“There is a constant in the number of Heaven, but the two of you are the very embodiment of impermanence!”
Wu Ming’s eyes gleamed with piercing light, as if he had already seen through the final secrets and hidden cards of Huang Ying and Li Xiuyun, causing the two women to tremble inwardly and feel an irresistible sense of awe.
“People whose fates are inscrutable by heavenly principles are rare in every dynasty, and whenever they appear, they herald great calamities!”
Wu Ming smiled slightly, deciding not to further frighten the two young women: “However, great calamities often mean great opportunities! Your fates are already in confusion, and through sorcery, you might amplify this confusion and eventually pass it on to others!”
“So it’s not that our identities were uncovered!”
Huang Ying exhaled in relief inwardly but maintained a serious expression as she asked, “Then what exactly does the immortal intend to do?”
Without realizing it, she had become even more respectful.
“My lineage has always been connected to the royal qi of King Yi Mei… this goes without saying.”
Wu Ming sighed deeply: “As for myself, after deeply studying the principles of fate, I know that I am currently facing a major tribulation. If I fail to pass through it, I may face the danger of death and dissolution of my Dao… I need to borrow the power of your two fates to survive it!”
“I see!”
This was now spoken openly. Huang Ying nodded and, pulling Li Xiuyun with her, kowtowed: “If that’s the case, we sisters will certainly do our utmost to assist our master through this tribulation!”
Although Li Xiuyun only half-understood, at least it wasn’t the worst possible outcome, so she felt relieved and cheerful.
“Excellent, excellent, excellent!”
Wu Ming burst into hearty laughter, clearly delighted: “As long as you serve me wholeheartedly, I will naturally ensure your safety!”
Unlike before, he no longer threatened with words like soul refining or yin energy extraction.
Even more surprising events suddenly occurred!
[Ding!]
As soon as Wu Ming finished speaking, the voice of the Primordial Temple’s notification appeared in their ears:
[Numbered Cycle Being Gengshen 66! Your mission has been updated!]
[Main Mission Objective Updated: Assist Zhaixingzi in escaping death, help Han Hulin defeat an imperial siege, and survive until the end of the chaos. Completion of this mission will reward you with 500 great merits!]
[Side Mission: Slayer! Killing hostile cycle beings and powerful story characters will earn you merits!]
…
“What? I…”
In an instant, Huang Ying nearly swore in shock.
Although she had previously intended to protect Li Xiuyun, she had been at a loss facing the deadly knot of the Primordial Temple’s mission. She never imagined that merely talking to Zhaixingzi for a short while would immediately change the mission content.
“My obedient disciple, what’s wrong?”
Wu Ming, who had secretly manipulated things, wore a smiling expression and feigned surprise.
“Nothing… nothing! This disciple will take her leave first!”
Huang Ying’s face showed ecstatic joy mixed with faint fear as she immediately pulled Li Xiuyun out.
“Sister Huang… that Taoist just now seemed completely different from before. Do you think he’s genuine or fake?”
Back in their tent, Li Xiuyun couldn’t wait to ask.
“Even if he’s fake, could the Primordial Temple’s mission change also be fake?”
Huang Ying giggled, hugging Li Xiuyun’s shoulder: “Since meeting you, dear sister, I feel like my luck has been turning around!… With the main mission changed, we’re finally saved!”
“Is this really that rare?”
“Of course! Even within the Primordial Temple, I’ve only heard other cycle beings mention such a rumor once, and its authenticity was uncertain. I never expected to actually encounter it…”
Huang Ying’s joyful expression suddenly turned serious: “This Zhaixingzi is absolutely no ordinary person! He might even have other side missions that can be triggered! You don’t know what triggering a side mission means?… Anyway, just remember that he has many benefits to offer… you must hold on tightly and not let him escape!”
Li Xiuyun blinked: “But sister, didn’t you previously say that this Taoist Zhaixingzi was extremely vicious and terrifying, and that we should plan our escape?”
Reminded of this, Huang Ying shivered, suddenly recalling how close she had been to being exposed by Wu Ming earlier. She couldn’t help but shrink her neck, blushing slightly: “That was just a temporary measure! Yes, just a temporary measure!”
After a short pause, she leaned in slightly with a mysterious expression: “Xiuyun, let me tell you! Men are all trouble. Even if Zhaixingzi has great magical powers, it’s the same. Sister will teach you a few tricks, so you must be careful…”
…
“These two women… really…”
Wu Ming, who had been secretly observing, was somewhat speechless, holding his forehead as if looking up to the heavens in silence.
In the water mirror technique, Huang Ying and Li Xiuyun were becoming increasingly intimate, making Wu Ming feel slightly strange: “I’ve heard that some women, after experiencing trauma, develop aversion to men and turn to same-sex relationships… Looking at this situation… Huang Ying seems to be developing in that direction too. My grape trellis in the back garden is in serious danger of collapsing…”
“Master’s Younger Brother!”
At this moment, a voice came from outside, and Wu Ming immediately dismissed the water mirror technique, assuming the appearance of a cultivated sage: “Come in!”
A soldier entered, dressed like a squad leader of King Yi Mei, and bowed: “The Holy Mother requests your presence!”
“Hmm! Are you also a disciple of the Honglian Sect? Do you know why?”
“I am a newly promoted Honglian under the Holy Mother!”
