Taoist priest in the foggy capital

The Heavenly Master's Sword is a symbol of the Taoist masters of all generations ruling over the world.

There is a deep meaning hidden in this small sword, which is that once the sword is out, no one in the Nine Provinces will dare to disobey.

Later on, the national masters all knew that the Heavenly Master's Sword could not fool anyone. Just like the Staff of Xiandu and the will of the Emperor of Eastern Zhou, only those who truly respected it would respect it.

However, the Heavenly Master's Sword is still a symbol of authority. Every generation of national masters had to take over the Heavenly Master's Sword at the inheritance ceremony to represent that they have inherited the Jiuzhou Taoist tradition and are the legitimate spokespersons of Taoism.

However, thirty years ago, Cai Huaxiong's father Li Chonghu stole the Heavenly Master's Sword. Although the Imperial Observatory and the palace masters all went out in full force to hunt him down and killed Li Chonghu, they were still unable to recover the Heavenly Master's Sword.

After this incident, the authority of the Imperial Astronomical Observatory's Imperial Master, which had already begun to waver, became even more devastated after losing the Heavenly Master's Sword, a token of his loyalty, and his prestige in the Taoist community declined further.

Except for Mount Longhu, other Taoist sects have begun to turn away from the Imperial Observatory and no longer respect the authority of the Grand Master.

The Heavenly Master's Sword determines the legitimacy of the Imperial Master's identity, just like the Imperial Seal. Even though in some dynasties the emperor's orders could not leave the capital, only those who obtained the Imperial Seal could legitimately become emperor.

Other people don’t need the Heavenly Master’s Sword, and they won’t even have any thoughts about it appearing in front of them.

However, Ma Xiaoyu knew that Dongfang needed this in the future.

Because in the past thirty years, he is the third national master who has inherited the position but does not have the Heavenly Master's Sword.

The Imperial Observatory urgently needs to rebuild its prestige, but it cannot do so solely through bloody killings.

Because if you do that, others will only be afraid of you instead of respecting you.

Dongfang Weilai took a look at the Heavenly Master's Sword, and sure enough, his expression changed.

"Master Ma, you brought a very important item."

"I know."

Ma Xiaoyu looked at Dongfang Weilai and said, "I want to use it to exchange for the Black Emperor's son and Yin Xiu's safe departure from the Forbidden Palace."

"how about you?"

Dongfang Weilai smiled and said, "You didn't mention yourself. Aren't you afraid that you will also be kept in the Forbidden Palace and unable to leave for the rest of your life?"

"I'm afraid."

Ma Xiaoyu was as calm as water. "But I know that a Heavenly Master's Sword is not enough for me to put forward three conditions to the Imperial Master of the Imperial Observatory."

In fact, even if Ma Xiaoyu believed what Liu Banxian said, she knew better that it was an impossible task to find the source of the dragon vein and resolve it under the obstruction of so many masters, especially under the nose of the Grand Master of the Imperial Observatory.

Yin Xiu and Liu Banxian had no idea how terrifying this leader of the Jiuzhou Taoist sect was.

Ma Xiaoyu wanted to make a deal before Oriental Future made any move.

However, Dongfang Future rejected her without hesitation.

“Letting Yin Xiu go is like letting a tiger return to the mountains and a dragon into the sea. If he gets the Black Emperor’s son, plus your Yang Emperor’s son, and makes up the Five Emperors, and is not bound by the Forbidden Palace’s luck, the entire Nine Provinces will fall into his hands.

By then, I'm afraid we will all regret it, and even this Heavenly Master's Sword will only be something I keep temporarily."

Dongfang Weilai glanced at Ma Xiaoyu whose expression changed.

"Moreover, the life of the female celestial master who exorcises the Ma family is not enough to save Yin Xiu."

"I see."

Wei Nansheng sneered, "You want to exchange one life for another and let the driver leave? Ha, the female Taoist priest who exorcises the Ma family is nothing more than a stupid woman who is willing to sacrifice her life for a man."

"It's none of your business."

Regardless of Wei Nansheng's ridicule, Ma Xiaoyu only stared at Dongfang Weilai at this moment and said coldly: "In this case, I will not make any deal."

She flicked her wrist and held the tricolor ruler in her hand again.

Wei Nansheng immediately drew his sword and blocked Dongfang Weilai.

"This is the business of the Kyushu Daotong, please don't interfere."

Oriental Future has rarely shown its resolute and unyielding side.

Wei Nansheng was startled, put the sword back into the sheath, and quietly stepped back.

