135: Chapter 135: If you can see it, why point it out in public?

Inside the Imperial Hall, Emperor Taizong of Tang's face was grim as he listened to Yuan Tiangang's low report.

"Is this the result your Untouchables came up with?"

"This subject deserves death!" Yuan Tiangang immediately knelt prostrate on the ground.

"Hmph! Empress Wu now openly rides the imperial carriage into my Great Tang's territory. Why was no one there to stop her?"

"Your Majesty, please see clearly. Empress Wu has already entered the Land Immortal Realm. Even several Great Grandmasters joining forces would not be her match."

"Then mobilize the troops! If ten thousand is not enough, send a hundred thousand; if a hundred thousand is insufficient, send five hundred thousand. Can we really not stop one woman?" Emperor Taizong's voice trembled slightly, his anger hard to suppress.

When he first ascended the throne, his Foundation was unstable. This person forcibly carved away seven prefectures—all fertile lands, almost taking up one-third of the Great Tang's territory.

Anyone in his position could not swallow this humiliation.

"Your Majesty, this matter is perhaps difficult to grant. Do you still remember the events of the past?"

As Yuan Tiangang spoke, Emperor Taizong immediately fell silent.

The past events?

That year, when the Great Tang lost its seven prefectures, he angrily raised an army to campaign against them.

Yet, one person stood alone before the army, blocking the surging tide of iron cavalry.

Recalling this, Emperor Taizong couldn't help but sigh softly.

"Forget it... You say she has gone to the Demon Sect's Yin Gui Sect. Do you know the reason?"

Yuan Tiangang pondered slightly before speaking, "Your Majesty, according to intelligence reports, the Yin Gui Sect is joining forces with the Heaven Beyond Heaven from beyond the domain, plotting against Northern Li together.

Empress Wu originated from that Sect; this matter might be related to her."

Emperor Taizong nodded slightly, then inquired about the battle situation in Northern Li.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, in this great war, the Heaven Beyond Heaven is unstoppable, and their vanguard is now approaching Tianqi City.

This subject has already dispatched secret envoys to investigate. Should there be any change, we will report immediately."

"Good!" Emperor Taizong's gaze sharpened. "Summon Li Jing, Cheng Yaojin, and Qin Qiong to the palace!"

Not long after, the three arrived side by side, their expressions solemn.

"The three of you are to immediately lead troops to garrison Zhenyuan, Suiyuan, and Waifeng Mountain, ostensibly to guard against invasion by the Heaven Beyond Heaven.

But if Tianqi falls—" His eyes flashed, "immediately march north and take Northern Li directly!"

The three accepted the order in unison, cupping their fists in acknowledgment.

Yuan Tiangang, however, showed worry: "Your Majesty, what if Tianqi does not fall?"

"Then it will merely be a waste of some provisions. What harm is there?" Emperor Taizong smiled faintly.

Everyone's heart jolted.

Northern Li possessed thousands of miles of fertile land. If the Imperial City fell, they could easily dispatch troops under the banner of supporting the Emperor and saving the sovereign.

It would be legitimate and follow the trend.

Such thoughts were not held only by Emperor Taizong.

Except for the Great Song remaining as mere onlookers, all other factions had secretly mobilized troops and set up formations.

At this moment within the Yin Gui Sect, all the Disciples held their breath, not daring to make a move.

This was because a Supreme figure was currently presiding over their Sect.

Regardless of status or cultivation, this person had already reached the pinnacle.

"Empress Your Majesty." Shan Meixian respectfully knelt in worship.

"Mm." Empress Wu spoke faintly, "I summoned you here because I want to ask one thing—is there any news of your mother?"

Shan Meixian, only eighteen years old, shook her head: "My mother never informs me of her whereabouts."

Empress Wu's brow slightly furrowed: "The people sent out? Still no news?"

"Reporting to the Empress, the journey is long, and no news has returned yet.

However, this time, it seems my mother ordered the Elders and Disciples to surround and attack Snow Moon City in Northern Li."

"Snow Moon City?" Empress Wu nodded lightly.

She naturally knew that name—

Snow falling on Cang Mountain, eternal spring, a place where the world's wonders converge.

