The cry for help was like a stone dropped into a well, causing ripples across the still surface.

Due’s heart was that well water.

He stopped, turning back slowly, bit by bit, to look at Bodhisattva Guangxian behind him and the Bodhi tree.

Bodhisattva Guangxian narrowed his eyes, smiling:

“Is there something else?”

Guangxian always answers questions honestly, never concealing or lying. Perhaps I should be frank with him now and ask what’s happening with Buddha—he must know something… This thought flashed through Arhat Due’s mind.

Unable to suppress his desire for truth any longer, he pressed his palms together, recited Buddha’s name, and then fixed his gaze on Bodhisattva Guangxian:

“Since Bodhisattva Jialuoshu refuses to accept Mahayana Buddhism, we must seek Buddha’s guidance. And as it happens, Jialuoshu isn’t in Alantu…”

Due stopped there, leaving the rest unsaid.

Bodhisattva Guangxian stared at him for several seconds, his expression softening slightly before speaking unhurriedly:

“This is a crucial moment in Buddhism’s thousand-year strategy. All of Alantu should be united as one.”

Arhat Due pressed his palms together and bowed:

“Amitabha, this one was moved by anger.”

With that, he turned to leave, walking slowly, his kasaya robe swaying as he headed out of the Meditation Grove.

Bodhisattva Guangxian withdrew his gaze, looking at the scattered stone fragments on the ground, paused for several seconds, then turned to the gnarled, mighty Bodhi tree.

…

Arhat Due walked steadily out of the Meditation Grove to the cliff’s edge, where bitter winds howled, causing his kasaya to flutter violently and seeming to freeze his very soul.

As a mature Arhat, his mind was already enlightened, unmoved by joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness—even curiosity couldn’t make him lose his reason.

Arhat Due stepped forward, his form transforming into golden light as he vanished.

The next moment, he appeared above a mist-shrouded pond, sitting cross-legged on a lotus platform.

“Amitabha…”

Due pressed his palms together, softly reciting Buddha’s name, and then a faint golden light illuminated his body.

He entered a meditation state.

Buddhist meditation could ward off external evils and instantly calm inner demons.

Half an incense stick’s time later, Due opened his eyes, voluntarily emerging from meditation. His gaze was calm, his expression detached, showing no further abnormality.

At this moment, steady footsteps approached from the path. Asura’s tall, imposing figure emerged through the greenery beside the pond.

Their gazes met in silence. Due pulled a golden bowl from his sleeve and gently placed it upside down before him.

Instantly, a barrier covered the pond, shaped like an inverted bowl.

Only then did Asura speak, his voice deep:

“I heard breathing in the Demon Suppression Ravine. I tried to approach, but a warrior’s danger sense gave no warning.

“This was abnormal, so I retreated.”

As the strongest fighter below the Bodhisattvas, Asura was no mindless brute. Today’s preliminary probe had served its purpose.

After all, this matter involved those beyond mortal ranks. Asura didn’t know how terrifying such beings were, but he understood clearly that before them, he was barely stronger than an ant.

After he finished, Due spoke slowly:

“In the depths of the Meditation Grove, beneath the Bodhi tree, there was indeed a Confucian Sage statue, but it has long since collapsed.”

Asura recalled Xu Qi’an’s analysis: if the statue remained, Buddha was still in a semi-sealed state, and another mysterious supreme being had driven the Sixty-Year Demon Purge and sealed Shenshu.

If the statue was broken, it meant Buddha had used the Myriad Demon Nation’s destiny to break free from the Confucian Sage’s seal but chose to slumber because of the need to seal Shenshu.

“Then it must be the second possibility—Buddha and Shenshu are the same person. Buddha has already broken free, and perhaps the one in the Demon Suppression Ravine is him,” Asura said calmly, unsurprised.

After all, Xu Qi’an had analyzed it that day. Asura was mentally prepared for either possibility.

