The First Lackey Under The Empress

“The Buddhist School won?!”

Princess Yunyang held her hands high, skillfully catching the latest battle report delivered by the falcon. Her expression was blank for a moment, then the corners of her mouth suddenly turned up, and she giggled:

“Now, I wonder how my niece is feeling.”

The female Bodhisattva holding a dark wooden comb in her jade hand revealed disappointment in her eyes: “What a pity.”

Yunyang looked at this Buddhist Bodhisattva strangely:

“Shouldn't you be happy?”

Prajna's unadorned, pure face suddenly looked towards the depths of Shenlong Temple not far away. She gritted her teeth and sneered coldly:

“The stronger Shenlong Temple becomes, the more confident these monks who try to promote the confluence of Buddhism will be. There will be more disputes, and the more sins will be created in the future. How can I be happy?”

The Princess Yunyang, who felt very eccentric, was stunned for a moment, and suddenly felt a chill down her spine when she looked at the old woman in front of her.

Prajna turned her head and scrutinized the princess with her almost translucent eyes:

“Then why are you laughing?”

Yunyang was silent for a moment, then said with a cold face:

“What Xu Zhenguan wants is a balance of power between the two families. What she doesn't want to see is what I'm happy about.”

Bodhisattva Prajna's eyes were gentle, and she sighed:

“Amitabha, the most ruthless is the imperial family. This poor nun has learned it today.”

Yunyang didn't care, and looked outside the courtyard wall of the nunnery, which was covered with withered yellow ivy, and said:

“Now that it's over, why hasn't the closing bell rang yet?”

Bodhisattva Prajna said: “According to tradition, the winner must accept challenges from the audience.”

As she said that, the voluptuous female Bodhisattva, like a mountain of white porcelain flesh, sighed softly:

“However, since Tianhai has won, it probably won't be delayed too much.”

… …

… …

Outside the Tianshi Mansion, on the Dharma Duel Square.

As the outcome on the ring came to an end, clear results were presented in the light curtains in the air.

The densely packed crowd on the scene suddenly burst into noisy discussions. The noise on the scene mixed all the sounds together, making it impossible to distinguish them from each other.

It's over!

On the stands belonging to the imperial court.

Zhao Du'an's palms, which had been tightly gripping the armrests of the chair, finally relaxed. His back, which had been straightened quietly at the beginning of the Dharma Duel, leaned heavily against the back of the chair!

He let out a long breath that he had been holding in for a long time, closed his eyes, and replayed the scenes in his mind like a movie.

That was the process of the entire Dharma Duel just now.

It can be called a wonderful and brilliant performance!

The power of the golden slip that was completely revealed was far beyond that night when the two fought side by side.

Especially the last move, the golden slip's mana surged together and released a huge ball of light, which almost enveloped half of the ring.

The strong light made everyone's eyes tear up, making him clearly realize:

The weight of the eight characters "There are also differences above the Divine Chapter Realm".

Also in the Divine Chapter Realm, the combat power displayed by Jin Jian far exceeded that of the Zhao Ya Cisi, and compared with Chai Keqiao, it was also much more gorgeous.

Well... I have to admit that the Taoist priests of the Tianshi Mansion mainly focus on gorgeous and strange spells.

Even the common people who don't know anything about cultivation were dazzled and cheered.

In comparison, the little monk Tianhai took the path of a martial monk, but he was undoubtedly stronger in fighting.

Using the Buddhist "Golden Bell Cover" to withstand Jin Jian's full blow, the outcome was no longer suspenseful.

“哗啦啦…”

At this time, many of the court officials on the stands around him stood up, and the tables and chairs made creaking sounds, accompanied by a burst of applause and congratulations.

It's just that whether it was Yuan Li or Xue Shence, these important ministers of the court, could not see any joy or anger on their faces—on the position of the Dharma Duel, the court must maintain neutrality.

They need to congratulate the winner, but they can't congratulate too obviously, which is a great test of acting skills.