Just as she was pondering, her expression suddenly grew serious, and her gaze shifted towards outside the hall.

The Yin Gui Sect, as a major Sect of the Demonic Path, had magnificent palaces. Though not as splendid as the Imperial Palace, their Aura was extraordinary.

"Why has the Empress honored my humble abode with her presence? What is your purpose?" A soft, sweet voice floated in from outside.

Shan Meixian heard the voice and a look of joy immediately appeared on her face.

Empress Wu, however, frowned as she looked at the two people walking into the hall.

That person was still covered in light gauze, her dark hair cascading like a waterfall, her figure graceful and alluring—it was precisely Zhu Yuyan.

"You broke through? Has the obstacle in your heart been resolved?"

Empress Wu's tone held a hint of surprise.

She looked again at the opponent whose features were relaxed and spirit radiant, then suddenly her brow tightened:

"You even lost your virginity?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent.

Wanwan froze, but a bold thought flashed through her mind.

Shangguan Waner's eyes were bright, staring fixedly at Zhu Yuyan, full of scrutiny.

Shan Meixian stood stunned on the spot.

Mother... lost her virginity?

Am I not her biological daughter?

She turned to look at Zhu Yuyan, her eyes filled with suspicion and confusion.

Zhu Yuyan's face instantly flushed crimson, and the captivating Aura around her body vanished in an instant.

She stared fiercely at Empress Wu, grinding her teeth.

How could this woman be so unrestrained with her mouth!

If you saw it, why expose it in public?

How could I, the Queen of Yin, ever establish myself in the Jianghu again?

"No... The Heavenly Demon Arts requires maintaining the Pure Yin Body to reach the nineteenth level.

Since you have broken through, did you only... break the rule after achieving success?"

A trace of curiosity flickered in Empress Wu's eyes.

In terms of talent, she admitted she was slightly inferior to Zhu Yuyan.

But the latter had been stuck at the eighteenth level for many years due to a flaw in her state of mind.

This time away, she not only broke through the Realm but also appeared radiant.

Especially now, even though she was glaring at her, there was faintly a hint of shyness and sweetness in those eyes.

This made Empress Wu even more suspicious.

"You still dare to mention it?"

Zhu Yuyan flung her wide sleeves, and the True Qi within her body burst forth explosively,

The entire palace seemed to tremble along with it.

"Calm down. Even if you have broken through the Realm, you are still not my opponent."

Empress Wu merely raised her hand lightly, her expression composed, not feeling that what she had just said was inappropriate.

After all, every word was the truth.

Zhu Yuyan snorted coldly, her expression darkening, but she ultimately reined in her Aura.

"Mother, I..." A trace of struggle appeared on Shan Meixian's face.

"Xian'er, you are always my flesh and blood!"

Zhu Yuyan glanced at her, her tone firm.

But this statement, once uttered, seemed to confirm Empress Wu's previous guess.

"Master, did you really have a connection with that person...?"

Wanwan finally couldn't help but ask, and a strange sourness arose in her heart.

"Do not mention this matter again!"

Zhu Yuyan suddenly turned towards Wanwan, her gaze sharp.

"That person? Which 'that person'? Since Little Wanwan knows something, why not tell us?"

Empress Wu's eyes immediately lit up with interest, her gaze flickering slightly.

"Wu Meiniang, this has nothing to do with you."

"Heh, how could it not be related? Do you still remember when we were children, you said we should both marry the same man?"

Empress Wu's tone was light and mocking, carrying a hint of deep meaning.

Zhu Yuyan's face changed drastically.

"That was childish talk and shouldn't be taken seriously."

Her tone held a hint of panic, completely unlike her usual decisive and ruthless demeanor.

This abnormality made Empress Wu's expression even more playful.

She was secretly astonished: When did the dignified Queen of Yin become so flustered?

She was probably afraid that she would truly investigate it.

Her curiosity grew even stronger.

"I always took it seriously, remembering it from youth until now, never forgetting it."

Empress Wu slowly stood up and walked down the steps one by one, approaching Zhu Yuyan.

