"The world is in chaos, demons are making a mess."
The Sichuan basin is easy to defend and difficult to attack, making it a must-contest territory for military strategists.
As early as the spring of the third year of the Guangqi era, Emperor Xizong of Tang issued an edict to strip Tian Lingzi of all his titles and exile him to Duanzhou. However, due to the protection of Tian Lingzi's elder brother Chen Jingxuan, the edict was reduced to a mere piece of paper.
In the same winter, Chen Jingxuan and King Wang Jian, then the governor of Lishi and the founder of the Former Shu dynasty who seized Langzhou on his own accord, had a dispute. Both sides sent troops to fight fiercely.
Wang Jian was powerful and occupied Hanzhou, advancing directly towards Shu Prefecture. However, under the determined resistance of Chen Jingxuan, he was not able to achieve his goal. Later, Emperor Xizong of Tang issued an edict to mediate the conflict, temporarily putting out the flames of war.
In the first year of Wende, Emperor Xizong of Tang passed away. His younger brother, Emperor Zhaozong, ascended the throne after long disliking Tian Lingzi. Wang Jian still could not capture Shu Prefecture, so he submitted a request to Emperor Zhaozong, asking for a new appointment of the governor of West Chuan and promising to serve the new governor diligently.
Emperor Zhaozong appointed Wei ZhaoDu as the governor of West Chuan and issued an edict summoning Chen Jingxuan back to the capital to serve as the commander of the Left Dragon and Martial Army of the Shenzhe Corps.
Not only did Chen Jingxuan defy the order, but he was also preparing to go to war against Wei Zhao Du. As a result, Emperor Zhaozong stripped Chen Jingxuan of all his titles and appointed Wei Zhao Du as the acting governor and military commission leader for the campaign against Chen Jingxuan, serving as the commander-in-chief. Yang Shouliang, the governor of the Shannanxi West Road, was appointed as the deputy commander, Gu Yanlang as the military adjutant general, and Wang Jian assisted. Four states were also carved out from West Chuan to establish the Yongping Army, with Wang Jian appointed as the governor of Yongping Army.
In the first year of Dàshùn (i.e., this year), Wang Jian began encircling Qiongzhou and the war was getting close to Qingcheng Mountain.
It seems that people have forgotten that Qingcheng Mountain is a sacred site for many schools of Daoism.
On this day, Wei Zhao Du gathered more than a hundred thousand soldiers, with Wang Jian serving as the vanguard, bypassing Qiongzhou and launching a four-pronged assault on Shu Prefecture. Qingcheng Mountain was one of the strongholds of Wang Jian's vanguard camp.
At this time, around 20,000 troops were camped below the mountain.
The people were shocked and fled in panic.
Temples around the mountain were all occupied.
Not satisfied, Wang Jian ordered people to move the Daoist priests and practitioners from the mountain, aiming to fully occupy Qingcheng Mountain as a logistics base for attacking Shu Prefecture.
Many sacred beings, bound by heavenly laws, were forced to yield to the mortal troops.
Chen Yun's Dafeng Peak retreat is one of the places that have been requisitioned.
More than a thousand soldiers were gathered outside the temple, driving away Chen Yun's disciples, generals, and soldiers.
Gong Ji Jie, Wang Si Yan, and others were bound by heavenly laws and did not resist. Instead, they packed their belongings with sorrow and prepared to leave the Daomian Peak Retreat.
"Quickly, leave this place!"
"If not, I will not be polite as an army official!"
Several advance guard soldiers shouted.
Wang Jian stood at the gate and watched coldly.
He did not know that this was Chen Yun's retreat.
Currently, the battle was urgent, and he only wanted to quickly occupy Qingcheng Mountain to gain the subsequent power.
Inside the temple, many disciples looked on with sadness.
Gong Ji Jie, who had already taken on human form, was silent and stood by Wang Si Yan's side, guarding her.
Zhang Qian, Lin Chen, and Qin Ming also surrounded Wang Si Yan, forming a circle around her.
None of them had expected that, just a few days after arriving in Qingcheng Mountain, they would once again become destitute dogs.