“What a hearty duel.” The Minister of Rites said with emotion.

“After all, Buddhism is better. This little master Tianhai is so young and has such mana. His future achievements are limitless.”

Xue Shence himself is a powerful martial artist, and his eyesight is the best among everyone.

The stern face could not hide his amazement.

“Hehe, what Secretary Xue said is true. However, Zhang Tianshi has many disciples, and this is just the youngest one who is on the stage. It is already like this. In this way, the foundation of Tianshi Mansion is still unfathomable.”

Yuan Li, the censor, said with a smile.

Xue Shence glanced at him and nodded:

“What Duke Yuan said is not unreasonable.”

This is the art of impartiality.

Mo Chou and Xu Junling, the two women, did not express their opinions, but the shock in their eyes after watching a wonderful Dharma Duel had not yet dissipated.

As for the inner inclination... As women, they inevitably felt a little disappointed when they witnessed Jin Jian's failure.

“How is it? Has your heart for cultivation been frustrated?”

In the middle seat, the old eunuch in python robe still leaned lazily in the solid wood chair, looking like he didn't have the slightest ripple. However, the orange petals in his hand had been peeled open long ago, but he hadn't moved them for a long time.

As a result, the slightly dry skin of the orange petals revealed that this master of the inner court did not really care about this "junior Dharma Duel".

Zhao Du'an opened his eyes, slowly breathed out, and said softly:

“Your Majesty once said that the Martial God combines the strengths of both.”

Hai Gonggong nodded slightly and smiled:

“If you can reach the perfection of the Divine Chapter, you can defeat these two people, but you can't do it now.”

The implication is that although the "Martial God" inheritance is strong, it can't reach the level of defeating the Divine Chapter's perfection just by entering the Divine Chapter Realm.

But he also drew a big cake for Zhao Du'an, worried that he would be frustrated by witnessing the gap.

Zhao Du'an was silent, but he was not disappointed. If he could threaten the geniuses of the two factions just after breaking through the realm, it would be unreasonable.

He thought for a while and suddenly said:

“If I'm not mistaken, in the duel just now, Tianhai took advantage of the weapon. Is that Six Paths Staff stronger than Jin Jian's Golden Eye Staff? What is the grade?”

Hai Gonggong glanced at the young man, knowing that he had a good relationship with Zhu Dian Tongzi, thinking that he was fighting for injustice, chuckled, and shook his head:

“The Six Paths Staff is indeed of a higher grade, but the rules of the Dharma Duel only limit the number of magical instruments that can be carried, not too many, but do not limit the quality of the magical instruments.

Only because the cultivator's own strength is not enough, he cannot control weapons that exceed his own too much...

Do you think that the little girl Jin Jian didn't have a stronger town artifact, so she suffered a loss?

No, it's because she can't control a stronger one, otherwise, how could Zhang Tianshi lack treasures?

On the other hand, the little monk Tianhai can take the Six Paths Staff of the best quality in the world and can also drive it. This is his ability...

Do you think it's unfair? This is actually very fair. Boy, since you have embarked on the path of cultivation, remember not to blame the victory or defeat on external things such as weapons, but to examine your own lack of cultivation...

Just like you are often proud in the officialdom of the temple, outsiders only think that you are favored by His Majesty, but they don't want to think about why you can be favored, and those who are jealous of you can't... It's all the same reason.”

The old eunuch in python robe spoke sincerely, worried that Zhao Du'an's mentality would go astray.

“In other words, as long as you can control it, and the number does not exceed the rules, you can carry any weapon on stage?” Zhao Du'an automatically ignored a lot of instructions, his eyes flickering.

“…Yes,” Hai Gonggong nodded tiredly, and said angrily:

“If you are willing, no one will stop you from carrying the firearm cannon you researched up there, provided that people will stand still foolishly while you are firing the cannon.”

Zhao Du'an pretended not to hear the old eunuch's sarcasm, and was lost in thought.

… …

“Senior Sister!”