At this point, Arhat Due shook his head slightly:

“Before I could investigate further, Bodhisattva Guangxian arrived. When I turned to leave, I heard a cry for help from behind.”

Asura’s protruding brow ridge, lacking eyebrows, twitched severely as he emphasized:

“A cry for help?”

Arhat Due nodded.

This made Xu Qi’an’s second possibility seem less plausible.

Both fell silent as a chill ran up their spines.

After a while, Asura spoke slowly:

“Guangxian is suspicious.”

Arhat Due nodded: “He guards the Meditation Grove closely. By extension, most Bodhisattvas are likely involved. At least, the Bodhisattvas know some secrets, such as the Confucian Sage sealing Buddha.”

Now that Xu Qi’an’s words were proven true, the Bodhisattvas must have known about this but chose to conceal it—even from him, a Second Rank Arhat.

Asura gazed at the pond, contemplating:

“If we can discover who’s crying for help and who’s sleeping, we’ll uncover the truth. But it’s too dangerous for us.”

Due’s gaze flickered:

“You mean…”

Asura admitted frankly:

“We can use the Southern Demons. The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox wants to stand equal with Buddhism—she’ll certainly come to retrieve Shenshu’s head. That will be our opportunity.”

Under normal circumstances, with Guangxian stationed in Alantu, they’d have no chance of investigating.

Due sighed:

“We can’t make any moves soon. Bodhisattva Guangxian likely suspects me already.”

…

Qing Province.

In the military tent, Xu Pingfeng watched as Bodhisattvas Guangxian and Liuli’s figures vanished, and Bodhisattva Jialuoshu put away his golden bowl.

He raised his cup, and took a sip, savoring the slightly bitter local tea.

“The Southern Demons restoring their nation—truly a historic event.”

Snow-white-robed, he spoke gently, as if chatting with an old friend: “Why didn’t Bodhisattva Guangxian personally go to the Southern Borderlands? Though it’s to guard against the Nine-Tailed Fox attacking Alantu, that’s easily handled.”

He set down his teacup:

“He could have just asked me for some transportation talismans. With countermeasures available, why not use them? Could it be that Guangxian has left Alantu?”

Bodhisattva Jialuoshu sat cross-legged with pressed palms, eyes closed in silence.

Xu Pingfeng sighed softly, speaking quietly:

“You’ve certainly done something that will go down in history. However, history is written by the victors. How the chronicles ultimately record this depends on future generations’ attitudes.

“If your reputation is too good, wouldn’t that make your father seem utterly evil?”

…

Cloud Deer Academy.

Principal Zhao stood at the cliff’s edge, hands behind his back, gazing south as he spoke slowly:

“First year of Yongxing, winter: The Southern Demons rose again, allied with An, drove out Buddhism, and rebuilt the Myriad Demon Nation.”

A desk appeared behind him in mid-air, paper unfurled, and a brush jumped into the inkstone by itself, dabbed some ink, and “swish-swish” wrote on the paper.

The ink dried instantly.

“One copy for everyone!” Zhao waved his hand, and the paper and desk vanished.

In the academy, amid the sounds of study, in each classroom, every teacher and student simultaneously received Zhao’s calligraphy.

His voice echoed in their ears:

“Using the content on the paper as your topic, everyone will write a policy essay. Students submit to their respective teachers, and teachers submit to me for review.”

What major event would make the principal personally assign a topic to test the entire academy… Both students and teachers, surprised and puzzled, picked up or unfolded the papers.

Looking closely, they were all dumbfounded, frozen in place.

The Southern Demons had restored their nation. The Demon Purge recorded in history books has been reversed in the present day.

The Myriad Demon Nation, erased from history, had returned to the Nine Provinces.

At this moment, all students and teachers felt a sense of unreality, as if witnessing history firsthand.

At the same time, they understood Principal Zhao’s intention. Well-versed in history, they had read the commentaries of their predecessors after the Myriad Demon Nation’s fall five hundred years ago, analyzing Buddhism’s actions and their impact on the Nine Provinces’ political landscape.