Dongfang Weilai squinted his eyes and looked at the Heavenly Master's Sword in the box.

"Why do you think no one respects the Heavenly Master's Sword anymore?"

Ma Xiaoyu put the box aside. "Maybe it's because people's hearts don't rely on certain things."

"Human hearts are indeed very complicated and changeable. Master Ma, it's not too late for you to leave now."

Dongfang Future put his hands behind his back, "I only want Yin Xiu."

“I only want Yin Xiu too.”

Ma Xiaoyu said seriously: "I have made two preparations before I came here. It would be best if the negotiation goes through, but if it doesn't..."

The three-colored ruler in her hand emitted light.

"Does it have to be like this?" Dongfang Weilai sighed.

"That's all."

There was no room for turning back in Ma Xiaoyu's words.

"In that case, Master Ma, please let me see the exorcism technique that has been passed down from generation to generation by the Ma family, a family of masters."

Golden light appeared from Dongfang Weilai's hands. He pulled them in the air. After the golden light disappeared, the Beitian Demon-Slaying Sword appeared in his hands.

He held the sword in his hand and signaled Ma Xiaoyu to take action.

However, Ma Xiaoyu did not intend to take action first.

"In the Jiuzhou Daoist tradition, it has always been the Imperial Master who attacked the Taoist priests, and there has never been a Taoist priest who rebelled against the Imperial Master."

"Hey, we're about to fight, what are you still holding on to?"

Wei Nansheng sighed. Although she understood that the Taoists had their own reasons for insisting on their beliefs, she felt that it was really pointless.

Dongfang Weilai seemed not to have heard Wei Nansheng's words. The dragon and tiger energy surged around his body, making his wide sleeves rustle.

The Demon-Slaying Sword of the North Sky made a mysterious and subtle sound in its scabbard, like the ringing of a huge bell or the playing of a sheng or a flute, melodious and solemn.

Ma Xiaoyu held the three-colored ruler in front of her to protect herself, and with her other hand she held a piece of talisman paper in her sleeve.

The first thing to be affected was the sand in the sandbox, which made rustling sounds, as if a sandstorm that would cover the sky and the earth was preparing.

Ma Xiaoyu felt that the spiritual energy around the observatory had almost turned into physical matter, pressing down on the green bricks and tiles of the observatory, causing them to crackle.

Dongfang Weilai raised the sword, but did not draw it out. Instead, he pointed it at Ma Xiaoyu together with the scabbard.

In an instant, spirits from all directions gathered at the tip of his sword, condensed and sublimated, and smashed towards Ma Xiaoyu with tremendous momentum.

"The sun rises in the east. I grant you a magic talisman to sweep away all evil. The Dragon God commands that no force can intrude upon you!"

Ma Xiaoyu held the talisman paper in her hand and circled around herself. At the same time, the dragon and tiger energy followed her and formed a circular protective shield around her, enveloping her and isolating her from the outside world.

The observatory radiated such a strong light that those waiting for an opportunity on the periphery had to cover their eyes to block out the brightness.

After the strong light disappeared, smoke and dust filled the air. Ma Xiaoyu was half-kneeling on the ground. Her ponytail had come loose and her hair was loose.

"Good stake……"

Wei Nansheng was stunned. Although she could not see the so-called spiritual energy, she realized the danger of fighting when she saw a strong man like Ma Xiaoyu fall to a disadvantage with just one move.

"Master Ma, it's not too late for you to leave now."

Dongfang Future did not act like a winner. "You didn't attack me, did you? It's not too late."

As soon as he finished speaking, a piece of talisman paper flew out from Ma Xiaoyu's sleeve, brushed past Dongfang Weilai's face, and left a white mark on his face.

"I've already taken action."

Ma Xiaoyu struggled to get up, "I have committed treason against the Imperial Master."

"is it?"

Dongfang Weilai felt very regretful. As he took a deep breath, thunder rumbled in the observatory and visible lightning flowed and lingered in the hall.

Thunder is the righteous law of heaven and earth, representing purity and authority. It is a force feared by all living beings.

Those who can master thunder magic are also the most terrifying existence in Xuanmen.

Wei Nansheng's hair was split and he was terrified, thinking that if he wasn't careful he would turn into charcoal.

However, Ma Xiaoyu, who was locked by all the lightning, looked firm and still held the ruler in his hand.

She bit her finger and smeared the blood on the ruler, which immediately made a buzzing sound.

At the same time, Ma Xiaoyu herself began to change.

