Taiyi Dao Fruit-Chapter 1170 - 390: Advancing by Retreating

Yu State.

The Sun Dharma Form circulates in the sky, within the blazing golden flames, a Jade Lotus Lamp rotates, emitting beams of pure light.

These pure lights merge under the sunlight, illuminating the earth, where they pass, pure spirit energy manifests, dissolving traces of the plague qi.

After the Sun Dharma Form travels a thousand miles, it descends into a gorge, the light disperses, revealing Gongsun Qingyue holding the Treasure Lotus Lamp.

The Heavenly Monarch truly was deranged, daring to spread the epidemic, using the lives of the masses as fuel to strengthen himself. Fortunately, he is now completely dead, the plague qi lacking its instigator, with no driver, can only spread on its own, unlike the expected scenario of devastating half of the land.

After handing over the Court Celestial Army to Yin Tulong, Gongsun Qingyue treated patients in Yu State with the Sun Dharma Form and the Treasure Lotus Lamp, not only saving lives but also significantly increasing the degree of derivation.

The Sun God's facet is to benefit all things, and Xi He is no exception. Gongsun Qingyue uses the sun's light to heal the sick, which aligns with Xi He Dao Fruit's Derivation Method, although there is no rapid effect, the gains are considerable.

Just as Gongsun Qingyue landed, she sensed a slight increase in the Qi of Yang within her body, becoming more harmonious with the Great Sun.

Extracting Innate Qi as she stepped lightly, she moved into the depths of the mountains.

Ahead, a waterfall poured down, roaring, the scenery somewhat reminiscent of the Dinghu Sect's Secret Place Island. Elder Tianxuan stood by the pool under the waterfall, with her right hand raised, jade-like fingers hovering a rune, from which Xiao Tian's voice emanated.

When Gongsun Qingyue arrived, the rune was extinguished, but she still heard some news, with a slight smile on her face, said: "Master indeed has foresight, having long since turned Xiao Tian, otherwise we wouldn't know Junior Brother secretly returned to the Sect."

Regarding Jiang Li's return to the Sect, possibly having a private meeting with Primordial Lord Rain Master, Gongsun Qingyue was not anxious at all.

No matter who it is, they can't shake the Empress's position, rather than worrying blindly, it's better to watch others worry.

Or—she just likes watching Elder Tianxuan worry.

Unfortunately, Tianxuan disappointed Gongsun Qingyue.

Only to see Tianxuan casually say: "This dog appears to be two-faced, but actually loyal to the evil disciple. It conveys messages with the approval of the evil disciple. Later, it needs to be properly disciplined. Yet, it is precisely because of its loyalty, otherwise how would I allow it to live till now?"

Gongsun Qingyue: "······"

She suddenly realized that Xiao Tian was also having a hard time.

Sending messages, needing Jiang Li's consent, requires discipline. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

If not consented by Jiang Li, perhaps even his life would be forfeit.

Instead of trying to get some special information from Xiao Tian, it might be said Xiao Tian is merely a pawn in the game between Tianxuan and Jiang Li.

'I must be careful too, listen less to Xiao Tian's bits of news, lest it becomes part of this mischievous colt's and Junior Brother's amusement.'

While reflecting inwardly, Gongsun Qingyue asked: "Since it's a message from Junior Brother, should Master return?"

"Of course, I should return," Tianxuan laughed, "Didn't you hear the first part? It's my good uncle who's letting Xiao Tian inform me. She's yielding. And your Junior Brother knows this too, agreeing, also yielding."

In short, Tianxuan is quite pleased with Rain Master and Jiang Li's attitude, willing to give a chance.

Internally, Gongsun Qingyue translated this sentence.

"Then shall we go?" Gongsun Qingyue asked.

She couldn't wait to see the upcoming scene.

"No, let's wait a couple of days." Surprisingly, Tianxuan denied this suggestion.

"The evil disciple will return to the Sect, most likely because it's necessary. He has succeeded in Taisu, perhaps this trip is to comprehend reversing Taisu's key points, so give him some time. And this, evidently, my good uncle does not know."

Considering this point, which Primordial Lord Rain Master hadn't considered, what does this indicate?

It suggests that Primordial Lord Rain Master does not understand Jiang Li well enough, at least regarding Jiang Li's foundation, she is lacking in understanding.

Who holds a higher position is crystal clear.

"So, you're forgiving Junior Brother?" Seeing Tianxuan in such a cheerful mood, Gongsun Qingyue couldn't help but quip.

She was waiting to watch the drama, but Tianxuan is about to forgive Jiang Li?

"Continuously clashing only damages feelings," Tianxuan casually said, "Your Junior Brother and I are alike, both accepting softness over hardness, appropriately showing magnanimity makes him more remorseful, thus preventing him from future flirtations, and even making him more obedient to me. Disciple, you have a lot to learn."

Saying this, Tianxuan looked at Gongsun Qingyue with a half-smile.

This villainous disciple was thinking about seeing the joke, yet didn't know what it means to advance by retreating.

What about the Empress? She still needs to obediently be held down by me.

This time, she also plans to suppress that evil disciple.

