The First Lackey Under The Empress

In the empty mountain forest, only a large number of fallen leaves drifted down.

Zhao Du'an was silent, somewhat regretting that he hadn't asked about the return route beforehand in order to maintain his image. However, now that the person had left, he could only walk back himself.

"It seems that the location I was teleported to shouldn't be too far."

Zhao Du'an, relying on his hearing that surpassed ordinary people, could vaguely capture the sound of flowing water.

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"I wonder what the situation is like at Yan Suo Lake... Well, after I was taken away, Duan Shui Liu and Qi Yuchun lost their target and would definitely retreat. So, Lao Hai and the others shouldn't be in any danger, but I'm afraid they are currently looking for my whereabouts... Tsk tsk, who would have thought that a spy could be planted here."

"Well, after returning to the capital, I can report to Zhenbao and see how to arrange things next. If the Princess can really lie dormant, it might have a miraculous effect if she stabs Prince Jing in the back at a critical moment in the future."

"Heh, I wonder what Prince Jing will think when he learns that the assassination failed."

Many thoughts flashed through his mind, and Zhao Du'an shuttled through the forest following the sound of water. During the process, he took out a medicinal pill, crushed it, and applied it to the wound on his shoulder, doing a simple bandage.

In a short while, he rushed out of the forest, and the scene in front of him suddenly opened up. The cold wind brushed his face, blowing his hair back.

In front of him was a lake with a radius of hundreds of miles.

Yan Suo Lake!

He saw at a glance the huge, landmark-like "Earth God Statue" in the distance.

"Hiss... Was I directly teleported to the lower reaches of Yan Suo Lake? Huh, the fighting has indeed stopped."

Zhao Du'an put his hand on his eyebrows to make a "sun visor" and looked into the distance. He could no longer see the movements of the Worldly Realm fighting.

He could vaguely glimpse his own building ship approaching the shore on the river, but as for more specific details, it was difficult to see clearly because it was too far away.

"I don't need to swim back, do I... This area is desolate, and there isn't even a shadow of a person." Zhao Du'an's mouth twitched, and he was having a headache about how to return.

Suddenly, his heart moved, and he remembered his other goal in the lake pavilion this time.

Find the ancient treasure hidden at the bottom of Yan Suo Lake: the Xuan Turtle Seal!

These days, because there were too many people paying attention to him in the lake pavilion, he never found a chance to look for treasure, but now is a good opportunity.

"But, Pei Niannu only said that the treasure is at the bottom of the lake, but where exactly? Such a big place... I can't possibly dive in and search bit by bit, can I..."

Zhao Du'an frowned, and suddenly remembered his experience in the capital, looking for the "secret passage."

With a thought in his heart, he spread out his palm and condensed the white jade "leaf" in his palm!

"If this thing is really a key, then maybe it has a sense with the 'lock'…" Zhao Du'an murmured.

Immediately, he slowly poured his Qi into the white jade leaf, and calmed down, using the perception of the middle-grade divine chapter to explore with all his strength.

Whoosh whoosh…

The mountain wind brushed the water surface, and the lake water rippled in layers.

Zhao Du'an sensed it again and again, and he gradually noticed something was wrong. He adjusted his direction and walked along the lake, and gradually, within the Luo Shan Jade, that extremely weak, almost imperceptible pulse, like a resonance, became clearer and clearer.

"There's a way!"

Zhao Du'an's eyes lit up, and he was no longer in a hurry to return. He simply grabbed that trace of induction and walked.

After about half an hour, he finally stopped on a lake shore covered with rocks and weeds.

"This is where it is the strongest!"

Zhao Du'an was about to take off his clothes and dive into the lake to investigate when suddenly, the Luo Shan Jade in his hand emitted a strong light and slowly floated up, and the lake water in front of him also rippled.

"Whirr…"

Then, in his surprised gaze, the lake water in front seemed to be separated by an invisible force, and a waterless, downward-sloping passage slowly formed in front of him!

So magical... Zhao Du'an suppressed his surprise, stepped on the silt at the bottom of the lake with his feet, and walked forward step by step, while the Luo Shan Jade was also slowly pulled down by some gentle force.

It's like walking along a corridor with glass walls on both sides in an aquarium in a previous life.

Zhao Du'an could even see the swimming fish in the water.

