In a low-key courtyard in Nanjing, a room was filled with people, each with a somber expression and an air of gloom.
The atmosphere was so tense it felt like it was about to freeze over, until finally one of the younger ones couldn't help but speak up:
"Tell me, what's the next step? We can't just wait like this."
Everyone looked at the person sitting in the head seat. He had white hair and beard, and a slender figure. He looked like a sage living in the world.
It was Zhang Zhenren, the contemporary Celestial Master of the Zhengyi School, who was the leader that the Taoist sect had brought to the capital at this time.
His calm and gentle tone, like a deep, still stream, brought tranquility.
"I'm sure everyone knows the news from the palace," Master Zhang paused, then looked at everyone meaningfully.
Everyone nodded involuntarily, their expressions quite complicated, as one after another, the concubines began to suffer misfortune.
It wasn't just ordinary bad luck; it was the kind of bad luck that's like the kind of bad luck that comes with a jinx or a goddaughter.
Master Zhang didn't care; when he learned about the various ways in which those concubines had met their unfortunate ends, he was filled with lingering fear.
"This test wasn't entirely fruitless; at least we now know it's a real monster with magical powers, not some trickster."
Everyone looked at each other, finding each other handsome and charming, their eyes brimming with barely concealed excitement, some almost bursting into tears.
God knows how difficult it was for them. Their ancestors were all incredibly glorious, their Taoist scriptures were so magnificent that they could pluck stars and seize the moon, and they were said to live for thousands of years.
After half a lifetime of cultivation, all they can do is summon a small breeze or breathe a little fire.
It's so ugly.
Finally, a real monster has appeared! It's like finding a bottle of soda in the desert. Even if you have diabetes, you'd still be overjoyed!
Moreover, the monster's attitude was quite good. Master Zhang shared his conjecture with everyone.
Why did they retaliate against the concubines who were openly involved, but not against us? They must have wanted to befriend us.
We are a legitimate Taoist lineage, with a lineage that can be traced back to various great gods. We have powerful connections and incredibly profound Taoist scriptures.
Even if he is temporarily down on his luck, he can still make the snake demon wary!
As they spoke, the representatives from various Taoist sects present put on subtle smiles. Yes, that must be it.
Master Zhang stroked his white beard and delivered the final blow:
"Since the snake demon is still quite respectful, we'll give it some face and summon it directly when it wakes up."
The group exchanged glances, found the idea quite reasonable, and agreed. They thought that once they got the secret of how the snake demon could cultivate from its mouth, they, as Taoist immortals, would naturally be able to soar to great heights.
"But the emperor has also sent people to hint that he wants some benefits."
"Hmm, let's try refining pills."
…………
I spent two hours browsing the system gossip section, having just finished catching up on the gossip about a certain system having eight relationships at once. To calm my excited heart, I looked up at Er Ya.
I'm speechless. Goodness, aren't you tired after typing for so long?
Bai Susu: It's not tiring, and it's a lot of fun...
"Ahem," the system cleared its throat, adopting the demeanor of a spirit, and said, "Susu, stop knocking for now, I have something to tell you."
Bai Susu put down the wooden stick as instructed and casually kicked the wooden fish into her arms.
She had a docile look on her face, as if saying, "You can say whatever you want, I'll listen to you."
It makes my teeth ache just looking at it. Ugh, those are shoddy sesame dumplings! They tap them while eating and before bed every day...
He was puzzled. Birds of a feather flock together, but it doesn't have to be this realistic. You can just grab any random tool and the host can find such a villainous prospect.
"As you know, Empress Ma is very important to Liu Xian. Before she had fully recovered from her illness, Liu Xian had to go into seclusion to recuperate."
"Oh right, Liu Xian was struck by lightning because she forgot to repay a debt of gratitude last time. What if Empress Ma accidentally dies?"
Upon realizing this possibility, Bai Susu suddenly became nervous.
Her mind raced: Empress Ma was dead—Liu Xian was struck by lightning again—she herself was doomed!
The spirit glanced sideways at Bai Susu, thinking to himself, "I knew that when it comes to her own interests, that wicked girl wouldn't pretend to be stupid."
"It's alright. Immortal Liu had already planned this and left me with a method. Let's go see how Empress Ma is doing now."
Bai Susu relaxed after hearing this, not noticing the ball of light perched above her head, waving its arms and legs and begging the system to give it a discount.
As we approached Empress Ma's palace, we finally managed to negotiate the price down to 2% off. Wiping away non-existent sweat, I felt a surge of pride.
Hehehe, it can make a profit when the host reimburses it.
He only ever earns points through his own abilities!
Inside the Empress's palace, Zhu Yuanzhang examined the elixirs presented by Zhang Zhenren and others in the outer room—they were the size of pigeon eggs, round in shape, and of extraordinary color.
"Your Majesty, please look. This elixir is made by the combined efforts of many Taoist practitioners, using ingredients such as rootless water, stalactite, sulfur, and white quartz. It can prolong life and strengthen the body's foundation!"
As Zhu Yuanzhang listened to Zhang Zhenren's explanation, he picked up the elixir and weighed it in his hand. It was quite heavy, and a sense of hope rose in his heart.
He didn't believe in elixirs before, because in Zhu Yuanzhang's simple mind, he had only heard of emperors who died from taking elixirs, but never of anyone actually ascending to heaven by taking elixirs.
What's the point of eating then?!
But isn't it different now? Old Zhu felt itchy and restless...
Suddenly, light footsteps came from outside, and in the blink of an eye, Bai Susu stepped in and bowed to the emperor.
The system was debating whether to slander the emperor and make him die after taking the pill.
So the progress bar should just be dragged halfway through...
Then, a voice whispered in her mind, "Spirit, that Taoist priest isn't here to capture Liu Xian, is he?"
Recalling the words the "spirit" had once spoken, her face turned pale, and she couldn't help but glance at Zhang Zhenren again and again.
Hmm, he looks just like a master demon-slaying expert from a story.
Catching the occasional glances from the snake demon disciples, Master Zhang's heart stirred. Remembering their strategy of befriending the snake demon, he smiled and nodded calmly at Bai Susu.
Master Zhang: You've felt the goodwill of our Taoist sect, haven't you?
Bai Susu's heart raced: How terrifying, was that Taoist priest warning me...?
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