For instance, Buddhism’s Sixty-Year Demon Purge had laid the foundation for human rule over the Nine Provinces.

Or how after the Demon Purge, demons lost their homeland and wandered everywhere, frequently clashing violently with humans over territory. Buddhism’s actions had brought suffering to ordinary people.

And so on…

Now, with the Southern Demons restored, Principal Zhao’s assignment to write essays evaluating this event became clear.

“The Myriad Demon Nation’s return shows that human unification of the Nine Provinces remains a difficult, distant goal,” someone commented thoughtfully.

“Humans never truly unified the Nine Provinces—northern demon barbarians have always existed. However, the Southern Demons establishing their nation now has helped tie down Buddhism for Great Feng…”

Due to the demon alliance with Great Feng, the academy’s scholars unusually set aside “racial differences,” holding some goodwill toward the Southern Demons.

“Wait, what does ‘allied with An’ mean? The principal didn’t explain.”

“I remember, yes, the demon alliance with Great Feng was arranged by Sir Xu the Silver Medallist.”

The discussion quieted as students looked at each other, suddenly understanding.

It was Sir Xu who helped the Southern Demons establish their nation…

“I get it!” A student picked up his brush, writing rapidly on the paper:

“First year of Yongxing, winter: Buddhism broke their alliance, turning to aid the Yun Province rebels, plunging the Central Plains into dire straits. Sir Xu rushed to the Southern Borderlands, leading the demons to fight Buddhism, driving the Westerners from the Ten Thousand Mountains, thereby containing Buddhism and easing the Central Plains’ military crisis—a deed of great significance…”

The classrooms immediately fell silent as students spread out their papers and began writing fervently. The teachers also sat down on the floor, concentrating on writing at their desks.

…

The Prince’s Mansion.

Lin’an was in good spirits as she strolled through the back garden with Wang Simu. They had filled their bellies with hot tea and pastries, wearing thick cloaks, completely unbothered by the cold.

After walking for a moment, Wang Simu said with a meaningful smile:

“Your Highness has gotten your wish, yet you don’t seem happy?”

Lin’an understood her meaning. Looking at the desolate flower beds to one side, she considered before saying:

“Since I got my wish, of course I’m happy. It’s just the arranged marriage…”

She was certainly happy—otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed so quickly that day, her heart racing with joy.

But from a woman’s sensitive and delicate perspective, the motivation behind the arranged marriage wasn’t what she had wished for.

She had wanted the arranged marriage to come from Xu Qi’an asking her imperial brother for her hand, and her brother gladly gave his blessing to marry her into the Xu family.

Not out of political interest.

What she wanted was for Xu Qi’an to want to marry her, not to be “forced”—not even half-willing would do, because her feelings for Xu Qi’an were pure, without ulterior motives, just as when he was still a mere Bronze or Silver Medallist.

The gap in status had never affected her feelings.

However, after experiencing so much, her willful and spoiled nature had been tempered considerably, and she had grown much.

Wang Simu smiled:

“Being able to marry the one you love is the greatest blessing. As for the reasons or purposes behind it, there’s no need to overthink. Those who dwell too much on such things only bring trouble upon themselves.

“My father used to say that the essence of politics is compromise. In life, one must also learn to compromise appropriately.”

“I know that, you don’t need to lecture me about such principles,” Lin’an gave her a reproachful look, then added:

“However, he might not yet know about the arranged marriage. Though Commander Xu has agreed, whether it will happen remains uncertain.”

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. Xu Silver Medallist was raised by his second uncle and aunt since childhood. Though not his birth parents, they’re as good as his parents. Marriage is traditionally decided by parents and matchmakers. From what I know of the Xu family, Master Xu’s consent carries weight.”

Lin’an secretly delighted, restraining herself to just a dignified “mm-hmm.”

