Demoness, where are you Fleeing to?
Chapter 971 - 801: I Didn’t Have Any Ulterior Motives at All (Please Subscribe, Please Vote for Monthly Ticket)

Chapter 971: Chapter 801: I Didn’t Have Any Ulterior Motives at All (Please Subscribe, Please Vote for Monthly Ticket)

Li Xuan’s joy at ascending to the throne and attaining the Zhongzi Golden Body quickly dissipated.

When Li Xuan left Takamagahara and returned to his flagship, "The Xuanhuang," the divided form he used to protect the Capital City transmitted a line of divine intention from the faraway skies.

Just as Li Xuan broke into Takamagahara, breaching the heavenly level, Dasiming sneaked into the Capital City, joining forces with the descended Law bodies of "Yuanguang Bodhisattva" and "Paragate," along with several other heavenly level beings, intending to assassinate the little emperor, Yu Youlong.

Li Xuan knew that this so-called "Yuanguang Bodhisattva" was actually the lamp spirit transformed from the "Lingjiu Liuli Lamp" in Randeng’s hands.

Although this person was not a great Bodhisattva, he was among those at the Extreme Heaven level.

As for Paragate, it was one of Buddhism’s "Gati of Five Directions," rumored to be a mechanical general forged in imitation of Heavenly Court’s "Six Ding and Six Jia, Twelve Yuan Chen."

This time, the object that Paragate descended to rely on was a mechanical body forged at the behest of Dasiming.

Fortunately, the Capital City was well prepared, and Li Xuan’s divided form manipulated the Earth Altar, using the Liuli Haoqi to suppress Paragate outside the city.

Yu Hongshang, whose martial intent reached the God Realm, not only countered Dasiming in the faraway sky by wielding the unlimited Dragon Qi but also simultaneously protected Yu Youlong within the Qianqing Palace, managing to kill three heavenly level assassins.

Surprisingly, Shaofu Yu Jie, without relying on any external forces, directly obliterated the Law body of "Yuanguang Bodhisattva" on the spot and shattered his True Spirit, banishing it to the Outer Void.

In the end, seeing the futility of her cause, Dasiming had no choice but to retreat.

The Jin side also suffered heavy losses in this battle; Helian Fulong was gravely wounded again, and Sili Bureau’s Qian Long suffered a great depletion of Yuan Qi. It was said that he burnt a hundred years of his lifespan to protect the young emperor.

Six newly cultivated Darkdragon Guards of Jin also saw three of their number perish in battle.

This clearly indicates just how perilous the situation was at that time.

After perceiving this divine intent, Li Xuan couldn’t help but be inwardly astounded; he estimated that Shaofu Yu Jie’s cultivation must have made substantial progress in recent days.

Based on what the divided form witnessed, it’s very likely that the Shaofu might have already awakened the Second Extreme Heaven.

However, within Li Xuan’s chest stirred an even greater sense of furious anger.

Although Li Xuan had anticipated the Buddhism and Dasiming would not remain idle, having made arrangements in Shaanxi and the Capital City accordingly,

what they did still touched Li Xuan’s sore spot.

After reviewing the memories transmitted by the divided form one by one, only one thought remained in Li Xuan’s mind.

"It seems that I must find the Book of Jinque as soon as possible."

He was certain that Dasiming was able to mobilize so many heavenly level beings in the battle of the Capital City because she must have borrowed external forces from the Outer Taixu.

This woman had become delusional, pursuing the so-called "correction of chaos to restore ’history’" to its correct course, using unscrupulous means and disregarding all costs – she had become a severe nuisance for Li Xuan, like a fishbone in his throat.

Yet this woman was one of the cornerstones of the "First Emperor’s Seal," which Li Xuan could not remove at the moment.

Once he obtained the "Book of Jinque," though, he could directly seal Dasiming or find a way to transfer the linchpin of the "First Emperor’s Seal" onto someone else.

"Easier said than done," Dugu Biluo said dismissively after hearing this. "Only Dasiming knows the hidden location of the Book of Jinque. We’ve been investigating with all our might for a year and a half, but have come up empty-handed.

Unless we have an unparalleled strategist, like Marquis Zhuge, Marquis of Guozhen, or your ancestor, the first Earl Chengyi, who are proficient in divination and foretelling, they could help us find the location of the Book of Jinque. Oh, right—"

Dugu Biluo’s tone shifted, her words tinged with complaint: "Your Heavenly Court is filled with Wu cultivators now; when are you going to recruit some scholars? Qianqian and I are almost too busy to catch our breath."

Especially during these days when Li Xuan was secluding himself to refine his Zhongzi Golden Body, Dugu Biluo was almost overwhelmed with busyness.

Things were manageable in the Capital City with Li Xuan’s divided form in charge.

The military affairs in Fusou were assisted by several accompanying scholars.

But all other public duties of the Heavenly Court could only pile up on Dugu Biluo.

Though Dugu Biluo was indeed competent in handling these matters, she too wished to find time for cultivation.

As the people around Li Xuan steadily stepped into the heavenly level, even someone like Dugu Biluo, who had gone through many hardships and maintained a calm, demure, and uncontentious disposition, could not remain indifferent.

The key was that she, too, wanted to take a vacation, to spend time reading, painting, or sleeping tranquil—indulging in things she wished to do.

But she had not had a moment of leisure for an entire year.

"I indeed have been negligent," Li Xuan thought, realizing this was indeed an issue; within his Heavenly Court, there truly was not a single capable scholar.

Even Haotian had his Gold Star of Venus, Duke Dongwang, Sizhi Gongcao, and the Nine True Lords to help him manage the Heavenly Court and govern the celestial deities.

Yet his own command only included Master Zhongliu, who could be considered half a scholar.