At this moment, on the stands of Tianshi Mansion.

Gongshu Tianyuan jumped onto the ring the moment the Dharma Duel ended and the light shield was removed, and helped Jin Jian, who was exhausted and briefly weakened due to the exhaustion of mana, to stand firm.

His chubby, somewhat funny face was covered with worry and guilt:

“How are you?”

As he said that, Gongshu Tianyuan's fat hand conjured a pill like a magic trick and stuffed it into the mouth of the girl who had returned to her true appearance.

He also took out the water gourd and helped her take it.

The aura overflowed, and the delicate and pale face of the palm-sized girl visibly improved. Her small hand in the broken sleeve was raised, clutching the glasses with cracked lenses, and said distressedly:

“It's broken…”

A group of priests who were anxiously surrounding her: “…”

What time is it, and you still care about a broken mirror... Gongshu Tianyuan slandered, but said:

“It's okay, senior brother brought you another one.”

As he said that, he took out a new pair of crystal lenses and put them on her.

Jin Jian's eyes, which had been scattered, refocused again. She looked at the worried faces of her fellow disciples surrounding her, her expression guilty, her eyes reddened, and vaguely accumulating tears:

“I...I lost...I'm sorry...Master…”

A group of priests immediately spoke up to comfort her.

Gongshu Tianyuan praised even louder, saying that the junior sister performed extremely well, and the defeat was not due to her incompetence, but because the bald donkey was too cunning.

Although this was the case, the aura of a group of priests in Tianshi Mansion visibly weakened.

On the other hand, on the Shenlong Temple side, a group of monks on the stage tried their best to restrain the corners of their mouths from turning up, but the joyous atmosphere could not be concealed at all.

Many dignitaries had already walked over to congratulate the monks and express their desire to donate more incense money.

The monk in white, representing Abbot Xuan Yin, smiled like a spring breeze, got up and walked lightly as if stepping on clouds, arrived on the ring, and said with a smile:

“Tianhai…”

However, the young monk who had just won a great victory was too lazy to even look at him.

He sat cross-legged in public, placed the Six Paths Staff horizontally on his knees, took out a pill and swallowed it to restore his mana.

Bianji's smile froze on his face, and a trace of helplessness appeared in his eyes. Fortunately, he had long been accustomed to Tianhai's temperament.

Immediately, he smiled and said: “Tianhai has spent a lot of energy, so how about letting him rest for a while before accepting the challenge?”

When Shenlong Temple won a great victory, everyone present knew that this round of Buddhist and Taoist Dharma Duel had come to an end.

The so-called challenge is nothing more than maintaining the traditional ritual.

Naturally, there was no objection.

Even many dignitaries and family members on the stands had already stood up and left their seats first, worried that there would be too much congestion after the end.

“Oh dear, that little monk won.”

Among a group of noble women, You Jinhua clenched her handkerchief, her expression regretful:

“Women are not good at fighting. Why don't you send a man on stage? I think that fat man is very resistant to beatings.”

You Jinhua's love overflowed. Seeing Jin Jian, who was about the same age as her daughter, being helped off the stage, she felt very distressed.

What's more, she is also a friend of Dalang. You Jinhua, who always helps relatives but not reason, has a clear position.

“…” Zhao Pan said quietly: “Mother, that fat one is also my elder brother's friend.”

“Ah! Is it?” You Jinhua was surprised and quickly changed her words:

“This Tianshi Mansion is also true. There are so many people, why don't you send a powerful one.”

Zhao Pan rolled her eyes and pretended not to know her own mother.

… …

Deep in the Tianshi Mansion, under the big banyan tree.

Xu Zhenguan sat in a bamboo chair and retracted her gaze from Tianhai, who was sitting cross-legged in the center of the ring within the light curtain.

There was a trace of faint disappointment on her face, but it was also mixed with a little "as expected".

With her eyesight, she had already seen the difference not long after the Dharma Duel started.

