Tang Dynasty: Inherit the Evil Sword Immortal and destroy gods and demons with one thought!
Chapter 16 - Li Shimin Hosts Taibai Jinxing

Chapter 16: Li Shimin Hosts Taibai Jinxing

In Chang’an’s Daming Palace, within the Hall of Two Rites, Emperor Li Shimin sat on his dragon throne, brow furrowed. Star Ministers Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and Du Ruhui stood by. On the dragon desk lay two memorials.

The first, from Li Tai, detailed his exemplary conduct post-battle. After the Ten Demon Kings vanished, Li Tai restored order in Hui Province with precision, deploying troops to calm the populace. In just two days, the Tang dynasty appeared unscathed. Li Shimin, proud of his fourth son, sent commendations, but Li Tai humbly declined, vowing to share his soldiers’ hardships. This deepened Li Shimin’s approval.

Yet, Li Tai’s next report ignited his fury. It accused Crown Prince Li Chengqian of fruitless demon-hunting, not to mention his indulgence in lavish banquets. Li Shimin slammed the desk, eyes blazing. “This Crown Prince!” Zhangsun Wuji and the others remained silent, none defending Li Chengqian’s disgraceful conduct. Du Ruhui, the Star of Left Assistance, poured wine to ease the tension, noting, “Your Majesty, the Demon Kings’ retreat was surely the Demon Emperor’s command—they’re not easily found. Especially with that mysterious figure behind him…”

This deepened Li Shimin’s unease. The demonic array’s completion and the Demon Kings’ disappearance confirmed the Heavenly Demon Emperor’s rebirth. A lord of demons now lurked within Tang borders, a threat as insidious as a murderer hiding in one’s home—unseen, unpredictable, and deadly. From Shu Mountain, Li Shimin learned of the Demon Emperor’s history: centuries ago, he ravaged the Mortal Realm, a perennial scourge. Worse still was the mysterious hand that felled eight masters with one strike, its full power unknown. Most chillingly, Li Shimin knew nothing of its owner beyond that pale hand. They could stand beside him, undetected.

A shiver ran through him. He downed a gulp of wine to steady himself, inwardly mocking his need for liquor to calm an emperor’s nerves. The second memorial, from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, warned of the Nine Calamity Stars nearing the ecliptic, heralding a surge in yin energy and unpredictable changes. Li Shimin skimmed it, ordering the Pavilion to monitor closely. Turning to Zhangsun Wuji, he inquired about Li Jing and Yuchi Jingde’s recovery.

Mid-conversation, a guard rushed in. “Your Majesty, an old Taoist outside requests an audience!” Intrigued, Li Shimin asked, “What kind of Taoist?” The guard replied, “He claims to be Taibai Jinxing.” Li Shimin’s eyes lit up. A celestial envoy meant the Celestial Court had heeded their plea. “Prepare a banquet at the Immortal-Gazing Terrace!” he commanded. The palace buzzed into action.

Half an hour later, a feast of rare delicacies adorned the terrace. As Mortal Realm emperor, Li Shimin escorted Taibai Jinxing side by side, with Zhangsun Wuji and others trailing. “Immortal Lord, your long journey to Tang merits this modest banquet. Forgive any shortcomings,” Li Shimin said courteously, guiding Taibai to his seat. Taibai Jinxing flicked his whisk, returning the gesture. “The Tang Emperor is too kind. The Celestial and Mortal Realms are kin, bound by shared fate. We cannot stand idly by in your hour of need. Alas, I arrived too late.” Li Shimin waved off the regret, inwardly pleased. Taibai Jinxing, a pivotal celestial figure, signaled the Jade Emperor’s concern. His vast powers might yield vital intelligence.

Signaling Zhangsun Wuji to pour wine, Li Shimin asked gravely, “Immortal Lord, we’ve learned of the Heavenly Demon Emperor’s origins from Shu Mountain, but time presses, and his whereabouts elude us. Can you offer guidance?” He watched Taibai, hoping for a lead. But Taibai’s face soured. “To be frank, I thought I could pinpoint the Demon Emperor upon arriving, but he seems hidden in a sealed place beyond my reach.”

Li Shimin was stunned. Even Taibai Jinxing cannot locate him? Where is the Demon Emperor hiding? Taibai continued, “However, I deduce he resides in a place of supreme yin and evil, shunned by all. Your Majesty, consider where such a place might lie in Tang.” Supreme yin and evil… Li Shimin frowned, unaccustomed to noting such locales, but he resolved to task Li Tai with investigating. Setting down his cup, he hesitated, then pressed, “Immortal Lord, one more matter perplexes me. Do you know… the origin of that mysterious hand?”