Finally, he reached the bottom of the lake, and a depression buried at the bottom of the lake appeared in front of him. The surface was covered with moss, and he could vaguely see a circular pattern engraved like a shield.

Zhao Du'an estimated the position and realized that this place was exactly on the "line" that the Earth God Statue's gaze was looking at.

"Is it a coincidence? Or is it…"

While thinking, the leaf-shaped Luo Shan Jade floated directly and pressed itself into the gap in the center of the stone pattern.

Then, the depression vibrated slightly, and accompanied by a heavy "creak" sound, the stone door in front of him opened by itself, revealing a downward staircase.

Zhao Du'an took out the torch he had stored in the scroll, lit it with flint, and walked down.

Here is a small stone cave, unobstructed, about the size of a large room, with simple stone tables, chairs, and bedding.

They were all covered with dust, and no one had been here for a long time.

On the walls of the stone cave, there were paintings of gods, vaguely visible turtles and snakes, as well as the familiar Taoist "Heavenly Dao" personified idol.

At this moment, as fresh air poured in, the murals quickly dimmed, as if the frozen time was accelerated.

"…Could this be some kind of cultivation cave? Don't tell me it's a tomb…"

Zhao Du'an carefully observed the surroundings and determined that there was no danger, and there were no bones in the cave.

It's just a simple cave.

The owner seemed to have cleaned up before leaving, and everything was in order.

A tattered futon and a whisk were neatly placed on the ground.

Zhao Du'an touched it with his boots, and instantly, the whisk disintegrated into broken dust, and the surface of the futon also cracked.

"…"

He turned around and finally walked to the center of the cave, to a low stone pillar.

On it, there was a box. Zhao Du'an cautiously controlled the Golden Crow Flying Knife to pry it open. Seeing that there was nothing unusual, he walked over and was surprised to find that there were two objects placed in the box.

A jade slip, and something that looked like a seal.

"Is this the Xuan Turtle Seal that Lao Xu searched for so hard six hundred years ago, but failed to get his hands on?"

Zhao Du'an suppressed his excited mood, first picked up the jade scroll, and after opening it, there were only a hundred or so characters engraved on it.

It was left by the owner of the cave.

It turned out that the owner of this place was named "Xiaoyao Sanren". He claimed to have cultivated for two hundred years and accidentally obtained the Xuan Turtle Seal. Because he did not like to compete for fame and fortune, he only wished to roam freely in the world, so he wandered around.

In his later years, he came to this place and saw that the mountains and rivers were good, and he was immediately delighted. So he lived here and carved an Earth God Statue, using the earth element of the "Earth God" to neutralize the rich 'water element' of this place, and opened up this cave that gathers the spiritual energy of the earth veins.

Because his lifespan was not long, he simply placed the magic weapon Xuan Turtle Seal, which the Jianghu people competed for, here to nurture it.

He carried the Luo Shan Jade, which served as the "key", outside, preparing to find someone destined to give it to.

Hoping that future successors will inherit this treasure and not create killings, and so on.

There were not many words, Zhao Du'an quickly finished reading, and his expression became strange.

"So, the legend of Yan Suo Lake is true? The one who carved the Earth God Statue back then was this Xiaoyao Sanren? The purpose was to improve the feng shui? Nurture the magic weapon?"

"His last entry into the Jianghu seems to have died outside. I don't know how this key fell into the hands of the Bewitching True Person… But the National Teacher obviously doesn't know the origin of this thing…"

Zhao Du'an sighed a little, put away the jade slip, and finally picked up the ancient treasure that had once caused a bloody storm.

It is a seal, the whole body is dark green, not big, just enough to hold in the palm.

The "seal button" part on the top of the seal is in the shape of a divine turtle, simple and exquisite, and the bottom has the four characters "Xuan Turtle Water God".

On the surface, it belongs to the treasure of the "Water God" path.

Zhao Du'an cautiously tried to pour his martial artist's Qi into it, but was met with a rebound. At the same time, a cool "information" entered his sea of consciousness.

Almost instantly, he mastered the authority and ability of this ancient treasure.

The Xuan Turtle Seal controls the power of the Water God lineage's spells.

With the help of this seal, you can control the water flow and master a series of water control spells.