At this moment, she looked at the old Tianshi sitting opposite her and sighed:

“Jin Jian is still young and has experienced fewer battles. She is not as good as Tianhai, who has traveled in the world and has been tempered more.”

Zhang Yan's expression was calm and he said with emotion:

“Your Majesty's words are as pleasing as ever, but in the end, Jin Jian'er is still inferior, or perhaps it should be said that this old man as her master is not good enough.”

Xu Zhenguan said earnestly:

“The Heavenly Master imparts the Dharma, teaching according to aptitude. Jin Jian was never of a warlike nature; innocence and purity are the true path of cultivation.

It is only natural that she cannot defeat the warlike martial monk Tianhai. If we speak of spellcasting, the Heavenly Master's first few disciples excel in this art… Speaking of which, I haven't seen 'Little Heavenly Master' in years.”

Zhang Yanyi, being praised, couldn't help but show a hint of smugness. Having lost the spellcasting competition, he couldn't avoid feeling depressed, but he only pretended to be carefree. Only now did he reveal a smile:

“When disciples grow up, there is no reason for them to stay by their master's side.”

Having said that, he caught sight of the Empress's smile. This old Heavenly Master, whose cultivation realm was unfathomable but whose heart was still in the mortal world, smiled and said:

“Your Majesty need not find words to comfort this old man. The struggle between Buddhism and Taoism has lasted for thousands of years. The victory or defeat of the younger generation may stir people's hearts in the present, but on a scale of thousands of years, what does it amount to?”

The Empress showed respect and self-deprecatingly said:

“This humble one is far from matching the Heavenly Master's state of mind.”

Zhang Yanyi waved his hand, pointed at the water screen, and said:

“Let's watch the last segment. Heh heh, I wonder if anyone will step onto the stage to challenge this year.”

Xu Zhenguan nodded, but involuntarily glanced at the three chairs in the seats.

A sigh flashed through her beautiful eyes.

In the past, the Taizu Emperor invited both families to observe together, just to see the final victor challenged, and the Xu Dynasty's experts overwhelmed the heroes.

But now, six hundred years later, this unworthy descendant of hers has long lost the glory of her ancestors.

Within the Imperial Palace, they couldn't even muster a young generation capable of taking the stage.

…

In the arena.

The noisy discussions continued for a long time, finally gradually subsiding.

Although the spellcasting competition had already concluded, the common people did not disperse, because they all knew there was one last tradition.

“I heard that in previous spellcasting competitions, the victor would accept challenges from experts below the stage. I wonder who will take the stage this year.

I heard that during these days, many experts from the martial world have entered the city. Perhaps some powerful figure is hidden in the corner of that vast crowd.”

Xu Junling said with a smile.

Mo Chou, representing the Empress, said with a calm expression:

“What the Princess says is true. However, the highest level of those who take the stage cannot exceed the Divine Chapter, and there are also age restrictions. They must also abide by the rules of the spellcasting competition. There are countless experts in the martial world, but there are not many who meet the age requirement and have the confidence to take the stage.”

Zhao Du'an, listening to their conversation, interjected:

“Even if their strength is not enough, it would still be worthwhile to make a name for themselves, or to spar with the geniuses of major sects, right?”

Hearing this, Xue Shence, the "Divine General," who was also sitting in the seat next to them, said faintly:

“The premise is that they can bear the cost of serious injuries.”

Zhao Du'an looked at him curiously: “What does Director Zhao mean by that…”

Xue Shence simply assumed he was curious and casually explained:

“Once they are on the stage, it is no longer just a spar. If Jin Jian had won, perhaps many people would dare to take the stage. But Tianhai won, and it is different.

Although this person is young, he has quite a reputation in the martial world. Because of his 'vertical pupils,' he can distinguish between good and evil, and often uses force to send people into reincarnation. It would not be an exaggeration to call him a fierce name. Just now, when he fought with the Divine Official Jin Jian, he did not hold back in the slightest…

Which of these martial artists below the stage would dare to go up without considering whether they would be severely injured by Tianhai?

