Chapter 961: A Formal Invitation

The wolf spirits were only the start. Next, Xiao Nanfeng sent the wolf spirits across the land to build relationships between him and the spirit kings all around the region.

With his half-spirit bloodline and the promise of future fortune from Dashun, one spirit king after another pledged allegiance to Xiao Nanfeng.

Liu Miaoyin bore witness as Xiao Nanfeng signed treaties with the spirit kings, establishing a framework for harmonious coexistence between humans and spirits. The treaties dictated that spirits within the territory of Dashun had to adhere to Dashun's laws.

Seeing how reasonable these spirit kings were, Liu Miaoyin couldn't help but frown. "Will these spirits really adhere to these treaties?"

"As long as the laws are fair, anything is possible. This way, these spirits will no longer harm innocent lives. But this won't be enough—I also need to establish a disciplinary department to provide oversight," Xiao Nanfeng replied.

Liu Miaoyin nodded thoughtfully. Over time, she began to realize that not all the teachings of the Great Zen Monastery were absolute truths.

Under Xiao Nanfeng's guidance, she started to find her own path and do what she loved. Of course, what she loved most at the moment was secretly watching Xiao Nanfeng at work.

Xiao Nanfeng's cultivation advanced at an astonishing rate. He reached Wingform before Liu Miaoyin. Subsequently, he visited some senior figures from Immortal sects, offering them high-ranking positions and the empire's future fortune in exchange for their support. One sect after another began to align themselves with Xiao Nanfeng's path to reclaim power.

In just a few years, Xiao Nanfeng transitioned from being a puppet emperor, easily manipulated by others, to a monarch with vast reserves of influence.

Xiao Nanfeng didn't hide anything from Liu Miaoyin during the process. He brought her to every negotiation, which moved her deeply and fostered her admiration for him.

"You practice Buddhism in order to save lives, but how many can you save alone? Once I take full control of Dashun, I'll use the might of the empire to help you fulfill your aspirations," Xiao Nanfeng said.

Liu Miaoyin's eyes were filled with emotion. She didn't respond outwardly, but in her mind, she murmured to herself, "My only aspiration now is for you to be safe."

"What's wrong? Don't you believe me?" Xiao Nanfeng asked with a smile.

Liu Miaoyin shook her head and replied, "I believe you. But when do you plan to seize control?"

"It would be easy to sweep away the power-hungry officials in court. The real issue with Dashun doesn't lie with them anymore," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"I understand. The greatest threat to the Great Shun Empire is the Great Zen Monastery's holy child. Over the years, he's been gaining momentum within the empire, supported by powerful ministers. His reputation is growing, and he probably wants to take your throne. But you don't need to hold back because of me. What's yours shouldn't belong to anyone else," Liu Miaoyin said firmly.

Xiao Nanfeng looked at her and smiled. "Alright, then I'll start making plans against this holy child, then."

Liu Miaoyin nodded.

"Once I become an immortal in a few years' time, I'll make my move. I hope you'll bear witness as I reclaim everything."

"Very well."

A few years later, a renowned general emerged inDashun—a man revered by all, the holy child of the Great Zen Monastery. He led his forces to vanquish foreign invaders and countless spirits, earning the admiration and gratitude of the people. Though not yet regarded as a living Buddha, he was celebrated widely.

The holy child's power and influence grew rapidly. Supporters flocked to him, and even the three foremost officials in the empire sang his praises, continuously championing him and granting him high-ranking titles.

Some officials accused the holy child of harboring ambitions for power, but these voices were quickly silenced or sidelined by influential ministers. Xiao Nanfeng, meanwhile, remained aloof from politics, allowing the court officials to act as they pleased.

The officials loyal to Xiao Nanfeng refrained from joining the political fray. They watched as their emperor played the role of a puppet, sitting on the draconic throne and pretending to submit. Privately, they admired Xiao Nanfeng's acting skills, awaiting the downfall of what they saw as a group of clowns performing on stage.

Xiao Nanfeng was building his strength and waiting for an opportune moment while uncovering hidden truths.

Within the Great Zen Monastery, Liu Miaoyin and Master Hui'en sat in a pavilion, sipping tea.

"Miaoyin, I've noticed you've changed a lot these few years," Master Hui'en said.

"Disciples are bound to grow up, Master," Liu Miaoyin replied with a smile.

Hui'en frowned slightly before nodding.

"Why did you call me here today, Master?"

Hui'en smiled. "I had a talk with the abbot a few days ago. There's good news I want to share with you."

"Oh?"

"What do you think of the Buddha Child?"

"What do you mean, Master?"

"How would you feel about the Buddha Child becoming your companion in cultivation?" Hui'en asked.

Liu Miaoyin shook her head. "The holy child and I are not on the same path."

"He is the abbot's disciple, and his cultivation is on par with yours. In the future, both of you will inherit the Great Zen Monastery. You could learn from each other and support one another. Becoming companions doesn't mean you have to be husband and wife. Why not try getting to know him better?" Hui'en suggested.