Furthermore, the Xuan Turtle Seal possesses a Mustard Seed Space, capable of swallowing water currents for storage and release.

It also has the ability to influence the weather in a certain area, making it rain or shine… Of course, the size of the area affected depends on the cultivator's realm.

Finally, and most importantly to Zhao Du'an, this treasure can automatically absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to condense mana.

That is to say, a martial artist can also use it, but if the internal mana is exhausted, it will take time to replenish it slowly.

Unsurprisingly, Old Xu's relentless pursuit back then was definitely because martial artists could use it, especially since after the 'Martial God' path advances to the Divine Chapter realm, qi and blood can replace mana to a certain extent.

For example, the 'Spirit Flame Burning Heart' that Zhao Du'an has mastered is an example.

“This thing can cast almost all the spells of the 'Water God' lineage? Without limits? Doesn't that mean that if I were a mage specializing in the Fire God, as long as I have this treasure, it would be equivalent to cultivating both water and fire?”

“I am now a Divine Chapter realm martial artist, and it is equivalent to a Divine Chapter realm Water God mage? When I step into the Mortal Realm, will it be a Mortal Realm mage?”

“Moreover, it is self-charging, which means that, for me, it is equivalent to carrying a mage of the same realm with me… Well, a rechargeable one…”

“This is a bit of a bug… No wonder Old Xu never forgot about it back then.”

Zhao Du'an clicked his tongue in amazement.

According to what Pei said, holding the Xuan Turtle Seal would allow one to become a character similar to the 'Lord of the Water Domain'.

“Since it’s what Senior entrusted, I won’t be polite. As the saying goes, treasures reside with those who possess virtue…” Zhao Du'an cleared his throat, feeling a little guilty as he said, “I count as virtuous, right?”

After putting the Xuan Turtle Seal into his pocket, Zhao Du'an looked around again and found that there was really nothing left in the cave, so he returned the way he came.

Whoosh…

On the shore, Zhao Du'an raised his right hand, and a dark green seal slowly rotated in the palm of his hand. With a thought, the separated lake water in front of him healed together.

He stepped onto the lake surface, as if walking on flat ground. Without him having to walk, the waves dragged him quickly towards the distance.

“Senior Pei did not deceive me; I have one more trump card.”

Zhao Du'an was in a great mood. Today's assassination not only captured a Mortal Realm spy but also obtained a treasure. This trip was not in vain.

“Next, it should be the market opening tomorrow. The matter of the Lake Pavilion should also come to an end.”

…

…

Smoke shrouded the lakeside.

The surrounding crowd had already scattered like birds and beasts.

A two-story building ship that had been damaged was sailing towards the shore.

On the deck of the ship, Xu Junling, accompanied by her maid, Lvshui, stood with a group of officials soaked to the bone, their faces looking unsightly, and the atmosphere was oppressive and tense.

Several Mortal Realm experts were not present. Hou Renmeng and Shen Juan were both injured, but the injuries were not serious. At this moment, they were anxious.

“Quick! Make for the shore at full speed!”

Hou Renmeng waved his saber scabbard, causing the deck railings to bang loudly. The surviving boatmen were as silent as cicadas in winter, burying their heads and pulling the speed of the boat to the fastest.

They were afraid of angering this official.

After Zhao Du'an was abducted by the Consort, the slaughter on the lake came to an end. Duan Shuiliu and Qi Yuchun escaped, while Eunuch Hai and the other two went to find Zhao Du'an separately.

The group of officials didn't have such means, so they could only urge to get ashore anxiously, wanting to contact officials such as Feng Ju in the city as soon as possible and mobilize soldiers to search.

Or perhaps…

Simply surround the residence of Prince Jing? And demand people?

This thought emerged in the hearts of a group of Embroidered Uniform Guards from Pear Blossom Hall. As they looked at each other, the impulse to forcibly detain people had already arisen.

“Princess…”

The maid Lvshui caught a glimpse of the fierce aura in the eyes of this group of Embroidered Uniform Guards from Pear Blossom Hall, and was startled. She moved closer to Xu Junling and said softly:

“What do we do next?”

Xu Junling was also in a state of confusion. Even though she was known for her intelligence, she still lacked the tempering of blood and fire.