Moreover, which of the martial arts experts can be considered 'good people'?

If Tianhai identifies them as an 'evil person,' then he will not hold back in the slightest. Although he won't kill them, wanting to make a name for themselves? Seeking guidance? I'm afraid it's impossible.”

After a pause, Xue Shence couldn't help but express a strange expression:

“Originally, if Chai Keqiao of the Martial Emperor City were here, he might have taken the stage. But now, it is impossible.”

Zhao Du'an blinked and looked at Ma Yan:

“Director Ma, is Chai Keqiao still locked up in the prison?”

Ma Yan glanced at him and explained:

“I ordered him released the day before yesterday, but he declined, claiming that his injuries had not yet healed and refusing to come out. He is probably worried about encountering enemies in the city. Although he is obsessed with martial arts, he is not stupid.”

Zhao Du'an: “……”

While the group was chatting.

On the stage, Bianji, dressed in white, opened his mouth with a smile, his voice like thunder, rolling across the entire arena:

“The hour is late, is there anyone below the stage who will challenge my Shenlong Temple's Tianhai?”

Instantly.

The noisy scene quieted down, and countless onlookers closed their mouths and looked over expectantly.

Among the crowd, there were obviously some martial artists and sorcerers stirring, but after glancing at the little monk sitting cross-legged on the stage, they immediately retreated.

Some gritted their teeth and wanted to go up, but were stopped by their companions, who earnestly advised them.

On the huge square where tens of thousands of people were gathered, it was strangely quiet, with only the autumn wind whistling, causing the imperial flags around to flutter.

“Hiss, this year, no one dares to go up?”

In the crowd, Haitang clicked her tongue in wonder. She and other Jisi were maintaining order today.

At this moment, she took a moment to relax and watched the excitement with her arms folded.

“Zhang Han, why don't you go up?” She teased, looking at the poker-faced scroll king.

Zhang Han held the seven-foot sword at his waist, pretending not to hear—not to mention that his injuries from sparring with Chai Keqiao a few days ago had not yet healed, even in his prime, he had no intention of facing Tianhai.

Of course, even if he had the idea, it wouldn't work, he was over the age limit…

In the crowd, many court experts were eager to move, but due to their age, they could only stand there dejectedly.

“Who is willing to come?”

On the stage, Bianji's gentle voice, like a spring breeze, repeatedly called out several times.

No one answered, and the atmosphere became even quieter.

“What's going on? Why is no one going up?”

You Jinhua stretched her neck and scanned the dense crowd.

Zhao Pan also clenched her fists in anticipation, feeling like she hadn't seen enough. Even if there was no exciting fight, it would be lively to have someone go up and fight.

But who would risk their life to be a foil?

“It seems that no one is going up.”

On the court's viewing platform, Princess Xu Junling was somewhat disappointed.

Mo Chou was already preparing to get up, and the other court officials also stood up one after another, preparing to leave.

On the stage, Bianji smiled gently. After shouting for the last time, he said with a smile:

“It seems that no one is willing to take the stage, since that is the case…”

He was about to announce the end of the spellcasting competition.

However, just as the officials were getting up to leave.

Zhao Du'an, who had been quietly watching the battle from beginning to end, suddenly turned his head, glanced at Hai Gonggong, who was holding onto the armrest and about to stand up, and said:

“Gonggong, please wait a moment.”

“Oh?” Hai Gonggong raised his eyebrows and looked at him.

He saw Zhao Du'an, neatly dressed, not wearing an official robe, but a short robe, stood up and said with a smile:

“I'll be right back.”

The python-robed old eunuch was stunned for a moment. At first, he didn't understand, but in the next second, when he saw the direction Zhao Du'an was walking, his pupils suddenly narrowed, and he finally realized something. He said in a deep voice:

“Are you crazy? You just crossed that threshold…”

Zhao Du'an paused, turned his head, and said amidst the strange gazes of the surrounding people:

“Gonggong, you taught me that a martial artist must have a heart that does not avoid or retreat, but faces difficulties head-on. I thought about it…”

He lowered his head, then raised his head again, with a bright smile:

“There's a point to that.”