Usually, he's called the jockey and disrespectful, didn't expect him to evolve it neatly, how can this continue? He must be properly educated.

But······

Gongsun Qingyue, despite feeling regret, experienced a sense of relief.

Still playing these boudoir tricks means Tianxuan's anger has dissipated, not causing any unpleasant scenes.

However, like this, in the future, both she and Junior Brother are afraid to truly be suppressed by this old demon.

······

······

Three days passed quickly.

On this day, a great sun descended from the sky, revealing the Six Dragon Golden Chariot, causing a stir throughout the Sect.

The two elders stationed at the Sect both came forth to greet Tianshu and Gongsun Qingyue upon their return, guiding them to the Tianshu Palace, the representation of the Sect's core.

All the disciples and followers of the Sect rushed to witness the future Sect Leader of Dinghu Sect and the legendary character known for charming his way to become the Emperor, Jiang Li's wife.

After Gongsun Qi's downfall, with Gongsun Qingyue set to reside long-term in the Divine Capital, it seemed only the current Elder Tianshu could assume the position of Sect Leader.

With such figures returning to the Sect, the disciples and followers naturally wouldn't miss the chance to spectate.

Suddenly, Dinghu Sect was bustling with an unprecedented liveliness.

Inside the Outer Door Daoist Pavilion, Elder Wan listened to the distant sounds of excitement and raised an eyebrow, looking at the young man opposite him, and said, "Your Master and Senior Sister have returned, aren't you going to have a look?"

The young man happened to be Jiang Li.

However, this Jiang Li was dressed in a green robe, denoting an Outer Disciple of Dinghu Sect, instead of his usual red finery or white and gold-patterned Vestment robe. His aura was peculiarly unique, an air of ancient eternity intertwined with a subtle, lingering presence.

There was a faint scale-like pattern beneath his collar.

Upon hearing Elder Wan's inquiry, Jiang Li placed a chess piece on the board between them and sighed softly, "To tell the truth, I'm a bit afraid."

"You are now the reigning Emperor, what are you afraid of?" Elder Wan chuckled.

"Even the current Emperor has fears."

Jiang Li, with a troubled look, said, "For example, I was worried Elder Wan might keep his distance out of reverence, so I hadn't come to see you until now."

"Ha," Elder Wan laughed heartily, "This old man has traveled almost the whole path of life, not seeking promotion nor advancement in status, even if I show no respect, there will be no repercussions. In such a case, why make it hard on oneself? I won't feel reverent, only proud, for having discovered a supreme being."

"And? Judging by your look, it seems you have other troubles, might as well share them and let this old man have some amusement."

Elder Wan looked intrigued, eager to hear what problems the Emperor might have.

Looking at his expression, could it be that he is also henpecked?

Possibly so, after all, he is the legendary man who charmed his way to be the Emperor.

"Actually, it's nothing much, just that aside from my Senior Sister, I've developed feelings for Yuanxi..." Jiang Li sighed.

Elder Wan couldn't help but widen his eyes with excitement.

"Wait, who is Yuanxi?" Despite his interest, Elder Wan couldn't help but ask.

"My Master's maiden name," Jiang Li replied openly.

"Hiss—"

Elder Wan took a sharp breath.

"Have you taken other Masters?" Elder Wan, holding a chess piece, trembled fiercely.

"Gongsun Yuanxi," Jiang Li said.

The chess piece in his hand clattered onto the board, Elder Wan's face twitching as he forced out a thin smile.

"Haha, aha, no wonder the name sounded familiar, it turns out to be Elder Tianshu's real name."

Elder Wan let out a few awkward laughs, trembling hands, and said, "Your Majesty, perhaps you should return to the palace, I admit I might've shown some disrespect earlier."

He didn't fear Jiang Li, because although Jiang now had his shortcomings in a certain private virtue, his reputation had already been elevated to the skies by some adversaries' comparisons.

Moreover, Jiang Li was someone he had discovered, he could never treat him unfairly.

But Tianshu was different.

Knowing this secret, Elder Wan truly feared that Tianshu might silence him.

"It's alright, Elder Wan."

Jiang Li kindly picked up the chess piece and placed it in Elder Wan's trembling palm, "With me here, even if you spread the news throughout the Sect, Yuanxi won't punish you."

"Spread throughout the Sect?" Elder Wan, being quite perceptive, immediately caught the implication in Jiang Li's words.

"Exactly."

Jiang Li said earnestly, "I've always felt guilty towards Yuanxi, only living as an underground couple with her. Now that I've become a supreme being and the reigning Emperor, I can bear some things. Although this matter is rather shocking, it needs to be handled step by step, so I thought of asking the elder to help spread some related rumors among the Outer Disciples."

"This..." Elder Wan felt the rumors might be wrong, Emperor Jiang might repay kindness with ingratitude.

"Please, Elder," Jiang Li sincerely implored.

"I think you should discuss this more with Elder Tianshu and Young Master Gongsun," Elder Wan suggested earnestly.

"That would take away the surprise."

After Jiang Li explained, his gaze shifted suddenly, and he said, "Elder, I have urgent matters elsewhere, I'll take my leave."

With that said, his figure gradually dissipated, vanishing without a trace.