She lacked a clear understanding of the cruelty of political struggles, and didn't expect the other party to actually use such extreme measures to arrange this assassination.

Now that Zhao Du'an had been taken away by a strong expert, he was probably in grave danger. How would the Prince of Huai'an gain a foothold next?

Thinking of the troubles that might follow, her face turned pale, and she clenched her fingers tightly, her palms full of sweat.

“We…”

Just as she uttered these two words, she suddenly heard the sound of splashing water behind her. Turning her head to look back, her eyes suddenly widened!

Revealing a ghostly look of astonishment!

It turned out that at the end of the building ship, which no one was paying attention to, Zhao Du'an, soaked to the bone, leaped up from the water. The whole person landed on the deck, raising a somewhat weak face, and showing her a bright smile:

“Princess, why, are you not welcoming this official back?”

The others on the deck also turned their heads, and then showed expressions of astonishment.

“Lord… Lord?!” A group of Embroidered Uniform Guards from Pear Blossom Hall were dumbfounded, shouting in disbelief.

Zhao Du'an smiled and scolded as he wrung the water from his body, saying:

“Aren't you going to find this official a set of dry clothes in the cabin?”

A group of Embroidered Uniform Guards were so excited that their eyes were moist. They swarmed up, repeatedly confirming him, and then bloomed with smiles, asking questions.

Xu Junling also walked over with a dumbfounded expression: “You… didn’t die?!”

Zhao Du'an smiled arrogantly and said lightly:

“Some people are still too tender if they want my life. Hehe, does the Princess think that this official would come to the Lake Pavilion without any trump cards to save his life?”

He glossed over the details and didn't elaborate. As for his soaked appearance, it was naturally deliberately disguised.

Trump card… That's right, it's not surprising that he has a life-saving trump card on him. So, the surprise attack by the mage failed? And he escaped back by diving? Or perhaps, he teleported back to the bottom of the water…

The Princess, who was good at making up stories, quickly rationalized it. A smile appeared on her dull little face, both crying and laughing:

“You don’t know, you just scared people to death…”

Zhao Du'an laughed and asked, “Where are the others?”

Shen Juan quickly explained what happened, and finally said:

“That Duan Shuiliu ran very fast. As soon as you disappeared, he fled. As for that Qi Yuchun, he also wanted to leave, but was blocked by Ji Yue. Eunuch Hai, who caught up casually, slashed him hard with a sword, and he was already seriously injured. If everyone hadn't been anxious to find you, I'm afraid it would have been enough to kill this Commander here, but… even if he's not dead, he's about the same.”

Zhao Du'an was slightly disappointed, but he also knew that things were not perfect. He then said solemnly:

“What about the soldiers on the ship? How many died or were injured in the naval battle?”

Hou Renmeng came out of the cabin with dry clothes in his hands and said in a low voice:

“Our people are fine, only five were injured. Three of the brother Imperial Guards died, and six or seven were seriously injured.”

Zhao Du'an was silent for a while, and said:

“Find the bodies and compile a list of the injured for me. When this official returns to the capital, I will personally ask for credit and compensation for them.”

“Yes.”

“By the way, leave a few people behind to bring back the bodies of those who assassinated, as well as the body of the archer hidden in the Earth God statue. I have a use for them.”

“Understood.”

“Eunuch Hai and the others don’t need to look for him, they will definitely come back later. As for now…”

Zhao Du'an narrowed his eyes, looked at the Lake Pavilion in front of him with his hands behind his back, and said:

“Follow this official back to the city!”

…

…

On the mountain road.

The cold wind was bleak, and birds flew from the direction of the Lake Pavilion, making harsh cawing sounds.

Inside the carriage, the Little Celestial Master sensed the sudden cessation of the slaughter in the distance, and a suspicious look appeared on his ferocious face.

He pinched his fingers and quickly communicated with the god 'Heavenly Dao' to deduce.

The Heavenly Dao's deduction is extremely difficult to predict future events, but it is much simpler and easier to predict what has already happened.

“Eh? He’s alive? He survived in a desperate situation, and there is a sign of good luck after a disaster. Does this young man have a backup plan?”

The Little Celestial Master looked at the hexagram, slightly surprised, and smiled at the burly old monk sitting cross-legged opposite him, and smiled:

“It seems that you have miscalculated this game.”

