CHAPTER 518: CHAPTER 380 WAITING FOR SOMEONE OH YI

The serious expression on Dong Gong Ruo Shu’s face fell into the eyes of the female crown.

She believed it foolishly, and Yin Weiyin laughed inwardly.

First, let this Dong Gong hate Chen Yi, and then use some tricks to make her feud with the Empress Dowager, her backer.

Layer upon layer of schemes, all successful. Yin Weiyin suppressed her laughter, her face remaining calm and composed.

If she could scheme against Chen Yi, how could she not handle a mere Dong Gong Ruo Shu?

As for the battle within the Buddha Hall, it naturally wasn’t as Yin Weiyin described, with both sides unleashing their personal ultimate techniques.

The Empress, inheriting the Dharma King’s legacy, radiated flourishing Buddha Light, unleashing spells one after another—truly formidable.

Under the continuous bombardment, Chen Yi pivoted and shifted deftly, all the while drawing upon numerous Taoist spells.

That so-called child peeing trick was actually the art of teleportation. Chen Yi’s figure leapt into the air and instantly appeared behind the Empress Dowager, leaving only an afterimage in his original spot.

And as for the "Guanyin Sitting on the Lotus," there was no need to elaborate; it was none other than the Empress forming Guanyin’s Dharma Seal. With layer upon layer of Buddhist chants, Chen Yi was forced to retreat repeatedly.

The clash between the two was far from one-sided—this surprised both the Empress and Chen Yi.

Even though Chen Yi held back considerably and did not go all out.

But every battle must come to an end eventually.

Chen Yi struck again. This time, his sword edge was sharp, and a fierce wind surged forth. Under the living swords of Yin Sword Mountain, the scattered sword marks within the Buddha Hall began to converge, forming a Sword Gang.

The Empress pushed out her palms continuously, sending waves of Buddha Light surging, but layers of talismans swirled around Chen Yi, accompanied by thunderous explosions and fiery sparks that shattered the oncoming Buddha Light.

The Sword Gang took form, and Chen Yi thrusted his sword forward. His movement appeared slow as if the blade would never find its mark, but the Empress sensed the energy locking onto her. She quickly clasped her palms and unleashed the Fearless Seal.

The Golden Body Dharma struck the sword, palm meeting blade. At the moment of collision, the Sword Qi burst ferociously, shredding the Buddha Hall’s floorboards into fragments, wood chips flying everywhere amidst a storm of dust.

The tumultuous Sword Qi soared into the skies. The Empress let out a light cry. Her Golden Body Dharma fearlessly charged into the Sword Gang, clashing bit by bit until both dissipated into nothingness.

A wisp of Sword Qi spilled over, shooting straight toward the Empress, who smirked mockingly. Stretching out her hand, she twisted the Sword Qi under the protection of Buddha Light and flung it back at Chen Yi.

Chen Yi sidestepped and spun away, leaping into the air and thrusting his sword straight forward.

The Golden Body Dharma shattered. The Empress’s pupils shrank. She narrowly twisted her body to avoid the long sword, which embedded itself into the wall. The unleashed Sword Qi exploded upon impact, leaving the wall in ruins.

Chen Yi suddenly reached out with a fierce palm strike.

The Empress tightened her grip on the brocade box, retracting her arm like a twisting serpent, attempting to slither away.

Chen Yi’s palm struck empty air, his eyes fixed on the brocade box, as he reached out once more.

The Empress took a step back, then... her phoenix eyes trembled.

That grasp... did not seize the brocade box.

Chen Yi hastily pulled back, shocked.

And in the silence, two forces locked onto Chen Yi from behind.

As if all it took was a command from the woman in the phoenix robe for the Xique Pavilion twins hidden in the Buddha Hall to slash Chen Yi’s throat with a single sword.

After a moment’s deliberation, the Empress’s expression suddenly changed. She chided warmly:

"How old are you, still not weaned?"

Chen Yi froze for a moment, unsure how to respond, feeling a chill down his spine.

It was like being raised high, only to be gently set down. The Empress placed the brocade box into Chen Yi’s hands and turned away.