Her black hair turned white in the blink of an eye, her pupils turned golden, her nails and lips were dyed an even more enchanting red, and the lotus mark between her eyebrows glowed like a blazing flame.

The White-haired Witch Ma Xiaoyu reappeared in the world. This time, it was obvious that Ma Xiaoyu herself had mastered the trick of transforming into the White-haired Witch, and was not simply dominated by anger like before.

At the cost of her vitality, Ma Xiaoyu's magic power circulated several cycles faster than before, and the surrounding spirits were also attracted and utilized by her.

Sensing the sudden change in her temperament, Dongfang Weilai immediately directed the lightning to strike her.

"The Heavenly Master has ordered that the Thunder God of Lei Ze perform his magic, and he must obey the command immediately!"

Ma Xiaoyu pointed the ruler forward, and countless lightning bolts came from another direction and collided with the lightning in the air.

The floors above the sand table were instantly turned into powder by the impact of lightning and dissipated with the wind. The strong lightning rushed straight into the sky, almost dyeing the sky red.

Outside the observatory, those who originally could not see the scene inside could now see the battle clearly and became witnesses of this Taoist battle.

Sparks were coming out of one of Dongfang Weilai's sleeves. He shook his hand, and a corner of his sleeve fell to the ground.

"Master Ma."

He looked at Ma Xiaoyu on the other side, who was breathing heavily, but the spiritual energy was still lingering on her fingertips.

"What do you want? To unify the world? To fight for the nine states? To start a new dynasty?"

"Not interested in."

Ma Xiaoyu shook her head. "Although I am not sure whether Yin Xiu's idea is right or whether it can succeed, I know that he does not want to be an emperor or a hegemon, nor does he intend to take Kyushu into his own hands."

"Anyone can say such big words."

Dongfang Future didn't believe it, "Emperor Wu of Wei also said that he was devoted to the Han Dynasty, and no one could refuse power.

The reason why a person says that he treats money as passing clouds is because he has no money.

Similarly, if a person says that he has no interest in the world, it is because he has never conquered the world.

Now that Jiuzhou is in danger, anyone would have such thoughts, but some people dare to speak out, while others are hesitant. "

"Why was the world in crisis?"

Ma Xiaoyu asked him back: "Master, aren't you also the one who caused the world to fall into danger?"

Dongfang Weilai was stunned for a long time before he sighed and said, "Do you think that if I join the rebellion, it will be of good help to the world?
We cannot see the future clearly, just like the results of the sand table simulation. I looked at the stars last night, and the twinkling stars revealed a terrible future.

However, I can do nothing, just like the sages before me, I can only be a bystander."

"Since you want to be a bystander, let those of us who dare to make mistakes do it."

"What do you know?"

Dongfang Future refuted: "The so-called new atmosphere is nothing but a new cycle. You can't change anything at all. You think what you do can be of any use. At best, it is just your wishful thinking.

I just want to maintain the situation and wait for the arrival of the person promised by destiny. What you are doing will only lead everything to destruction."

"Maybe there is no such thing as a man of destiny?"

Ma Xiaoyu said firmly: "National Master, for you, maintaining the balance of the Nine Provinces' Daoism has become a burden and a yoke for you."

"The inheritance and glory of the Jiuzhou Daoist tradition cannot be destroyed in my hands. I must pass it on."

Dongfang Weilai's eyes sparkled. "This is my responsibility, Master Ma. Even if it's you, if you shake the Nine Provinces' Daoist tradition, I will have to kill you."

Dongfang Weilai stretched out his hand, and a series of glowing talismans flew from somewhere and swirled around his arm.

Exorcist Ma Family, Mao Family, Maoshan, Xiangxi Wei Family, Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion, Qimen Dunjia, Laoshan, Qishan...

One after another, the talismans and spells, which exist in the world or have been lost, shine under the drive of the future of the East.

In the observatory, those cushions that were originally empty were now filled with phantoms without anyone noticing.

The attire and appearance of those people seemed to be those of heavenly masters, national masters, and famous Taoist priests from past dynasties.

These sages were all sitting on cushions at this moment, watching this decisive battle that would determine the future of the Kyushu Taoist tradition.

Behind Dongfang Future, many gods stood, some with kind eyes, some with glaring eyes, with different expressions.

The sky was covered with dark clouds, and lightning and thunder seemed to have ignited a raging fire in the clouds, which was about to burn the sky to ashes.

Wei Nansheng also saw those shadows at this time, and his face turned pale with fright.

She couldn't help but think of the things she had heard others discuss before, those secrets about Dongfang Future's life experience.