Disciples like Mei Junyan tightly clenched their fists and angrily said, "Auntie, the mortal soldiers have invaded our Dafeng Peak. We must fight them to death to protect our teacher's retreat here!"
Another disciple, Jia Ming, was also burning with anger, "These mortal soldiers are very cruel. They dare to seize our teacher's retreat. Auntie, as long as you speak up, I am willing to fight bloodily to guard this retreat!"
The other disciples, such as Lu Yuan, Gǔ Er, Jiāng Meng Chen, and others, were all angry and wished they could die to protect the retreat.
Wang Si Yan, as the second most important person in the Dafeng Peak Retreat after Chen Yun, naturally had to make decisions when Chen Yun was not present.
Wang Si Yan's eyes flashed a hint of sorrow, but she still firmly said, "As a member of the official Taoist Church, we are bound by the 'Women Who Rule Heavenly Laws', and cannot use force against mortals. Otherwise, my younger brother will be punished. If they want to occupy Dafeng Peak, let them take over with the soldiers. We can discuss this further when my younger brother returns."
Du Yu was impatient, "But Auntie…"
"No 'buts'!" Wang Si Yan said decisively, "As the disciples of my younger brother, if you resort to violence against mortals, it's the same as condoning it, which is against the ban. I absolutely will not allow it!"
Anything is less important than Chen Yun in her heart.
If the disciples had a conflict with the mortal soldiers, even if they injured or killed someone, Chen Yun, as one of the old Daoist followers of Laozi, would undoubtedly be subject to heavenly laws. Then, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Wang Si Yan did not know about the "Laws of the Female Celestial Emperor" at first. It was only a few days ago that Chen Yun's outer avatar, Qin Ming, Zhang Qian, and Lin Chen suddenly appeared and hinted at what had happened at the retreat. It was then that she learned about the "Laws of the Female Celestial Emperor" and understood how serious it was to break the taboo.
That is why Wang Si Yan chose to be reduced to a destitute rather than resist. She only wanted Chen Yun to live and be happy.
As the disciples of the retreat were saddened.
Meanwhile, outside, Wang Jian was growing impatient.
Suddenly, a burst of auspicious light came from afar and approached slowly.
The radiant and vibrant light shimmered in the air.
The thousands of soldiers who were "ransacking" the retreat were caught off guard and involuntarily looked up.
Wang Jian and the other generals were also surprised and puzzled, looking towards the distant auspicious light.
Zhang Qian, who had not spoken a word until now, was overjoyed, "It must be that Chen brother has returned!"
Lin Chen was even more excited, "Chen brother, it really is Chen brother! We rode on his auspicious clouds just a few days ago!"
"Ha ha, our master has returned!"
"You lot, the soldiers of the mortal world, are in trouble. Our teacher isn't as good with words as we are!"
"We welcome our teacher's divine presence back to the retreat!"
"We welcome our teacher's divine presence back to the retreat!"
"Hail to our teacher's sacred journey back to the retreat!"
Many disciples quickly knelt down and bowed in respect towards the auspicious cloud.
Gong Ji Jie and the four demon disciples who had transformed into humans, although they did not kneel, also stood respectfully with their heads held high and called out in awe.
At any other time, the soldiers under Wang Jian would have likely shouted in reprimand.
However, at this moment, seeing the misty and sacred aura filling the sky, they were all rendered speechless, standing there in a daze, and no one dared to shout or cause any trouble.
Even Wang Jian and the generals were puzzled, not knowing what was happening.
As the crowd was caught in confusion, the auspicious cloud had already filled the sky.
In the next moment, it rolled down towards the ground.
The crowd only saw a tall and majestic young Daoist monk, with noble posture and imposing presence, wearing a blue robe and drifting down from the cloud. It was Chen Yun, the owner of this place.
The disciples of the temple burst into cheers.
The soldiers saw the "immortal descending from the heavens" and threw off their armor and surrendered, chanting "May the immortals be blessed."
Wang Jian was still puzzled, but upon seeing Chen Yun's face, he was startled and his soul almost flew away.
He could not have imagined that the owner of this place was the Chen Xianzhang who had once subdued the Ghost Captain, the four Ghost Generals, and tens of thousands of ghost soldiers with great magic in Lizhou.
