile, “Then please extend my thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“No need for courtesy, His Highness the Crown Prince will do his utmost to help with the mediation.”

After that, the two exchanged pleasantries for a while, and Zhu Yongfang took his leave.

An Jing’s smile faded, and he didn’t believe a word Zhu Yongfang had said.

……

The clash over a National Teaching Order between Buddhists and Demon Sect quickly spread throughout Yujing City, causing uproar in both the streets and the temples, with endless debate and argument.

But whether it was the common folk on the streets, the Jianghu, or those within the temples, they all hoped, without exception, for the Buddhist to seize the National Teaching Order.

After all, the Buddhist were seen by most as transcending worldly affairs, relieving suffering and difficulty, while the Demon Sect was the embodiment of evil, known for looting, killing, and all sorts of wicked deeds. The notion of such a sect becoming the national religion of Yan Country was simply ludicrous.

In the quiet and secluded courtyard.

The black-clothed elder gazed at the sky, his expression laden with gravity, still contemplating the sword light that had soared into the sky earlier that day.

“That sword skill…”

Ordinary swordsmen might not be able to sense the terrifying power contained within, but he could feel it very clearly, even though it was hidden and unreleased.

No doubt the owner must also be an exceptional swordsman.

As the black-clothed elder was lost in thought, a young man around thirty years old walked into the courtyard.

The young man was dressed in a long black robe with green borders and embroidery, and a green jade belt, with a delicate gold crown decorated with vine patterns on his head, his complexion fair as jade.

This man was none other than the current Second Prince, Zhao Mengtai.

The black-clothed elder glanced at Zhao Mengtai and asked indifferently, “Why have you come?”

Having been in Yujing City for so long, this was only the second time Zhao Mengtai had ever come to visit him.

“Hao Tian,”

Zhao Mengtai bowed his hands and said, “I naturally have an important matter to ask of you this time.”

“Speak.”

Hao Tian said flatly.

Zhao Mengtai got straight to the point, “I would like to ask Hao Tian to kill someone for me.”

Hao Tian said, “Hao does not kill nameless individuals beneath his sword.”

“This man is far from nameless, on the contrary, he’s quite well-known.”

Zhao Mengtai produced a piece of white paper from his sleeve and handed it to Hao Tian, “I hope this person can live through tonight.”

Hao Tian took the white paper and glanced at it. There were only four words on it—”Interesting,” he commented.

Zhao Mengtai asked with a smile, “So, does Hao Tian agree?”

Hao Tian shook his head and said, “Let’s put this matter aside for the moment. I do not intend to take action recently, as I would like to join in on the excitement and see for myself.”

“Join in on the excitement?!”

Zhao Mengtai’s eyebrows furrowed as he heard this. “Is Hao Tian referring to the struggle between Buddhist and Demon Sect?”

Hao Tian nodded, “That’s right.”

Zhao Mengtai’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Isn’t Hao Tian usually not fond of joining in on the excitement?”

“There’s an interesting fellow this time.”

Hao Tian let out a light laugh, then extended his hand, and the white paper turned into powder, “I can assure you, this person won’t be able to leave Yujing City.”

Zhao Mengtai pondered for a long while; for him, a few days earlier or later made a significant difference.

But Hao Tian was not someone he could control. After what felt like dozens of breaths, Zhao Mengtai finally nodded, “Alright.”

Hao Tian said softly, “I have agreed to aid you three times. This is the second time. Do not forget what you’ve promised me in return.”

Zhao Mengtai smiled, “Rest assured, Hao Tian, I’ve always kept it in mind and haven’t forgotten.”

“Then I won’t see you out.”

Hao Tian turned and walked back into his room.

A shadowy light flashed across Zhao Mengtai’s eyes before he turned and left the courtyard.

……

In Yujing City, in the Empress’s sleeping quarters.

Emerging from her bath, the Empress Zuo Linglong, a beauty clad in lavish garments, indolently lay on a luxurious couch.

Both the couch and the woman on it became a scene within a scene, full of allure, intoxicating to behold.

Indeed, as the verse goes: “She was granted a springtime bath in Huaqing Pool, where the warm waters smoothed and washed her creamy skin. With the help of her maids, she rose, still delicate and weak, first basking in the favor newly bestowed upon her.”

As the once most beautiful woman in Great Yan, even after more than twenty years, one could still see the stunning beauty of her youth in her.

Opposite her sat a woman aged around forty to fifty. Though her appearance could not match Zuo Linglong’s, she must have also been a beauty in her youth.

Zuo Linglong gently picked up a cup of wine and said with a smile, “Huiyun, it’s been many years since we drank and talked so leisurely.”

This lady was none other than the Great Elder of Youfeng Valley.

Liu Huiyun earnestly lifted her cup and said, “Thirty-one years.”

Zuo Linglong’s voice was filled with a wistful tone, “Thirty-one years, and this is the first time you’ve come to find me. Since that incident, I thought you would never come to see me again.”

Liu Huiyun said, “Within the Imperial City, it’s hard to distinguish friends from foes, and within the palace walls, it’s even harder to gauge people’s hearts. I haven’t come to visit the Empress, and Her Majesty has never come to visit the likes of me. In truth, we are the same, each harboring resentment in our hearts.”

At this, Zuo Linglong laughed softly, “No, I’ve lost that feeling long ago. Who would I be angry with? You, or Li Fuzhou?”

“Li Fuzhou is in the Ninth Layer of the Heavenly Prison, and despite your status as the Great Elder of Youfeng Valley, aren’t you all alone?”

Liu Huiyun watched her attentively, looking at the face that once dazzled the world, “You are angry with yourself.”

