The Post Sky Tipping Era
Chapter 788 - 569 Hidden Official

Chapter 788: Chapter 569 Hidden Official

For some unknown reason, when Master Taiyi departed from the Bright Hall on a golden Xiangyun with the Grandmaster Zuo Han Yuan and the Grand Commandant Xiao Ping, everyone involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief.

This Daoist exerts intense pressure; staying with such a person is akin to having a sword hanging overhead, never knowing when it might fall and claim your life. This oppressive feeling digs deep into the soul, with every moment felt edging toward mental breakdown.

It was assumed that it would take a long time for Master Taiyi to subdue supernatural monsters, allowing them to find a way to expel him from the court and strip him of the State Preceptor position. But unexpectedly, a golden Xiangyun quickly descended again from the heavens, landing outside the Bright Hall.

The civil and military officials saw Master Taiyi returning with Grandmaster Zuo Han Yuan once more.

"What’s going on? Returning so soon? Did Master Taiyi give up on slaying the millennium spirit monster? But why has only the Grandmaster returned, and the Grand Commandant is nowhere to be seen."

Everyone was quite startled.

They had barely caught their breath and were very reluctant to see Master Taiyi return again.

However, Li Yi and the Grandmaster had already walked back into the Bright Hall. Before others could inquire, Grandmaster Zuo Han Yuan hurriedly stepped forward, bowed to Emperor Shenwu, Li Jiye, seated on the dragon throne, and said: "I pay my respects to Your Majesty. Moments ago, I rode the clouds with Master Taiyi and witnessed firsthand his Daoist skills reaching the heavens. He easily killed a millennium spirit monster; appointing him as the State Preceptor is truly justified, and I am convinced."

Hmm?

Upon hearing this, everyone’s expressions changed.

No.

How did you have a complete change of attitude after just one outing? You weren’t acting like this before, Grandmaster. How are we supposed to react? Continue opposing, or agree?

Zuo Han Yuan had no time to care for the thoughts of other officials; he had to figure out how to preserve his life first.

This Master Taiyi kills without blinking; victims vanish without a trace, their souls scattered, denied even the posthumous honor of becoming an Incense Fire God.

In the face of life and death, there’s nothing that cannot be changed.

"Grandmaster, don’t feel compelled. If there are any doubts about the State Preceptor, feel free to voice them; I will consider them carefully," Emperor Shenwu Li Jiye said calmly, understanding that this Grandmaster had already been subdued by Yi and couldn’t stir any more trouble.

That’s good; it avoids further disturbances and wasted time.

As for the Grand Commandant...perhaps he was made an example.

Grandmaster Zuo Han Yuan immediately said seriously, "I am not compelled in any way. With Master Taiyi as our court’s State Preceptor, it is truly a fortune for the nation, a blessing for the people. Your Majesty is wise and mighty, with insight and discernment, inviting such a virtuous True Immortal. With his assistance in the future, a glorious age of Shenwu will surely be ushered in."

"Since the Grandmaster agrees to Master Taiyi as State Preceptor, then the matter is settled. Is there anyone else who still doubts the identity of the State Preceptor?" Emperor Shenwu Li Jiye glanced at the other officials.

The officials remained silent.

Even the Grandmaster changed his attitude; they sensed something was amiss and dared not speak further. Moreover, the Grand Commandant went missing after this outing, possibly facing misfortune. If this is the case, opposing the State Preceptor is taboo—those who oppose, die.

"Your Majesty, I have no objection to Master Taiyi becoming State Preceptor. However, this matter is significant and should perhaps be documented to inform the Yin Emperors of the past dynasties," a nondescript official stood up and said.

This official wore a very special robe, which was incongruent with others, seemingly not fitting this era.

Others looked towards him.

Undoubtedly, this was a Hidden Official.

A Hidden Official is a relatively unique presence in the court; neither holding office nor power, they have a privilege to attend court politics, as they are backed not by the current emperor, but by the deceased previous emperor.

After an emperor dies, becoming a god through Incense Fire Belief Power, transformed into a Yin Emperor, they worry that successor monarchs will be useless or immoral. Therefore, they establish Hidden Officials, dispatching their agents to remain in the court, observing the new monarch’s every move and monitoring court changes and policy amendments.

In most situations, Hidden Officials do not interfere with temple affairs.

After all, the Yin Emperor is already deceased. Even though they’ve become gods through incense fire, meddling in worldly matters is undesirable; only in major events do Hidden Officials question contemporary kings’ policies.

Evidently, Li Yi’s existence was too unique and transcendent, his power prompting the Hidden Official to smell a different kind of crisis, compelling him to stand out.

"The State Preceptor’s position is rare in history; please report to the ancestors, Your Majesty." Suddenly, another Hidden Official stood up.

"I support." Yet another, a third Hidden Official stood up.

Soon, a fourth, the fifth...

In just moments, eight Hidden Officials expressed their opinions. They neither agreed nor opposed, merely suggesting this matter be reported to the Yin Emperor.

If historical emperors have no objections, they have nothing more to say. If the emperors of history disagree, even if the State Preceptor is established, they might have to remove him.

"The Yin Emperor, huh?" Emperor Shenwu Li Jiye’s eyes turned dark.

He knew the world’s court was peculiar since the emperor does not vanish after death but becomes an Incense Fire God, continuing to exist in this world. Some emperors reside in underground tombs, others in idyllic mountain forests, while others travel the world as mortals...

Over time, each generation of emperors forms a formidable force.

And deeply rooted, hard to eliminate.

As they’ve continually enjoyed worldly incense worship, their power grows over time, some even exploring cultivation paths.

Emperor Shenwu Li Jiye had not anticipated this matter to escalate to involving the Yin Emperor, yet these Hidden Officials emerged.