"Master, we are not on the same path," Liu Miaoyin repeated earnestly.

"Miaoyin, think it over. Cultivation can be a lonely journey. The holy child's future is boundless. He's currently a renowned general of Dashun, off on campaign with his army. When he returns, he'll have advanced even further. I'm only thinking of what's best for you," Hui'en said.

"When he returns? To seize the throne of Dashun, you mean?" Liu Miaoyin scoffed.

Hui'en frowned. "Who told you that? Was it that boy? Not only is he useless, he's even trying to sow discord between you and the sect!"

"Master, let me ask you again: how did the previous emperor and empress of Dashun die?" Liu Miaoyin asked.

"They were killed by demons, of course," Hui'en replied, her frown deepening.

"Master, are you still lying to me? I already know—they were ambushed by the abbot while returning from a spiritbeast lair, weren't they?" Liu Miaoyin asked.

Hui'en's eyes widened. "Who told you that?"

Ignoring the question, Liu Miaoyin continued, "I don't care about the details, but I'm tired of hearing lies. Not just about them—what about my parents? Were they killed because they served the previous emperor faithfully?"

"Your parents were killed by demons. Their deaths had nothing to do with the abbot," Hui'en insisted.

"So you admit that the previous emperor was murdered by the abbot? Master, wasn't the previous emperor once a disciple of the Great Zen Monastery? He returned so much fortune to the monastery out of gratitude. How could the abbot do something so heinous?" Liu Miaoyin demanded.

"Silence!" Hui'en snapped.

"Am I wrong, Master?"

Hui'en's expression darkened before she sighed. "The previous emperor gradually distanced himself from the temple, appointing non-temple officials and even spirits to positions of power. The abbot acted to prevent the empire from falling into the hands of outsiders. Everything he did was for the temple."

"What a convenient excuse. The emperor had already renounced the monastery when he founded his empire. Why should the Great Zen Monastery play any role in it? He showed kindness by appointing temple disciples to official positions and returning fortune to the monastery, yet the temple killed him and his wife to seize his empire. How are we any different from the spirits?" Liu Miaoyin said coldly.

"Enough!" Hui'en shouted angrily. She took a deep breath. "The Great Zen Monastery is your sect."

"It's precisely because it's my sect that I've tolerated this behavior until now. But I must ask—Master, were you involved in these deeds?"

Hui'en shook her head. "I only learned about it later. But what's done is done. The abbot's actions may have been extreme, but everything was for the future of the temple and the prosperity of Buddhism."

"Buddhism doesn't need people like him to prosper. He's the true demon," Liu Miaoyin declared.

"Insolence!" Hui'en hissed.

"The teachings of Buddhism are countless. May I ask, Master, which of them advocates killing benefactors and seizing their property? My Buddha is compassionate and incapable of such evil deeds. The Great Zen Monastery has been taken over by vengeful spirits. As a disciple, I feel deeply disheartened. I hope Master can awaken soon—there is no depth to the sea of suffering, but turning back leads to the shore." Liu Miaoyin pressed her palms together in a gesture of reverence.

Master Hui'en felt as if thunderclaps were exploding in her mind. She had known that the abbot's actions were wrong but had deceived herself into looking the other way over the years. Now that her disciple had confronted her, she was suddenly overwhelmed with shame.

"Amitabha. I have done wrong," Master Hui'en said bitterly.

Liu Miaoyin bowed and stepped out of the pavilion.

At the palace within Dashun's capital, Liu Miaoyin's avatar looked at Xiao Nanfeng with a guilty expression. "I'm sorry. I acted impulsively today. When Master came to see my main body, I blurted out the truth we uncovered."

"So be it. It's not a big deal. Did Master Hui'en admit to it?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

"She did. I never expected the Great Zen Monastery to hide such darkness," Liu Miaoyin said with a sigh. "Will Master knowing the truth disrupt your plans?"

"Don't worry. Even if everyone knows, it won't affect us. I'm an Immortal now. That so-called holy child thinks that being a general in the army will help raise his fame and pressure me into relinquishing the throne upon his return, but what he doesn't realize is that I orchestrated his entire campaign. Now that he's left the empire, I can purge the court of those corrupt pests and restore Dashun to its former glory," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"Are you ready to take action?"

"I am." Xiao Nanfeng nodded firmly.

"Do you need my help?"

"There's nothing you need to do. Just watch," Xiao Nanfeng said.

Liu Miaoyin frowned at him, feeling a pang of discomfort.'

"This time, we're dealing with the sinister forces within the Great Zen Monastery. You're a disciple of the monastery, and I don't want to put you in a difficult position," Xiao Nanfeng explained gently.

Warmth filled Liu Miaoyin's heart, and her tightly knit brows relaxed. "I don't feel conflicted at all. They are a blight upon Dashun and a disgrace to the Great Zen Monastery. I can fight by your side."

Xiao Nanfeng's eyes widened in surprise. He smiled. "Very well. In that case, I formally invite you to join me in sweeping all demons away from Dashun. Will you accept?"

"I will," Liu Miaoyin replied with a smile.