Hearing this, Zuo Linglong’s smile slightly faded, “You’re mistaken. Could it be that I hate becoming the Empress of Great Yan, the mother of this nation? Do I hate having wealth and glory, or holding immense power?”

Liu Huiyun’s words hit her directly in the heart, “But you have no feelings for the Human Emperor of Taiping.”

“Feelings, you speak to me of feelings?”

Zuo Linglong stood up and declared, “Unrequited love is a common state of human life. Take everything lightly; don’t force what doesn’t belong to you.”

Looking straight at Zuo Linglong, Liu Huiyun said, “So because you can’t have it, you seek to destroy it?”

Originally, Lv Guoyong had secretly helped Li Fuzhou escape from Yujing City, a plan seemingly without flaws. However, there was a traitor among them, leading to Li Fuzhou being pursued and hunted down by the Xuanyi Guard.

Zuo Linglong didn’t speak, and the Great Hall fell silent.

Liu Huiyun sighed softly, “You’ve changed. Ever since you entered the palace, you’ve become scheming and indifferent, deceiving others and yourself.”

“Do you know where this is?”

Zuo Linglong suddenly stood up, approached Liu Huiyun, and scoffed coldly, “This is the Imperial Palace, the harem of the Great Yan Emperor, the residence of the most powerful person in Great Yan. Look out of the window; all that land is his dominion. Do you know what an emperor is?”

The word “emperor” represents an intangible mountain to all under the heavens.

Especially this emperor, who was a strong and domineering sovereign.

This time, Liu Huiyun fell silent.

Time seemed to stand still as myriad thoughts and words arose in the hearts of the two women, yet at this moment, they didn’t know how to express them.

After a long while, Zuo Linglong finally spoke, “You came to see me today for Li Fuzhou, didn’t you?”

Liu Huiyun nodded directly, “Yes.”

Zuo Linglong pondered for a moment, then said, “You should know the personality of the Human Emperor. His survival is already a grace; the chance of him seeing daylight again is almost none.”

Liu Huiyun spoke slowly, “I only hope, based on our past relationship, that you could say a few words. Now that the Demon Sect has forged an alliance with Yan Country, it’s an opportunity.”

The best chance for Li Fuzhou to escape seemed to be upon them.

“Actually, there is a possibility for Li Fuzhou to be released, unless…”

Zuo Linglong laughed lightly, but she ended her sentence by gently sipping her drink.

Liu Huiyun’s heart skipped a beat, and she asked hastily, “Unless what?”

Zuo Linglong set down her cup and said, “Unless Li Fuzhou is willing to secretly surrender to the Human Emperor. Not only could Li Fuzhou be free to see daylight again, but past events would also no longer be pursued. In the future, he might even have the chance to enter the court as an official, possibly succeeding Lv Guoyong as the Cabinet Chief, becoming a vital minister in the court.”

Liu Huiyun understood at once; the Human Emperor was making Li Fuzhou a hidden piece on the chessboard within the Demon Sect.

Li Fuzhou, with a high position and significant influence, had now advanced to the Second Qi Grandmaster, attaining the Third Layer of Body Refining’s Heavenly Human Communication. If he returned to the Demon Sect, he would undoubtedly be highly valued.

If this chess piece was played, it would mean the Demon Sect was under the control of the Human Emperor.

Zuo Linglong continued, “He was originally an official of Yan Country and then joined the Demon Sect. Now, there’s a chance not only for him to escape the Heavenly Prison but also to return to the legitimate fold of Yan Country. What a great opportunity this is.”

Liu Huiyun grew even more silent.

Upon reflection, this indeed was a great opportunity for Li Fuzhou.

After all, Outer Heaven was part of the Demon Sect.

But the only thing was, he would have to endure the torment in his heart, mingle within the Demon Sect, and become a hidden piece for the Human Emperor.

In the future, the Human Emperor could topple the Demon Sect with Li Fuzhou as his hidden piece or exploit other opportunities for Li Fuzhou to return to the Yan Kingdom Court.

Then, even his patient endurance could be praised, hailed as a heroic figure.

After all, in the eyes of the people, any despicable means used by the righteous side are nonetheless righteous, and any righteous means used by the despicable side are still despicable.

Liu Huiyun asked, “What do you want me to do?”

Zuo Linglong gave a faint smile, “Let him understand the situation he’s in, take a moment to calm down, and make the right choice.”

After pondering for a long while, Liu Huiyun said, “Tomorrow, I want to see him.”

Zuo Linglong nodded, “You may.”

“Very well, then I will take my leave,” said Liu Huiyun as she stood up to bid farewell.

Zuo Linglong chuckled, “Leaving so soon? Won’t you stay for a few more drinks?”

“The wine of Her Majesty the Empress is too refined for a commoner like me to enjoy,” replied Liu Huiyun.

After giving a courteous bow, Liu Huiyun left the Great Hall.

“Back in the day, it took but a couple of drinks to cheer one up,” Zuo Linglong said to herself with a self-deprecating smile. “Now, in this vast Imperial Palace with thousands, I can find no one to accompany me for a drink.”

As she spoke, Zuo Linglong gently lifted her cup, her beautiful eyes becoming lost in the liquid within.

Life is a river that can only flow forward. The toughest paths are often walked alone. In this endless darkness, loneliness is an inherent part of life.

……

PS: For some reason, my left arm keeps twitching; it’s not painful or itchy, but I’ve been feeling rather tired recently. That’s all for today. I’ll strive to update more of the climax tomorrow, guaranteeing at least ten thousand words. Fellow readers, do you have any good relaxation tips?