The Dragon Tree Bodhisattva had a calm expression, without any disappointment, and said calmly:

“Amitabha, Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life. How can this old monk be a person who likes to kill? Besides, I have said several times that this time is not to take his life, so what miscalculation is there?”

“Hmph, it's all coming from your mouth anyway.” The Little Celestial Master said disdainfully.

Dragon Tree Bodhisattva patted his butt and stood up, retracting his condensed but not obvious Dharma appearance, and said:

“Now that the dust has settled, this old monk will take his leave.”

“Where are you going?”

“The people from the Western Regions have arrived. As the Bodhisattva of the Divine Dragon Temple, this old monk should naturally return to the temple.”

“Haha, aren't you afraid that the Empress will make trouble for you?”

Dragon Tree Bodhisattva said with confidence: “This poor monk has not set foot in the Misty Locked Lake today. What trouble can Her Majesty find with this old monk?”

“……” The Little Celestial Master sighed to the sky, “When it comes to thick skin, the Great Monk has no equal. Giddy up.”

He put away the Crimson Tide Sword on his lap, gently patted the neck of the pure white horse, and turned around.

“Where is the Little Celestial Master going again?”

“Oh, this poor Daoist will personally escort you back to the capital, lest you get lost on the way and return again.”

Dragon Tree Bodhisattva: “……”

……

Lake Pavilion City, Grand Wind Pavilion.

The highest, sixth floor, serves as a viewing platform.

Prince Huai'an, Xu An, with a portly figure and a merchant's nature, had a gloomy expression, pacing back and forth anxiously, frequently looking towards Misty Locked Lake outside the city.

A shattered telescope lay discarded beside him.

Behind him, the servants of the Prince's mansion were as silent as cicadas in winter.

Prince Huai'an only learned that his daughter had been invited to go out of the city to play today after the Princess had left.

This shrewd and experienced fox's first reaction was unease.

He hurriedly ordered his servants to bring the young lady back and returned to the Grand Wind Pavilion, directly sealing off the sixth floor to look out over the city.

As a result, he witnessed that worldly realm battle.

Prince Huai'an almost fainted, urging his son, Xu Qian, to lead the guards and experts out of the city while anxiously waiting.

Unfortunately, due to the lake waves blocking his view, and the distance, he quickly lost track of his daughter and did not know if she was alive or dead.

“Your Highness, please be at ease. The Princess is a precious person, and the assassins would not dare to hurt her.” Behind him, the old servant of the Prince's mansion comforted.

The calm expression was gone from Prince Huai'an's fat face, and he said anxiously:

“Once a fight breaks out, who can say that there won't be accidental injuries? Moreover, how insidious is that Zhao Du'an? I'm afraid he will use Jun Ling to protect himself…”

As he spoke, he slapped the railing with his fat hand, revealing a trace of regret in his eyes:

“Xu Wen…”

He regretted pushing both sides too hard. Once that Zhao Du'an really died, the anger from his niece in the capital would inevitably fall on him as well.

Suddenly, on the street below the Grand Wind Pavilion, someone came galloping on horseback, and on the horse was the son, Xu Qian.

Prince Huai'an's heart clenched, and he hurriedly led people downstairs to greet him. The father and son met downstairs, and Prince Huai'an's first sentence was:

“Is your sister still…”

Xu Qian dismounted, panting for breath. Hearing this, he shook his head.

Prince Huai'an was struck by lightning, his body swaying, startling the servants behind him to rush to support him:

“Your Highness… Your Highness…”

Immediately, he saw Xu Qian supporting his knees with both hands, slowly standing up, waving his hand and saying:

“No… she's fine, not even injured…”

“Would you die if you didn't gasp for breath when you talk?” Prince Huai'an glared and kicked him.

Xu Qian nimbly dodged, looking aggrieved: “I had a cramp…”

Prince Huai'an breathed a sigh of relief: “It's good that Jun Ling is okay. What about that Zhao Du'an?”

Xu Qian said: “He was kidnapped by a mysterious warlock.”

Prince Huai'an's heart skipped a beat, and he paced in place, his expression heavy:

“Damn it, damn it… If this person dies, the court's market opening will be ruined. That's fine, but the key is Her Majesty's side, and…”

“No… he didn't die,” Xu Qian blinked his big eyes, his eyes clear and innocent:

“He was indeed kidnapped, but later he somehow ran back. He only suffered minor injuries, and he's behind us, already entering the city.”