This retreat is actually Chen Xianzhang's?
I actually told my soldiers to drive away the disciples of Chen Xianzhang?
Wang Jian immediately realized that he had made a big blunder with his actions.
He was so scared that he had a multitude of tiny sweat beads on his forehead. He no longer cared about any dignity, and ran to Chen Yun with three steps like two, kneeling down with a thud and shouting with all his might, "Yongping Military Prefecture Secretary Wang Jian pays his respects to Chen Xianzhang."
As Chen Yun touched the ground, the auspicious light and mist dispersed.
With his hands behind his back, he stood straight in the mountain wild under the spring breeze, smiling as he looked at Wang Jian, "Ah, it's Governor Wang! It's been years since we last met, and you're looking more powerful!"
Chen Yun's tone was very gentle.
But such a gentle tone was like a heavy hammer that struck Wang Jian's soul heavily, making him tremble and his entire back suddenly wet.
In a state of terror, he said, "Master Chen, Wang the Military Governor truly had no idea that Dafeng Peak was your retreat. Forgive me, I will take my men and leave this place right away."
"Send the soldiers to leave the mountain," Chen Yun said, turning his gaze inside and retrieving his focus. "As for you, follow me into the inner temple."
Wang Jian dare not defy, quickly ordering his soldiers to leave the mountain, and himself eagerly followed in.
At this moment, Chen Yun had already entered inside.
Wang Si Yan saw tears in her brother's eyes, and she stepped forward quickly to grasp his hand, slightly choked up as she said, "My younger brother, it's been over a year since we last saw each other. It's good that you're back safely."
Chen Yun felt the warmth in his brother's palm and looked at his emaciated face. He couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.
He reached out and patted Wang Si Yan's handback, "Sister, I'm back. No one will be able to bully you anymore."
Wang Si Yan nodded forcefully, "Yes, as long as you're there, it's enough."
After a few words, Gong Ji Jie, the four demons, the mount, the divine soldiers and generals, and many disciples dared to approach.
The divine soldiers and generals were invisible during their stealth period, so Wang Jian and others could not see them.
"Teacher, have you returned?"
"Ouch, teacher, it's been a year since we last saw each other, and you look more radiant and energetic."
"I suppose it's because the master has made great progress in their cultivation, and their divine aura is evident on their face!"
"Master, it's been over a year since we last saw you. We miss you so much!"
Listening to the greetings from Gong Ji Jie, Hu Jiang, Qin Liang, and Mei Junyan, Chen Yun felt warmth in his heart.
He smiled as if basking in the spring breeze, "Ladies and gentlemen, there are some matters between me and Governor Wang that we need to discuss. You all go about your own business first. After I finish talking with Governor Wang, I will come and talk to each of you."
The crowd dare not disobey and answered in agreement.
Wang Si Yan also released her hand and instructed the disciples to return to their duties.
Chen Yun walked towards the grand hall without saying a word to Wang Jian who followed behind.
Wang Jian was filled with nervousness and didn't know what kind of treatment he would receive if he had offended Mr. Chen.
His heart was like a water bucket with seventeen pails, flipping up and down in unease.
Wang Jian didn't recognize Qin Ming just now because he had an impression that Qin Ming was an evil demon who, although his magic power was indeed strong, could not be compared to occupying Qingcheng Mountain as a supply base in order to seize Sichuan.
Therefore, Wang Jian had earlier pretended not to recognize Qin Ming and still ordered his soldiers to drive people away.
He hadn't counted on the fact that the owner here was Chen Xianzhang, who possessed thousands of divine soldiers and generals and had the power to cause mountains to collapse and the earth to split with a mere movement.
Now Wang Jian was really scared, and he followed behind Chen Yun, still thinking about what he could say to make Mr. Chen not hold a grudge against him!
Soon, the two of them entered the hall.
Chen Yun pointed to the chair below, "Governor Wang, please take a seat."
Wang Jian's heart was filled with fear. He dared not actually sit down, bowing his hands and performing a respectful bow, "Master Chen, I am just an ordinary person. I am not worthy to sit with you on an equal footing."