"It seems you are far more than fifth-grade," she remarked.

Snapping back to his senses, Chen Yi replied, "I could never have guessed that Your Majesty, in such a short time, has achieved such prowess."

"The cultivation of Buddhist Tao differs from that of martial artists. Above the Buddhist Tao are either Buddhas or immortals. By borrowing external power through vows, fate, virtue, or possession, one can achieve sudden enlightenment," her voice was calm, devoid of hostility.

"After you marry and leave the Capital City, tread carefully. I expect in the Western Jin Capital, there will be no shortage of people like me."

When her words fell, Chen Yi detected a deeper meaning.

She repeatedly mentioned Western Jin as though she controlled everything and as if it were a foregone conclusion that he would follow her orders.

These remarks, rather than care, sounded more like control.

Noticing the peculiarity in Chen Yi’s gaze, the Empress retorted with a faint smile:

"You don’t wish to follow my orders, but I have already made the greatest concessions I can. Beyond this, no further steps can be taken back.

To leave the Capital is fine. But marrying Dong Gong Ruo Shu, annihilating the Chen Family in Western Jin—when you reach Western Jin, someone will assist you."

Chen Yi questioned, "And why should I comply with your arrangements?"

After all, he had even killed the Emperor of Great Yu. Born a rebel, the so-called majesty and boundless grace of the Heavenly Family mattered not to him.

Knowing well his inherently rebellious nature, the Empress narrowed her phoenix eyes and said:

"The reasoning has been explained clearly before. If you could listen to the Tushan Clan, why not listen to me?"

"Because you’re not her."

The Empress laughed aloud: "What is false may yet become true."

Chen Yi did not reply further, for speaking more to this woman in the phoenix robe would not alter her decisions. The Empress remained as she was, her eyes not devoid of warmth. Yet, no matter how much warmth, it would always come second to her schemes.

What she called warmth was nothing more than an embellishment.

Seeing Chen Yi staying silent, as if acquiescing tacitly, the Empress softened her tone and said: "Marrying Dong Gong will not wrong her, nor will it wrong you. After entering Western Jin to annihilate the Chen Family, just keep it hidden from her. Women are forgetful, after all. And that girl is a bit naive—she’ll forget in ten years or so. Originally, I wanted every last one of the Chen Family gone, but since I can tolerate her presence, letting her live isn’t bad either.

"My meaning should be clear to you by now. I know you desire carefree freedom, but how many in this world can truly be free?"

Chen Yi glanced at her and responded slowly: "Once I walk into the Jianghu, things may not go as Your Majesty wishes. In the Martial Arts world, anything can happen."

"You think someone in the Jianghu will aid you?" The Empress sounded as if she’d heard the greatest of jokes, leisurely saying: "The Heavenly Family is the ultimate Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch. Do you truly believe you can be free?"

..................

Leaving the Buddha Hall, Chen Yi’s expression grew even graver.

The Empress’s intentions had not wavered.

He didn’t lack fondness for Dong Gong Ruo Shu. Quite the contrary, he had a good impression of the naive girl. But to marry her and then annihilate her entire family...

Chen Yi simply couldn’t do it.

Now that the Empress knew he planned to leave the Capital, his departure as he wished would undoubtedly become challenging.

Though the Empress was willing to let him leave, Chen Yi knew heavy chains would follow—a leash at all times.

Most likely, he would be monitored closely all the way to Western Jin, preventing any opportunity to escape along the journey.

Until... the annihilation of the Chen Family in Western Jin was completed.

Like a closely guarded assassin, no longer freed until the mission was fulfilled. And an assassin is meant to die.

Chen Yi let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Compromise?

First, cage you with restrictions, then "concede" by loosening a few steps—that’s what they call compromise.

Following her logic, that’s only natural—in the entirety of this land, all belongs to the King. To its farthest shores, all are his subjects.

Chen Yi’s blood surged, unsure whether it was due to his rising emotions or the effects of the Yuchun Ointment.

The veins on his arm bulged prominently.