Prince Huai'an: “……”

“Father?”

“Shut up, your father is thinking!”

……

In another mansion.

Under the dark eaves, Prince Jing sat in a bamboo chair, his refined and noble face full of the complacency of a victor.

Zhao Du'an's death would indeed cause trouble, but by the time the news reached the capital, he would have already returned to his base, Jiancheng Dao.

Moreover, in this assassination, the participants had no direct relationship with Prince Jing's mansion.

The Princess Consort's identity was not exposed either.

After Duan Shui Liu graduated, he was not even considered a person from Martial Emperor City. It would be difficult for the Empress to find someone to take revenge on. Would she probably find the Divine Dragon Temple?

Add another crime to Abbot Xuan Yin in the capital?

Prince Jing was happy to see this happen. The internal factions of the Divine Dragon Temple were numerous and their thoughts were extremely mixed. This was a point that could be used. This time, he was just using a little force to move a thousand pounds.

Footsteps approached rapidly.

Prince Jing closed his eyes and could tell who was coming just by the sound of the footsteps.

“Have the results come out? Is that Zhao Du'an completely dead?”

Xu Jinglong rushed into the mansion. Facing his father's understated inquiry, the wealthy young master suddenly couldn't speak.

“What? Are you mute?” Prince Jing's tone was displeased.

Xu Jinglong finally swallowed his saliva and said in a hoarse voice:

“Reporting… Reporting to Father, that Zhao Du'an… didn't… didn't die.”

“What?!”

Prince Jing suddenly opened his eyes, staring at the son in front of him in disbelief, and suddenly stood up, staring at him fixedly:

“What's going on? How could he not be dead?!”

Xu Jinglong was so frightened by his father's man-eating gaze that he took two steps back, his expression panicked, waving his hands to explain:

“This child doesn't know either. I only followed your orders and went out to wait for the results. I saw that Zhao Du'an was leading a group of subordinates, entering the city in a mighty manner, extremely high-profile along the way, as if… deliberately telling everyone that he was safe and sound…”

“Bang!”

In Prince Jing's hand, the peace talisman was instantly crushed! Deep cracks cracked open!

Prince Jing's face was ugly. Just as he was about to say something, suddenly there was a thudding sound of a heavy object falling in the backyard.

He suddenly turned around, abandoned his son, passed through the houses and entered the backyard, only to see a blood-stained green robe lying on the ground.

The seriously injured Lu Yan'er barely got up, throwing a long sword that had been broken in half on the ground. She leaned against the flower bed, panting, the silver mask on her face almost cracked.

“What is this…” Prince Jing's heart skipped a beat.

Lu Yan'er shook her head, did not explain, and closed her eyes to adjust her breathing.

“Father… Ah, Aunt…”

Behind him, the son, Xu Jinglong, cautiously followed in, only to see this scene.

Prince Jing clenched his fists, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and said without turning his head:

“Go get your aunt's wound medicine. Go now!”

“Oh… Yes…” Xu Jinglong hurriedly ran away.

Prince Jing panted for a while before slowly exhaling, smoothing out his agitated emotions.

He did not talk to Lu Yan'er, turned and walked out of the backyard, closing the door, and summoned the Prince's mansion confidant:

“You go immediately and bring the agents of the other six families. This Prince has something to discuss!”

“Yes…”

“Someone…”

For a time, Prince Jing issued several orders in succession, and this temporary residence became a chaotic and serious place like a military camp.

“Father…”

Suddenly, Xu Jinglong returned, his expression both shocked and angry.

“What happened again? Didn't I tell you to get the medicine?” Prince Jing couldn't hold back his temper and said angrily.

Xu Jinglong trembled and said with a stiff head:

“Father, that Zhao Du'an has come to the door! He's outside the courtyard with people, and he's also… throwing several corpses at our door!”

Prince Jing's face changed drastically.

Then, the father and son heard Zhao's loud voice coming from outside the courtyard:

“Prince Jing, come out and meet this official!”

—

ps: I want to rush for a better average subscription, so these days I will post two-in-one chapters first. This chapter has six thousand eight hundred words.