After saying that, he resolutely turned around and, amidst the bewildered gazes of the surrounding Dayu officials, stepped down from the high viewing platform.

Below, the imperial guards saw him, first saluted solemnly, then raised their hands and pointed in a direction, saying:

“Sir, the exit for leaving is over here…”

“I know.” Zhao Du'an smiled gently, patted him on the shoulder, and then pointed to the empty arena ahead, saying:

“I'm going over there.”

The little imperial guard was stunned on the spot.

He turned his head.

Watching that handsome figure walk towards the arena step by step.

On the viewing platform, Princess Xu Junling suddenly stopped, holding the hand of her maid, Lushu, and froze, turning back to look forward in astonishment.

“Princess?”

The maid turned her head in confusion, and then she was also stunned.

Mo Zhaorong and a group of court officials who had gotten up to leave also turned back in confusion.

The big ice cube was stunned.

Yuan Li, the big green-robed official, narrowed his eyes sharply.

Xue Shence, the "God of the Army," had a face that changed instantly, as if he had seen an incredible scene.

Ma Yan, who had just gotten up, felt his heart skip a beat. He was first stunned, then suddenly turned his head to look at Hai Gonggong.

But he saw the python-robed old eunuch standing in the crowd, staring intently at the resolute figure walking away, a gleam suddenly flashing in his turbid old eyes.

Mixed with worry and…relief!

Even the half-dried orange in his hand rolled to the ground, but he didn't care!

“Ah! Pan'er, look quickly, who is that walking out? My eyesight is not good, you see, is it…”

On one side of the viewing platform, where noble ladies gathered.

You Jinhua suddenly stood up in a loss of voice, ignoring the surprised gazes of the surrounding noble ladies, pointing downwards with one hand and tightly grasping her daughter's slender arm with the other.

The autumn water hibiscus-like girl also completely ignored the pain at this moment, widened her eyes, and stammered:

“It's…big brother, it's big brother! Why did big brother go up? Could it be that he represents the court and is announcing something?”

In the crowd.

“Sir? Why did sir go up?”

The Jinyi of Lihuatang also noticed this scene, with blank expressions.

Haitang and Zhang Han and other Jisi were even more stunned, unable to figure out for a moment why Zhao Du'an suddenly went on stage.

“Brother Zhao?”

On the side of the Heavenly Master's Mansion, Gongshu Tianyuan's face was not good. He was comforting his junior sister when he heard the movement and couldn't help but look up, and then he was speechless:

“The court didn't say anything else was arranged.”

Jin Jian, who had swallowed the elixir and just recovered, sat in his chair and also looked up, his eyes behind the glasses blank.

“Huh, who went up?”

“Is someone finally challenging?”

“No, it was from the side of the court officials, it shouldn't be a challenge.”

The people of the capital also noticed that someone had taken the stage, but most of them did not recognize Zhao Du'an's appearance.

Under the watchful eyes of the public.

Zhao Du'an took the stage alone.

His figure suddenly appeared in the light curtain in the sky.

The monk Bianji, with a gentle expression, squinted his eyes and looked at Zhao Du'an, who had taken the stage, and asked curiously:

“Lord Zhao, is there something wrong?”

Zhao Du'an smiled, put his hands together in a not very formal Buddhist salute to this "acquaintance."

Then he turned to the little monk sitting cross-legged in the center of the arena, and his calm voice penetrated the entire arena:

“Imperial Clan Supporter Zhao Du'an, please give me guidance, Little Master Tianhai!”

After a brief silence, the entire arena erupted.

…

ps: Thanks to book friend “八百年不改初心” for another 47000 points of rewards, advancing to the leader of this book!

ps2: Today, the author had some things in life, and the update was late, so I simply wrote a big chapter (kowtow

Thank you book friend: 2022…7273 for the 1500 point reward support!