Li Yi also glanced at those Hidden Officials, having discussed with his father before on the painting ship. The court had deep waters, with interwoven forces. Even as an emperor, one can be restrained, the Yin Emperor being the most challenging presence since all emperors are bound by national fate incense. All share in the honor and suffering.

Because, when pushed to the limit, the Yin Emperor could even issue a holy decree to carry out the act of dethroning and stripping away the Emperor’s throne.

Conversely, the current Emperor couldn’t strip away the throne of those Yin Emperors.

Thus, there was only one way to break the impasse.

That was to wait until one day, when Emperor Shenwu, Li Jiye, had cultivated to a level where he could oppose the Yin Emperor even without the power of incense fire belief, or when a powerful outsider like Li Yi broke the stalemate.

But in this vast world, whose incense fire belief power could compare to those Emperors?

"Since the Hidden Official has spoken, then I shall grant this." Emperor Shenwu, Li Jiye, said: "Ten days from now is an auspicious time, I will personally write a memorial, informing the predecessor’s State Preceptor. If the predecessor does not object, the position of State Preceptor will be settled, with no further changes. If there is any disagreement, then we’ll discuss further, how about that?"

"Your Majesty is wise." The Hidden Official said.

The other Hidden Officials also echoed in agreement.

Emperor Shenwu, Li Jiye, continued: "The ceremony for the appointment of the State Preceptor will be held in ten days. Before then, I shall grant Wuji Palace to Master Taiyi, the State Preceptor may reside in this palace."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Li Yi bowed in respect.

He understood that these ten days were a preparation period left by his father for him, and during this time, he could also enjoy the constant flow of incense fire belief power. If within these ten days he could elevate his strength to a new height, then the troubles of the Yin Emperor wouldn’t be troubles anymore.

If not, then it meant that the plan wasn’t yet ready to be implemented.

Wuji Palace?

Upon hearing the name of this palace, Crown Prince Zhao Jing’s gaze slightly shifted.

He knew that this Wuji Palace was right across from his Crown Prince’s Palace, and recently built, exceedingly magnificent. Be it the naming, its position, or its cost, all exemplified the uniqueness of this Wuji Palace. To give such a palace casually to this Master Taiyi?

What virtues and abilities does he possess to warrant such attention from His Majesty?

Li Yi also sensed the unusual gaze from Crown Prince Zhao Jing, and couldn’t help but glance slightly at him. He had long identified this person’s status, as the aura of the young dragon couldn’t be faked.

"Where is the Golden Eyes Guard?" Suddenly, Emperor Shenwu, Li Jiye, spoke again: "Escort the State Preceptor into Wuji Palace for good recuperation."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Immediately, two Golden Eyes Guards emerged from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty, this poor Daoist shall take his leave." Li Yi also knew that he couldn’t waste more time entangled with these people in the court, he should utilize this incense fire belief power to swiftly cultivate and enhance his strength to confront the impending crisis.

So he immediately bowed and departed with the Golden Eyes Guard.

After Li Yi left.

Everyone finally sighed in relief, their spirits damaged, unable to face Master Taiyi directly again. Just a glance brought fear unto them, making it hard to remain composed. If more jokes were made, they would really lose face.

"The matter of the State Preceptor is settled. Does anyone have other issues to report? If not, today’s morning court session ends here." As Li Yi left, Emperor Shenwu returned to his usual cold and imposing demeanor, even showing a hint of anger in his tone.

He hadn’t expected that doing one thing would meet with such obstruction, even the Crown Prince and the Grandmaster stood in opposition.

Looks like it will be necessary to clean up the court sooner rather than later, otherwise being the Emperor is indeed dull.

Meanwhile.

Li Yi, under the guidance of the Golden Eyes Guard, arrived at Wuji Palace.

A resplendent, luxurious palace.

Near the palace were guards from the Jinyi Guard stationed, and within, there were Golden Eyes Guards protecting, numbering quite a few, it was apparent they had been arranged early on.

"Commander of the Jinyi Guard, Yang Ling, pays respect to Master Taiyi."

"Golden Eyes Guard Wang Ning, pays respect to Master Taiyi."

Two people saw Li Yi arrive, quickly moved forward and respectfully bowed.

"By the order of His Majesty, from henceforth, Commander Yang Ling of the Jinyi Guard, and twenty Golden Eyes Guards, are all under the command of Master Taiyi." The Golden Eyes Guard who brought Li Yi here said from beside him.

Li Yi nodded slightly: "You must adhere to the rules, these few days this poor Daoist will be in seclusion for cultivation, if there’s nothing else, do not disturb this poor Daoist."

"Yes, True Man." The few people replied in unison.

Finishing speaking, Li Yi strode into Wuji Palace, and shortly thereafter, the boundless spiritual energy of nature seemed to rise up like a storm and rushed into the palace.

Then, the Jinyi Guard and Golden Eyes Guard were extremely shocked as they looked at the grand hall above.

A beam of red cloud light shot skyward, burning the horizon, actually refining into a brilliant beam of golden light coming down.

The red and gold beams of light illuminated the Imperial Palace, with immense momentum.

"Truly a person among immortals, just in cultivation there is such commotion." Commander Yang Ling of the Jinyi Guard couldn’t help but suddenly squint his eyes.

Beside him, Golden Eyes Guard Wang Ning had not seen this kind of celestial phenomenon either, she dared not look for long, for the light was scorching and sharp. If the golden eyes stared too long, they feared damage. But undeniably, just being on duty here at Wuji Palace, the infusion of Heaven and Earth energy, the whole body felt like it underwent baptism.

Even if you do not cultivate, the body rapidly evolves.