At this point, she heard Wang Simu sigh:

“As a princess, you should have had a grand and glorious marriage no matter who you wed. But marrying into the Xu family, I’m afraid your princess status won’t count for much.”

Given Xu Qi’an’s current position and cultivation, a mere princess’s status certainly wouldn’t constrain him.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the Xu family’s foolish young sister could strut through the palace, and even princes and princesses wouldn’t dare provoke her.

That being the case, if Princess Lin’an married into the Xu mansion, as long as Xu Silver Medallist hadn’t separated from his aunt and uncle’s household, she would have to submit to the Xu family matriarch.

Lin’an wasn’t stupid and caught Wang Simu’s implied meaning:

“Simu, please speak plainly.”

Wang Simu said quietly: “The Xu family matriarch is extremely capable. Once you enter the Xu family, don’t conflict with her—just be an obedient daughter-in-law. If she sets rules or makes things difficult, endure it if you can.”

Hearing this, Lin’an frowned slightly, her heart inexplicably heavy, and asked in surprise:

“She even makes you so wary?”

Wang Simu sighed:

“My abilities are far inferior to hers. Have you met Xu Lingyue?”

Lin’an recalled her brief encounter with Xu Lingyue at the Star-Watching Tower and nodded:

“Obedient and understanding, delicate and seemingly quite fragile.”

Wang Simu laughed coldly:

“That’s all an act to fool people. That girl is scheming and vicious. Oh, and she’s extremely attached to her brother Xu Silver Medallist. When you marry into the Xu family, your first task should be to join forces with me to marry her off, or you’ll suffer no end of trouble.”

Lin’an pondered this thoughtfully.

Wang Simu continued:

“I’ve clashed with her several times in secret and gained no advantage. Could the mother who raised such a daughter be any less formidable? Second Young Master is brilliantly talented, and they say the Xu family matriarch personally drove him to study since childhood.

“You should know that Second Uncle Xu is just a warrior—he couldn’t have produced such a scholarly son. Also, I heard that when Xu Silver Medallist was young, he had a poor relationship with his aunt, who forced him to live in a small courtyard next door, in quite poor conditions.”

Lin’an was shocked, never imagining that Xu Qi’an had such an unhappy past.

She knew Xu Qi’an well—proud and unbending, submitting to no one, rising from a mere constable of Changle County to become today’s towering hero, no one could suppress him.

Yet such a figure had been driven to a small courtyard by the Xu family matriarch in his youth.

Wang Simu continued gravely:

“Of course, that was when Xu Silver Medallist hadn’t yet risen and was dependent on others. But Princess, even after his meteoric rise, didn’t seek revenge, instead treating his aunt and the whole family with wholehearted devotion.

“Now you understand how skilled the Xu family matriarch is at managing people.”

Lin’an immediately became timid, her face showing trepidation as she stammered:

“I, I won’t provoke her for no reason, I really won’t…”

…Wang Simu opened her mouth, actually wanting to say that dealing with the Xu family matriarch wouldn’t be difficult if they worked together and followed her instructions…

But seeing Princess Lin’an so intimidated, she couldn’t bring herself to say these words.

After their walk, having gotten satisfactory answers but now wary of the Xu family matriarch, Lin’an sat in her luxurious carriage with much on her mind, returning to the palace amid the rumbling of wheels.

It was nearly lunchtime, but instead of returning to Shaoyin Palace, she went to her mother’s residence.

Imperial Consort Chen had set out a table full of delicacies, waiting for both her children to join her for lunch. Seeing Lin’an enter, she nodded slightly.

The mother-daughter relationship was somewhat cool. Imperial Consort Chen took a sip of tea and said flatly:

“Since ascending the throne, His Majesty increasingly ignores his mother’s words. As his mother, I can’t even influence my own daughter’s marriage.”

According to protocol, you shouldn’t be able to influence my marriage anyway… Lin’an grumbled inwardly, frowning:

“If Mother disapproves of my marriage, just tell Imperial Brother directly. Why tell me?”