It is said that he was regarded as the reincarnation of the Great Emperor Zhenwu when he was born, and was welcomed into the Imperial Observatory by the previous national teacher to practice. After he came of age, he integrated the three samadhis of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, and achieved perfect merit.

In the strong wind, Dongfang Weilai's hair crown fell to the ground, and her black hair flew everywhere.

"Ma Xiaoyu, I'm going to ask you one last time, do you want to give up your useless fantasies, or do you want to be wiped out by me and die?"

Dongfang Weili's tone was normal, but this time his voice was like rolling thunder and ringing bells. Even the people watching the battle outside the observatory felt their eardrums vibrating and their bodies trembled to the rhythm of Dongfang Weili's speech.

Blood flowed from the corner of Ma Xiaoyu's mouth. The unparalleled pressure shook her heart and seemed to destroy her sanity at any time.

However, in the face of this pressure, Ma Xiaoyu still said firmly: "I believe in him, and I believe in the future that Yin Xiu is betting on."

"Even if he will destroy the Jiuzhou Dao Sect?"

The light in Dongfang Weilai's hands became brighter and brighter, and any talisman in his hands seemed to be filled with the power to move mountains and fill the sea.

Ma Xiaoyu was under pressure, and the flame between her eyebrows flickered and swayed, like the only candle flame left in the cold wind, about to go out at any time.

"If the current [Tao] is going to be destroyed because of one person, or if it has to be protected by someone, rather than existing freely between heaven and earth and following the will of heaven, then let it be destroyed. There will always be a true [Tao] that will be born again.

As long as Jiuzhou still exists, there is no reason for the Jiuzhou Daoism to perish."

Ma Xiaoyu gritted her teeth, mobilized her magic power, and prepared to meet Dongfang Future's strongest attack.

Dongfang Weilai looked at her and suddenly smiled.

The thunder stopped, the clouds and fog dissipated, the Taoist sages and predecessors in the observatory disappeared one after another, and the divine general behind Dongfang Weilai was nowhere to be seen.

On the observatory, Dongfang Weilai, the Grand Master of the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, grasped the Beitian Demon-Slaying Sword in his hand and knelt on one knee facing Ma Xiaoyu.

"I kneel down to thank you for saving Jiuzhou and millions of people in Yujing and Tianjin during the battle of Tianjin."

He held the Beitian Demon-Slaying Sword in both hands and handed it to Ma Xiaoyu.

"The Jiuzhou Daotong may no longer need me to protect it."

Ma Xiaoyu hesitated for a moment, wondering whether she could take on this important weapon that represented the Jiuzhou Taoist tradition.

"Ma Xiaoyu, didn't you say it? The Jiuzhou Dao Sect doesn't need anyone to protect it."

Dongfang Weilai did not raise his head, "I entrusted the Beitian Devil-Severing Sword to you because I hope you can keep the hope of the Taoist tradition, and I do not need you to maintain the Taoist tradition and take on my shackles and responsibilities.

Let the Tao grow freely between heaven and earth. Just exist. No one needs to decide its future or take responsibility. As long as Jiuzhou exists, the Tao will exist."

"National Division……"

Ma Xiaoyu choked up, knelt on her knees, and lowered her head to take the Beitian Demon-Slaying Sword.

When she looked up again, Dongfang Weilai had disappeared.

Those people who were monitoring this place outside the observatory also retreated quietly and did not stay any longer.

After this day, there was no more Imperial Observatory in the world, and the title of Imperial Master disappeared along with history. People never mentioned the name Dongfang Weilai again, as if he had never appeared in the world.

"Hey!"

Wei Nansheng caught up with him barefoot and followed him.

"where are you going?"

"Walk around."

Wei Nansheng asked: "With your status, shouldn't you go to the immortal mountain to seek immortals and ask for the way?"

"What is my identity?"

He smiled and said, "Does it matter whether the fairy mountain exists or not? Maybe I'm just walking around."

"Then you will need to rely on me from now on."

Wei Nansheng embraced the long sword, "Based on your life experience, without my help, you will not survive more than three months in this world. It just so happens that I have handed the Dragon Emperor to the woman surnamed Ma, so now there is nothing to worry about."

"Are you not going to fight for the world and compete for the Central Plains?"

"Fighting for the world? That's what fools do."

Wei Nansheng smiled carefreely, "This land of four directions, where is not the world? I am standing here, I am already stepping on the world, why should I rob it?"

She smiled like this, and then she realized that he had taken off his boots and put them on her bare feet.

Wei Nansheng blushed. (End of this chapter)