Mentioning this, the soldier’s face showed a trace of fanaticism: “The Holy Mother’s great kindness, I can only repay by giving my life!”
“Pfft… Infiltrating the sect into the army, obviously trying to get involved in military power. The Honglian Holy Mother must be afraid she won’t die quickly enough…”
Wu Ming’s eyes flashed with coldness, then listened as the soldier continued: “As for the Holy Mother’s request, it seems to be about the military council!”
The imperial general Meng Kuo was marching with his army, which was currently the most important matter!
Naturally, Wu Ming couldn’t refuse, so he followed the soldier to the Holy Mother’s tent. Upon entering, he was slightly taken aback because King Han Hulin of Yi Mei was also present.
“Greetings, Great King!”
He quickly bowed, but Han Hulin waved his hand, saying generously: “I used to be a rough man, no need for so many formalities. Master, please sit!”
He directly approached, pulling Wu Ming’s hand to sit down.
Wu Ming, after some polite refusal, sat slightly lower. Bai Yulian had changed into women’s clothes, wearing a golden ring on her head, showing her graceful charm. She then knelt forward to pour a cup of fine wine for Wu Ming.
Dingdong!
The sound of drums and music rang out, and a dancer appeared in the hall, her figure graceful like a flying swallow. The red silk on her body floated like clouds and mist, her dance skills exquisite, truly the best of the age.
“Excellent!”
Han Hulin was the first to cheer: “All my life, I love slaughter, fine wine, and beautiful women… From a humble farmer to a general, being able to see Jing Niang’s dance, my life has no regrets!”
“Great King, you are mistaken!”
After the dance ended, red lotus petals scattered, revealing the Holy Mother’s enchanting figure. She knelt before Han Hulin, fully displaying her graceful figure, and offered another cup of fine wine: “Great King will surely win the first battle!”
“Haha!”
Han Hulin raised his wine cup and drank it all at once, wine dripping down his beard. He then strummed his sword and sang loudly, appearing extremely generous.
“This Honglian Holy Mother, her initial dance was not bad, but those last few lines were definitely using unorthodox techniques to bewitch people’s minds. Unforgivable!”
Wu Ming secretly sneered.
Not knowing how much time had passed, the Holy Mother changed her outfit and took her seat. Several scholars and generals entered, and the military council began.
“The imperial general Meng Kuo is attacking. I heard he has twenty thousand infantry and thousands of cavalry. What advice do you have for me?”
Han Hulin sat majestically at the main seat, the previous drunken and lustful atmosphere completely gone, clearly still having some royal qi.
“Meng Kuo is a fierce general of the current dynasty. I heard that this time he is also assisted by a disciple of the Military School. I secretly think that we can only defeat him through wisdom, not force! How about sending assassins to launch a surprise attack on the commander?”
“Hmph! I know that Meng Kuo himself is a disciple of the Military School, and his martial arts and magical skills are unmatched in the army. Are you asking our soldiers to go to their deaths?”
“I think we should seek help!”
“From whom?”
“What about Tianwang Xu Zongwu?”
“Not suitable! At this time, the Heavenly King is rallying heroes to form an alliance, aiming to become the leader. If we surrender first, what would become of the Great King’s reputation?”
“Moreover… the Ten Thousand Mile Pass is quite distant. Although Tianwang is formidable, he is currently under intense suppression by the Shang Dynasty and cannot afford to deploy many troops…”
…
In an instant, the officials and generals below began arguing.
Wu Ming frowned, feeling the chaotic aura and the intertwined fortunes, his brows furrowing inwardly.
Humans are born with spirit! And with an indomitable will! These officials and generals were naturally the same, forming factions and pursuing interests, which goes without saying.
A ruler must manage both yin and yang, coordinating all parties. Even Wu Ming, with his Heavenly Eye technique, felt dizzy facing the complex and tangled fortunes. How much more for ordinary people?
Therefore, being a ruler is both a great blessing and a great achievement. Once there is a mistake or reckless action, the ruler must bear the consequences of the tangled fortunes and karmic retribution below.
To hold great power means to bear great responsibility, to enjoy power means to shoulder obligations!
With this realization, Wu Ming felt his cultivation deepening another level, grasping the meaning of the “Way of Heaven” even more.
“Everyone!”
At this moment, the Holy Mother laughed sweetly.
Although she held no official position, her status in the army was quite high. As soon as she spoke, the entire hall fell silent.
“Why fear a disciple of the Military School?”
The Holy Mother smiled, covering her mouth: “My junior disciple, the Black-Hearted Taoist, has already slain the Seven-Battle Immortal in Weigang County, severing Meng Kuo’s arm!”
“The Seven-Battle Real Person?”
This sentence caused shock throughout the hall!
Those present were no fools, naturally understanding the significance of a true master. Many gazes involuntarily turned toward Wu Ming.
Wu Ming’s expression remained unchanged, secretly thinking: “This woman is using me as a tool… but she’s too clever by half. I hope she doesn’t end up hurting herself by her own schemes!”
“Great King, I recommend the Black-Hearted Taoist! As long as my younger apprentice is here, even if the Shang Dynasty has a million mighty soldiers, they will be crushed into dust!”
The Holy Mother said softly.
“Excellent! Trust those you employ, and employ those you trust. That’s decided!”
Han Hulin’s eyes flashed with brilliance, bursting into hearty laughter.
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