Imperial Consort Chen snorted:

“There’s no need. I know you fancy him, girl.”

Imperial Consort Chen was still bitter about the Favored Consort case, where that boy had completely disregarded Lin’an’s face and exposed her schemes, causing the former emperor to demote her position.

“I heard His Majesty say he’s neither in Qing Province nor the capital. With the Central Plains in chaos and Qing Province’s situation deadlocked, what’s he running around for instead of serving the court?”

Imperial Consort Chen complained.

I wonder if His Majesty marrying you to him will help control that damned boy… Imperial Consort Chen mused but didn’t say it in front of her daughter.

She did love Lin’an after all.

As she muttered, the dishes were all set, and mother and daughter waited a while but Emperor Yongxing didn’t arrive.

Imperial Consort Chen frowned and ordered:

“His Majesty hasn’t come to dine yet. Send someone to the Divine Peace Temple to inform him.”

The serving eunuch acknowledged and withdrew, returning hurriedly a quarter hour later:

“His Majesty is discussing matters with the ministers. This servant couldn’t see him.”

Imperial Consort Chen’s heart sank: “Do you know what matters?”

Given the current sensitive and turbulent times, she paid close attention to state affairs.

The eunuch said:

“I heard from the Divine Peace Temple’s steward that just now, the Director sent Astronomical Bureau mystics to relay a message to the palace, saying the southern qi had charged toward the Northern Dipper, destiny had reversed, and the Southern Demons had reclaimed the Ten Thousand Mountains, rebuilding the Myriad Demon Nation.”

Myriad Demon Nation… Imperial Consort Chen suddenly recalled its existence, joy spreading across her still-beautiful face:

“You mean the demons who allied with the court?”

The eunuch nodded.

“Good, good…”

Imperial Consort Chen beamed, looking at Lin’an: “Just recently His Majesty was saying that if the Southern Demons couldn’t succeed, the plan to contain Buddhism would be difficult to achieve. The Central Plains situation would be worrying.”

Lin’an smiled in agreement: “Now it seems Imperial Brother’s worries won’t come true.”

Imperial Consort Chen was overjoyed:

“Heaven bless Great Feng, heaven bless His Majesty.”

After waiting another half hour, Emperor Yongxing finally arrived, wearing a smile and in excellent spirits.

Imperial Consort Chen, already half full, rose with a bright smile:

“We were just keeping the wine and dishes warm for Your Majesty.”

She immediately ordered palace maids to serve the food and wine.

Emperor Yongxing smiled:

“Today is worth drinking too. Lin’an, you shall drink a few cups with me too.”

He patted his sister’s shoulder, showing an attitude of great regard for Lin’an.

Seeing this, Imperial Consort Chen frowned slightly and probed:

“Your Majesty, I heard something happened in the Southern Borderlands?”

Emperor Yongxing smiled: “Speaking of which, Xu Silver Medallist deserves great merit for the Southern Demons reclaiming the Ten Thousand Mountains and containing Buddhism. Without him leading from the front, it wouldn’t have been so easy for the Southern Demons to reclaim the Ten Thousand Mountains.”

Lin’an’s eyes lit up.

It was him… Imperial Consort Chen felt complicated emotions, glancing at her radiant daughter and suddenly feeling somewhat awkward.

…

Celestial Sect.

Sacred mountains towered, auspicious clouds gathered, and the calls of cranes and apes echoed melodiously.

Palace halls layered upon palace halls, half-hidden in clouds and forests, with occasional vast, resonant bell sounds ringing from this paradise-like immortal palace.

Above the sea of clouds, a tall and magnificent mythical beast lowered its head.

It gazed down at the sacred mountains for a moment before stepping out from the cloud sea.

Its body resembled a deer’s, covered in snow-white scales, with a pair of horns on its head, horse hooves, and a snake’s tail.

Its vertical pupils were as blue as the ocean.