The two peerlessly beautiful women stood opposite each other, their faces stunning, their bearing imposing.

Both straightened their backs, neither willing to yield an inch.

"You returned from Northern Li. You must have met someone you care about over there.

I must investigate this thoroughly."

Empress Wu stared at her face and suddenly spoke.

"You wishful thinking!"

Zhu Yuyan suddenly struck out, her right palm igniting with a ghostly blue flame, striking straight out.

Empress Wu did not retreat but met the attack, matching it with a palm strike—

Boom!

Violent Qi surged everywhere, and all the rows of wooden doors in the hall were blown away.

Wanwan, Shan Meixian, and Shangguan Waner were also knocked over by the residual force, stumbling and falling.

Fortunately, their Foundations were solid, and since the two were not fighting with full strength, they were not injured.

But the commotion had already alarmed the Yin Gui Sect Disciples outside, who rushed over to see what was happening.

"Get out!"

Zhu Yuyan let out a low shout, the chill penetrating to the bone.

When the approaching people heard this voice, they immediately recognized it as the Queen of Yin herself, and her anger had not subsided.

They turned and fled, wishing they had two more legs.

Zhu Yuyan retracted her palm and stood still, her silk ribbon fluttering in the wind, staring coldly at Empress Wu.

"You are not allowed to investigate this matter further."

"I insist on investigating.

I am also of age, and my heart yearns for someone.

But none of the men from before were worthy of my attention."

Empress Wu's lips curved slightly, clearly provoking her.

"I know Senior Sister's taste.

If someone could truly make someone of your temperament happy instead of resentful, that man must be extraordinary—I am genuinely interested now."

Zhu Yuyan's chest heaved violently; she was too angry to speak.

She had already sensed during the exchange that she was indeed no match for Wu Meiniang.

She had only just broken through the Realm, while the other had stabilized hers for many years; the gap was vast.

"Hmph, then go ahead and search. I'm afraid you'll end up becoming his plaything!"

She sneered coldly, but in her mind, the figure of Su Rui involuntarily surfaced,

Her body actually felt slightly warm.

This scoundrel, how could his methods be so enticing...

"Oh? A plaything? A person with affection is called loving devotion."

Although Empress Wu had never experienced intimacy, she was naturally bold and unrestrained in her words, showing no hesitation.

Zhu Yuyan completely lost her temper.

She couldn't win the fight, she couldn't win the argument, and she was completely suppressed by the other's brazenness—

How could this battle be fought?

"Wan'er, we are not returning to the Great Zhou. We are going to Northern Li."

She gritted her teeth and clenched her fist, staring at Empress Wu with eyes like blades.

"Are you serious?"

"Do you think I would joke about something like this?"

Empress Wu's expression was inscrutable.

"..."

Zhu Yuyan was struck dumb.

"Your Majesty, Northern Li is currently engulfed in war. Your identity is sensitive; rashly going there might cause great changes."

Shangguan Waner finally spoke up to persuade her.

"Do you think there is anyone in this world who can stop me?"

Empress Wu looked at Zhu Yuyan's slightly furrowed brow, the corner of her lips lifting.

"Of course not." Shangguan Waner replied in a low voice, with a hint of helplessness in her tone.

What else could she say? She truly did not know how many Masters were hidden within Northern Li.

But now that the Empress had entered the Land Immortal Realm, if she truly wanted to leave, who could stop her?

Zhu Yuyan snorted coldly, clearly unwilling to waste any more breath.

"Senior Sister, don't be in such a hurry to leave. I still have something I want to ask you."

Seeing her turn to leave, Empress Wu took a few steps forward and grabbed her arm.

"When was the last time we sisters got to be close?"

The two peerlessly beautiful women stood extremely close, even Wanwan, Shan Meixian, and the other companion watching were stunned.

Zhu Yuyan struggled slightly but could not break free, and her voice immediately turned cold: "I have nothing to discuss with you."

"How could you have nothing?" Empress Wu's smile deepened, "For example... your beloved, or perhaps, what does that kind of pleasure feel like?"

As these words were spoken, Zhu Yuyan's face changed drastically, and she violently pulled back.