"Ha ha, there is no need to take it so seriously," Chen Yun said in a very amiable manner, "Please sit down first. I have something important to discuss with you at leisure."
Wang Jian saw that Chen Xianzhang did not seem like he was going to be punitive, so he dared to sit half-assed on the chair to the left and below Chen Yun with great caution.
Wang Jian bowled his head respectfully and said, "Master Chen, if you have any matters to discuss, please feel free. I will certainly do my best to fulfill your wishes."
Chen Yun calmly looked at Wang Jian and spoke slowly, "I would like you to retreat your troops."
When he heard this, Wang Jian was shocked, his face changing with every moment, unsure of how to respond.
Chen Yun smiled and said, "I know that Governor Wang has doubts about whether to listen to me or not. After all, if this time is successful, you have a high chance of seizing Sichuan and establishing your own territory with great power."
Wang Jian indeed had such thoughts in his heart, but dared not express them out loud. "I am just serving the court; I never entertained any second thoughts."
"Great turmoil pervades the world, and each town harbors hidden ambitions. Does Governor Wang not wish to vie for supremacy?" Chen Yun calmly retorted. He saw Wang Jian's face pale, not giving him a chance to speak. Continuing in a slow and deliberate manner, he said, "I observed the night sky previously and saw that the Purple Micro Star was inclined towards Sichuan. It seems that Sichuan is destined to produce a king. And today I saw Governor Wang, observing his facial features and seeing that he was full of vitality and radiance. It seems likely that this star's omen has some connection with you."
Ah?
Does one have a king's destiny?
Wang Jian has never submitted to anyone, but he harbors a deep sense of conviction in Chen Xianzhang, who once displayed his immense might.
Now, hearing this from this "immortal," he was overjoyed in his heart.
He asked somewhat out of control, "Master Chen Xianzhang, when will my destiny as a king manifest?"
Chen Yun spoke in deep enigma, "It will not be today, this month, this year, or even during the Tang Dynasty. According to what I observed in the night sky, Governor Wang's destiny will manifest in the year of Xin-hai. He will flourish during the time when the fire snake ascends and be blessed by zodiac signs such as water pig and fire rabbit. Therefore, it is not advisable to seize Sichuan at this time. You need to cultivate yourself for another year to accumulate your star's auspicious energy."
Wang Jian listened to this with a befuddled expression, but when he heard the words "the virtue of establishing a throne," his heart jumped wildly, realizing that the Chen Xianzhang in front of him was hinting that he had the merit of becoming an emperor!
With this realization, Wang Jian immediately stood up, bowed low, and bent his hands in respect. He said, "Thank you for guiding me, Master Chen. I will immediately withdraw my troops and return to Liuzhou to cultivate myself. Today's guidance from you will be remembered for life and beyond, and if I am truly fortunate enough to rise to power in the future, I will certainly not forget your teachings. May you become a great master who protects the people of Sichuan!"
His words were said a bit ambiguously, but anyone who is clever would understand the true meaning.
Wang Jian's words were a promise to Chen Yun that if he were to truly ascend the throne and become an emperor in the future, he would bestow upon Chen Yun the title of "Great Master of National Protection."
Chen Yun was not a fool, and he naturally understood what Wang Jian meant. However, he didn't want to get involved in the political upheaval of the future, so he waved his hand gently and said, "I appreciate your kind intentions, Governor Wang. However, I am just a simple person from the mountains and forests. I don't care much about those empty titles."
Wang Jian dared not say more, so he could only keep saying yes.
After chatting for a while, Wang Jian finally rose to take his leave.
...
Shortly after Wang Jian descended the mountain, the army withdrew from Qingcheng Mountain.
At first, the thousands of common people did not know why Wang Jian suddenly retreated his troops.
Later, rumors spread that the Chen Xianzhang in Qingcheng Mountain had performed a great miracle by using powerful magic to scare off Wang Jian and his army, thus bringing peace to the surroundings.
In a blink of an eye, millions of common people around Qingcheng Mountain deeply felt the kindness and favor, hanging Chen Yun's portrait in their homes, worshiping day and night for protection.
(End of this chapter)
