Chapter 1068 - 375: An Unexpected Gain (Double - )

Chapter 1068: Chapter 375: An Unexpected Gain (Double Chapter)

The message sent by Shen Guangjie traveled north.

Until it reached the Imperial Capital Luoyang.

At one of the garrison locations of the Luoyang Great Tang Divine Strategy Army.

The leader of this garrison’s general, surnamed Shangguan, named Shangguan Xiu.

Ever since Shangguan Peng died early in the Southern Wilderness thirty years ago, Shangguan Xiu has been the new generation of leadership cultivated by the Shangguan Clan.

After years of arduous training, Shangguan Xiu has exceeded everyone’s expectations, successfully surpassing the former Shangguan Peng in recent years and reached the Martial Tao’s Eighth Heavenly Layer, becoming a new heavyweight figure among the royal family and honoraries.

Inside the tent, Shangguan Xiu quietly read Shen Guangjie’s transmission.

After reading, he remained composed, destroyed the message, and ordered his personal guard to deliver it to the residence of his clan’s Shangguan Zhengqing.

Later, as Crown Prince Zhang Hui, who oversaw the governance, returned to the Eastern Palace after leaving the Council Hall, Shangguan Zhengqing then headed to the Eastern Palace.

"Celestial Master Lei, despite being injured, still descended the mountain for the sake of the nation. He truly is a pillar of the country," the Crown Prince said with a smile.

Fang Yu, son of Jingxiang Fang Clan’s Elder Fang Du, softly spoke: "National Master Tang is already in Earth Sea, and Celestial Master Lei still risks going there. Isn’t that somewhat... hasty?"

As a newly appointed official of the Eastern Palace, he currently conveys the opinions of the Jingxiang Fang Clan, led by Fang Jingsheng.

Chu Pu from Suzhou Chu Clan said: "Grandfather transmitted the message that the situation in Earth Sea is complex and not suitable for entry. Even with some preparations, they are only fit to be made on this side of the Southern Wilderness."

Qingzhou Ye Song then looked at Crown Prince Zhang Hui: "Your Highness’s thoughts...?"

Zhang Hui changed the subject: "How has it been at the Northern Border recently?"

Shangguan Zhengqing replied: "Lord Black Mountain retreated temporarily, and the other demon races aren’t forming any major threats. With Prince Zhao stationed at the Northern Border, there should be no major harm... However, Lord Black Mountain’s rampage through the Northern Border forests has caused considerable losses, and those exotic tribes and Hu people are somewhat unstable."

Chu Pu, Ye Song, and Fang Yu all maintained their usual expressions.

The exotic tribes that originally came from Solitary Eagle Khanate as vassals, were ordered to assist the Northern Border forests and pastures, taming the exotic beasts.

Initially, the situation could be maintained steadily.

After the recent demon chaos, though the Great Demon has retreated, the conflict and unrest between the Tang Imperial Dynasty’s Han people and these vassal exotic tribes have increased and have gradually led to disarray.

Unfortunately, Shen Qubing, who can effectively calm these disturbances, is currently in the Southern Wilderness, deeply in Earth Sea.

"Transmit all relevant information to Uncle Zhao," Zhang Hui instructed: "With Uncle Zhao stationed at the Northern Border, it should remain manageable."

Shangguan Zhengqing, Ye Song, and others smiled: "We comply with Your Highness’s orders."

A little later, Chu Pu said: "Your Highness, there was earlier some news about the White Lotus Demon Monk, suggesting they were planning an uprising, but it suddenly calmed down."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hui pondered: "It sounds... somewhat like the past Huai Mountain turmoil?"

Qingzhou Ye Song said: "Regarding such matters, Cangzhou may have more insight."

Zhang Hui: "If my cousin is free, inquire a bit."

Ye Song: "Yes, Your Highness."

Zhang Hui: "Let’s focus on the matters at hand first."

Everyone agreed.

No need for more words, each took care of their responsibilities.

Zhang Hui and those representing Qingzhou, Suzhou, and Jingxiang, Ye Song, Chu Pu, and Fang Yu entered the inner hall to craft ceremonial items together.

Shangguan Zhengqing stayed outside, joining other Eastern Palace officials to handle external affairs.

.........

In a seemingly unremarkable deep mountain ancient temple, several monks sat in a circle, silently chanting sutras to the already weathered Buddhist statue.

The ancient temple had been neglected for years, and the statue was equally in disrepair.

Yet, the monks seated within had serene expressions and focused demeanors.

However, they sat closely surrounding one young monk in the center, appearing both supportive and surveillant.

The young monk’s appearance was dignified, calmly chanting sutras, seemingly no different from the monks around him.

But both sides’ presence intertwined yet clashed, discordant and confrontational.

Until another young monk arrived at the temple.

The previously tense atmosphere dissipated into nothingness.

Everyone ceased chanting and stood up, joining their palms in salutation to the visitor.

The newly arrived young monk returned the greeting, then opened his palm.

In his palm was a small white lotus.

The white lotus floated, landing in the temple, then enlarged, transforming into a wide expanse.

The closed lotus petals unfolded, revealing an elderly white-clothed monk who seemed advanced in years.

The monk previously guarded in the center saw him and joined his palms: "Master Jingsi."

The elderly monk returned the salute: "Nephew Huizhen."

The young monk previously held in the temple, named Huizhen, was fiercely cultivated by the White Lotus Sect as a young master beyond Future Maitreya in recent years.

Externally, his fame had yet to emerge, but within the White Lotus Sect, he was recognized as the new generation’s most talented monk after Future Maitreya.

Monk Jingshan and Monk Jingsi always held high hopes for him.

Unfortunately, both Monk Jingsi and Monk Huizhen were captured alive.

The one who captured them was the genuine Future Maitreya.

Monk Huizhen asked: "What about Master Jingshan...?"

Monk Jingsi joined his palms: "Brother Jingshan has perished."

Future Maitreya also joined his palms: "Regrettably, this disciple’s current power is insufficient to capture Master Jingshan alive."

Monk Huizhen sighed: "If brother you could achieve the Dharma Body realm, it would have been possible."

Future Maitreya remained silent.

Monk Jingsi calmly said: "If it were only Brother Jingshan alone at the time, you might have captured him, but with my presence, the result is one captured, one dead.

Since the event at Tiangu Ridge, we’ve been irreconcilable, making today’s outcome expected. Though you intentionally spared a measure of sentiment, it was thoughtful of you.

However, for the sect, your actions are a great sin. You will lead the sect to lose its best opportunity since the Tang Dynasty’s founding."