The attending female official, Suxin, noticed this and stepped closer, remarking: "The Empress previously instructed that if Qianhu struggles under the effects of the Yuchun Ointment, he may turn to one of the palace maids—or, if desired, even the concubines are not off-limits..."

"No need," Chen Yi interrupted after a pause. "I have a wife."

Suxin immediately fell silent, as if dreading that this vigorous and untamed young man might go berserk and pull her into chaos as well.

If that happened, even the Empress might clap her hands in approval.

Though a trace of gloom lingered over Chen Yi’s expression, his brows seemed to carry a hint of helplessness, a subtle nuance Suxin did not miss. Observing quietly, she wondered whether Chen Yi, the Qianhu, was beginning to resign himself to his fate.

Once mere disposable steel, by a twist of fate, he had earned merit through his rescue of the monarch. This, in turn, made him the Empress’s figurative son. A title of marquis, a royal marriage, and even a bestowed family name—so many illustrious favors, was there room for dissatisfaction?

When they reached Yuan Chun Hall, Suxin said: "By the way, Qianhu, your wedding has now been set for the Lantern Festival—a most auspicious day. On that day, the Empress will attend in the role of your parents."

The term "parents" referred to the second of the three ceremonial bows in a marriage, which honored the couple’s elders. Traditionally, these elders were meant to be the actual parents of both bride and groom.

By giving Suxin this message, the Empress had implicitly declared that she would sit as Chen Yi’s elder during the ceremony, witnessing his marriage personally and symbolically expecting filial reverence as a mother.

Chen Yi registered the implication without reaction. The Empress already assumed he would comply, so he chose to go along with the flow for now. Instead, he asked: "And what of Dong Gong Ruo Shu’s parents...?"

Suxin replied: "Of course, they will not attend. The elder’s seat will hold only the Empress, but the guest list is expansive. Several grand councilors, Jing Wang, and others from the An Family will also be present."

"What happens after the wedding?"

"Seven days after the wedding, a convoy will escort Qianhu out of the Capital, heading westward. Qianhu needn’t worry," Suxin relayed in detail.

Hearing this, Chen Yi stopped asking further questions.

The more questions he posed, the more thorough Suxin’s reports to the Empress would be. This, in turn, would only deepen the Empress’s vigilance.

Suxin, noticing his silence, asked: "Does Qianhu have any other questions?"

Chen Yi deliberated briefly before saying, "I want to ask, what is the Empress Dowager’s true name?"

This question, if scrutinized closely, reeked of defiance!

Suxin froze, momentarily unsure how to respond. She finally said: "I shall report this to Her Majesty and await instructions."

And to conclude, this ever-loyal female official advised curtly: "The Empress has shown great compassion and painstaking care for Qianhu. I urge you not to harbor any rebellious thoughts."

Chen Yi nodded and turned to leave.

Suxin quickly turned on her heels and sped away.

Not long after, she returned to the still-chaotic Buddha Hall and recounted her exchange with Chen Yi in its entirety.

By the time she reached the final part, she naturally highlighted Chen Yi’s last question.

"You mean... he asked about my name?"

Standing at the writing desk, the Empress faced away toward Suxin, her voice slow and deliberate.

On the desk, sheets of fine paper lay spread out.

Bowing even lower, Suxin said: "Your Majesty, I suspect he still harbors defiant intentions and seeks to use witchcraft or curses."

The Empress shook her head. "If he intended such things, he wouldn’t have asked so directly. Besides, such matters no longer concern me."

Suxin, puzzled, inquired: "Then what could his intentions be...?"

The Empress remained silent for a long while, offering no response. Suxin, meanwhile, dared not press for an answer.

A conscientious and dutiful servant, she stood without urging, though her unanswered query left her increasingly perplexed. She couldn’t help but glance up—and froze where she stood.

She saw the Empress’s phoenix robe swaying faintly.

"To whom am I bound, O yearning one?"

One drop, then another, of tears fell. The woman in the phoenix robe laughed and wept at once, mumbling:

"He wants... to see me as his mother."

Suxin stared, stunned, as on the ponderous manuscripts splayed across the desk, teardrops smeared into little stains—as though even the very paper had begun to cry.