But Master Zhongliu was not the real Zu Zhongliu, merely a secret technique-crafted essence of Zu Zhongliu combined with a bloodline; he excelled more in warfare than in governance.

Previously, Li Xuan used to just toss any tasks to Dugu Biluo, who managed everything impeccably, so he had not noticed this issue.

"I will promptly address this matter and start looking. As for strategists, I could indeed use one or two to fill the gaps in my plans, but that may prove tricky."

Li Xuan thought he could easily invite learned scholars to handle governmental affairs, as there was no shortage of talents in the world.

If all else failed, he could even invite the Zhonglie Duke Wen to the Heavenly Court to serve as an administrator.

Although his teacher’s knowledge of military strategy was laughable, he was somewhat competent in the realm of civil governance.

Those historical ministers who were adept at managing state affairs were often revered as the Chenghuang of local areas or enshrined in temples, with many of their True Spirits still present.

However, such unrivaled strategists were hard to come by.

Li Xuan had been searching for a while, but those few people he had in mind either had their True Spirits extinguished, had gone to the Outer Taixu, or were simply not destined to be with him.

—Just like Master Daoyan, the black-robed Prime Minister who assisted Emperor Taizong in quelling the rebellion, was someone who would never help him achieve his imperial ambitions.

Li Xuan then looked at Yue Qianqian with a caring expression, "Qianqian has worked hard. I am giving you a few days off for the next several days You don’t need to handle anything for the Liudao Division either; rest well by my side."

Yue Qianqian hesitated, "But without someone to manage the ’Shenyi Government’ under Liudao Division..."

It had already been a year since Li Xuan stopped managing the Shenyi Government’s affairs. Luo Yan, since giving birth, had also stepped back from the Liudao Division. She only appeared occasionally to handle some of the day-to-day matters of the Shenyi Government.

At this time, the Shenyi Government’s influence had waned significantly and in many affairs, it had been completely overtaken by the Shenlei Mansion under Jiang Hanyun’s control.

"And Fulai is there; trouble won’t arise in the meantime."

Li Xuan chuckled and lifted his hand slightly, sending the "Gelong Knife" beside him out of its sheath and into the arms of the advancing Divine General Qiu Fu at a distance.

"General Qiu, please take this knife to Xuanchenzi, tell him it’s a gift from me. Have him support Peng Fulai wholeheartedly during this time, and manage all matters of the ’Shenyi Government.’ Also, urge him to press Fulai to devote himself more to cultivation and not waste his time on women—"

The achievements of Xuanchenzi were actually far from sufficient to exchange for a fake divine treasure like the "Gelong Knife" from his hands.

But Li Xuan felt some sense of guilt towards Xue Yunrou’s "elder brother."

He thought of the knife as compensation and was eager to see what kind of splendor it would display in Xuanchenzi’s hands.

Jiang Hanyun and Luo Yan’s futures would not be with the Liudao Division.

He hoped that his power in the Liudao Division would be inherited by Peng Fulai.

Qiu Fu nodded slightly and disappeared in a flash of light.

Dugu Biluo was practically exploding with anger as she glared at Li Xuan, "Why does Qianqian get a vacation and not me? Sire, one must not be partial and unfair like this."

Li Xuan gave Dugu Biluo a sidelong glance, thinking how oblivious this girl was.

Then, drinking his tea with a calm demeanor, he said, "Qianqian’s parents have already given me her dowry."

After all, cherishing one’s wife was only natural.

Yue Qianqian, who had been feeling a bit guilty as she had always been busy with official duties alongside Dugu Biluo, now felt it might not be appropriate to leave Dugu Biluo alone and take a vacation.

But upon hearing Li Xuan’s words, a ’bang’ resounded in her head, leaving a blank space, unable to contemplate anything else.

"Besides, Qianqian has been busier than you by a year and a half and has never taken a break."

Seeing that Dugu Biluo had nothing to say, Li Xuan turned back to Yue Qianqian and spoke softly, "Qianqian, cast aside everything and rest well these next few days. If you find time, you could visit the hot springs in Takamagahara — it will greatly benefit you.

In a few days, when I’m free, I’ll personally assist with your Body Refinement. Perhaps with the help of the hot springs, we can solidify your Third Tier Golden Body."

Li Xuan saw that Yue Qianqian was blushing furiously, looking as if she’d lost consciousness, unable to react for a long time. He could only shake his head and look at Dugu Biluo, "How about you try it as well, Biluo? This technique requires openness and honesty so that I can help guide your Qi flow for Thunder Body Refinement."

Dugu Biluo rose emotionlessly, "You’re busy, I’ll go talk to the mistress."

Li Xuan felt a moment of panic, but then composed himself again.

He thought that he harbored no ulterior motives, simply a genuine desire to help Dugu Biluo with her cultivation.

Even as a spell cultivator, the Third Tier Golden Body would be beneficial for her.

No, his intentions were pure, not an attempt to flirt with his female secretary—

Besides, his "Zhongzi Golden Body" had been achieved, and he wondered when Hanyun would be able to cultivate her Golden Body. What fear did he have?

Just then, Daxueshi Shang Hong, serving as the Guanjunrongshi of Fusou, came to see him.

"Your Highness, now that the whole territory of Fusou has submitted, may I ask what your plans are for dealing with the court officials of Fusou and its lands?"

He posed the question to Li Xuan tentatively, "In my humble opinion, our dynasty could emulate the policy used for Meng Wu, setting up provincial officials and allocating military lands in Fusou."

Shang Hong had recently visited Fusou and discovered that although it was an island nation, its mineral resources were abundant. All sixty-six counties possessed gold and silver mines.

Moreover, Fusou had rich water resources, and some of its plains had even higher grain yields than the Central Plains. Importantly, the script also resembled that of the Central Plains.