Just as the three Zhang brothers were deeply entrenched in the doctrines established by Liu Hong, a guard suddenly reported that Zhang Xiu was requesting an audience.

"Let him in!!"

As soon as Liu Hong finished speaking, Song Dian strode outside and then brought in Zhang Xiu, who looked nervous.

Upon seeing Zhang Jiao and the other two inside the hall, Zhang Xiu was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure and bowed respectfully to Liu Hong.

"Your subject Zhang Xiu greets Your Majesty! May Your Majesty be well!"

"Minister Zhang, you may dispense with the formalities!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Liu Hong looked Zhang Xiu up and down a few times, then laughed and said, "I've heard that Minister Zhang studied under the spear master Tong Yuan?"

"Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. I studied under my master for three years, but due to my dullness, he sent me down the mountain ahead of time!"

Although surprised that the emperor knew his mentor's name, Zhang Xiu did not hide it at all.

"Haha~ Minister Zhang, there's no need to be modest. Although I haven't studied martial arts, I still have good eyesight. Besides, the spear is the king of all weapons. It's easy to learn, but extremely difficult to master! Having been trained by Master Tong Yuan for three years, your spear technique must be extraordinary! In terms of spear technique alone, apart from your master, Minister Zhang can be ranked among the top three in our Han Dynasty!"

Liu Hong smiled and then showered Zhang Xiu with compliments.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty! The Han Dynasty is full of talented people. I am but a novice and dare not compare myself to them!"

Although Zhang Xiu acted with unusual humility, a hint of pride flashed in his eyes. He was still thrilled to receive the emperor's praise and recognition.

"I have heard that your master has a unique skill called the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Technique. I wonder if Minister Zhang could demonstrate it for me?"

Liu Hong looked at Zhang Xiu. This was the first time he had asked his generals to demonstrate their martial arts skills, because he also wanted to see the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear" that Zhao Zilong, who was famous for generations, had learned.

Zhang Xiu replied respectfully, "Of course!"

Liu Hong then stood up, and the group went to the outside of Deyang Palace. Looking at the long spear that the guard had brought, Liu Hong frowned and then looked at Song Dian beside him.

"Go and fetch the white dragon spear that I prepared!"

"promise!!"

Song Dian should be right, and then quickly ran towards a weapon rack in the rear hall of Deyang.

Before long, Song Dian came forward carrying a long, silver-white spear. The shaft was engraved with an exquisite dragon pattern that wound upwards along the shaft. The dragon's mouth opened and spat out a section of the spear blade, less than a foot long (about eighteen centimeters!). The blade gleamed coldly and was obviously extremely sharp.

The moment Zhang Xiu saw the gun, he was unable to look away.

"This spear was custom-made for you by the Marquis of Moyang at my behest. Today, I bestow it upon you, Zhang Qing, hoping that you will wield this spear bravely to fight the enemy and uphold the might of our Han Dynasty!"

As they spoke, Liu Hong took the spear and handed it to Zhang Xiu.

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty! I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations and will not let this spear go to waste!"

Zhang Xiu immediately knelt on one knee and respectfully took the white dragon spear from Liu Hong with both hands.

The moment Zhang Xiu received the spear and felt the cold touch of the shaft, he trembled involuntarily, his heart pounding with excitement. He was the first person to receive a weapon personally bestowed upon him by the emperor.

"Haha~ A divine weapon deserves a fierce warrior, I can't wait to see Minister Zhang's spear skills!"

Liu Hong laughed loudly, helped Zhang Xiu up, and then gestured for Zhang Xiu to demonstrate his spear technique.

Zhang Xiu nodded heavily, his expression excited as he took the White Dragon Spear and stood in the square in front of Deyang Palace.

With Liu Hong's nod, Zhang Xiu unleashed a flourish with his spear and began to wield the White Dragon Spear, thrusting, pointing, and slashing... the movements flowing smoothly and naturally.

Liu Hong, standing on the steps, was dazzled by what he saw. In his vision, he felt as if a silver screen was enveloping Zhang Xiu, which looked very beautiful, yet also exuded a hint of danger.

"This Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear truly lives up to its name!"

Liu Hong looked at Zhang Xiu, who had come over, and was full of praise.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. My master once said that I have only mastered about 60 or 70 percent of it. I am sorry that Your Majesty has made such a fool of me!"

"Oh? Your words pique my curiosity. I have observed that your spear technique is already extremely exquisite, yet you have only achieved seven or eight tenths. I wonder what level one must reach to achieve the tenths that your master spoke of?"

"My master once said that only those born with a talent for handling guns might have the potential to master this gun technique to its fullest extent!"

"A natural-born gunman?"

At this point, Liu Hong couldn't help but think of Zhao Yun, the legendary swordsman with a white horse and silver spear. However, Zhao Yun might not even have been born yet, and he probably wouldn't be able to meet him for many years.

Liu Hong shook his head and smiled bitterly. Then, he led everyone back into the Deyang Palace.

Liu Hong then looked at Zhang Jiao and said in a deep voice, "I will order Lü Qiang to allocate funds specifically to build a Taoist temple, which will be named 'Taiping Sect'. You should go back and formulate a detailed development plan and organizational structure, and then submit it to me. Don't disappoint me!"

"We will obey the decree of our Lord!!"

Zhang Jiao and the other two then left Deyang Palace with respectful expressions.

"From now on, this will be the Taiping Bible of our Taiping Church. All members of the church must act in accordance with the guidelines of this Bible."

Looking at the doctrine drafted by Liu Hong in his hand, Zhang Jiao solemnly looked at Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao beside him.

"This is our lord's decree, and we shall obey it!"

Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao nodded solemnly.

"Your Majesty! What are they doing...?"

After Zhang Jiao and the other two left, Zhang Xiu looked at Liu Hong with a puzzled expression. They had been arrested for impersonating the emperor, so how did they suddenly get summoned and become his masters?

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