The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 33

Chapter 6 Setting the Scheme

Gu Pin’er asked curiously, “What peach blossom blood?”

Someone next to her reminded her, “Junior sister, it’s the one that Master Su Yao mentioned…”

Gu Pin’er reacted immediately and exclaimed, “It’s the one made with ten thousand virgin blood…” At this point, she was still a little shy after all, so she stopped talking.

He Mulan nodded and sighed, “Exactly, the so-called ten thousand peach blossoms and one bit of jade refers to this thing! The so-called virgin blood in the secular world is just a common trick used by immortals and alchemists, but if there are ten thousand drops of pure virgin blood and its essence and blood are integrated into one, the color of the blood can be turned into jade, which has extremely strong medicinal properties and can be used in elixirs…

“And if you want to make it work, you have to have tens of millions of them! Taking the blood and essence together is like taking a human life. This kind of thing requires the accumulation of ten million lives. It can be said to be the most evil thing in the world! Even the most powerful evil demon dare not collect it himself, so as not to trigger heavenly punishment and eternal damnation.

“But these demons used many cunning tricks to make this peach blossom blood known to the people in the lower world. They also lured some unjust and tyrannical emperors to collect it in order to seek immortality, thus shifting the blame to them. They hid behind the scenes and reaped the benefits…”

Li Xun suddenly realized that a key that had always been in his mind was finally opened! In his mind, a sentence that Yin Sanren once said suddenly popped up: “…some things that require a huge amount of manpower to collect, can only be done by the hundreds of millions of people under the jurisdiction of the court!”

It turned out that she was referring to peach blossom blood! That is the weird stuff in the crystal bottle, no wonder…

He Mulan was heard to say again: “It is almost the end of the year, and tributes from all over the country must be sent to Beijing… Most emperors in the past dynasties believed in alchemy, but their so-called alchemy was nothing more than vulgar things like lead, mercury, cinnabar, etc., and of course they could not make good pills. But according to convention, there is one thing that is indispensable, and that is peach blossom blood!”

Gu Pin’er understood immediately, and she clapped her hands and said: “So that’s how it is, that person is thinking about peach blossom blood, so that after the tribute is sent to Beijing and stored in the inner treasury, he will also snatch it!”

He Mulan said softly: “This kind of thing is not new, after all, this thing is still a thing of the human world, and those big evil demons will not bother to fight for it. Those who come here are all insignificant little demons and monsters. After snatching it, they will not refine it themselves, but pay tribute to the major demons in order to gain some benefits.

“That person’s cultivation is also worthy of being beaten! Seeing that his Youming Yin Fire is quite pure, he must be a descendant of the Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect or the Ghost Devouring Ghost Sect… “

Of course, this inference was biased again, but for Gu Pin’er and others, this reasoning was already quite brilliant. More importantly, they now had a clear goal, which was much more exciting than the boredom of casting a net to catch small fish in the past few days.

Sure enough, Gu Pin’er’s interest was lifted all of a sudden: “Great, it will be much easier if we have a goal! Senior brother, what should we do next?”

He Mulan seemed to smile: “If it were before, I would not be able to make a conclusion, but now it is different! Don’t forget, there are helpers in the palace!”

Li Xun was stunned for a moment, and then he realized that the “helpers” He Mulan mentioned were referring to himself.

“What is this? Looking for a donkey while riding a donkey or trying to catch fish in a tree? “Li Xun touched his chin and couldn’t help laughing. He held it in for a long time, and finally laughed softly.

He only heard He Mulan say at last: “Tomorrow I will go to find Junior Brother Xun, ask about the situation in the palace, and then discuss the next steps. In this way, we will work harder in the few days before the New Year’s tribute arrives in Beijing. We must strictly guard the surroundings of the capital and not let any suspicious people in or out.”

He Mulan didn’t know that when he said this, outside the east gate of the capital, there was an ordinary green-covered carriage, slowly driving into the dark city gate.

Perhaps it was because of its ordinariness that the Tianxing Interaction Array did not react at all.

After entering the city gate, a girl with a childish voice said: “It’s so uncomfortable… Aunt Qing, why should we be so polite to come in? Look, Xiao Hei in front is also very stuffy! “

As if in response to her words, the black horse pulling the carriage snorted.

From then on, there was no sound.

Li Xun hurriedly rode his horse and rushed to the Prince Fu’s Mansion. Judging from the posture of He Mulan and others, they would not leave until they caught the unfounded evil demon.

For safety reasons, in addition to Li Xun’s own careful handling, the cooperation of all parties in the Prince Fu’s Mansion and the Imperial Palace is also required.

The least safe, of course, is the Prince Fu’s Mansion, because there is an unstable factor here-Li Cong!

Li Xun’s eyes turned cold. Li Xun’s feelings towards this half-brother have always been quite complicated. On the one hand, Li Cong replaced his position in his father’s eyes, and also occupied the position that should have belonged to him. Even if he is no longer tempted by this position, he can never be completely relieved in his heart.

On the other hand, Li Cong is extremely similar to him, but he does not have the twists and turns that he has become after going through disasters – perhaps he can be seen as his “grown-up version with smooth sailing”, which gives him an indelible sense of intimacy.

Under the influence of these two feelings, Li Xun always maintains a lukewarm attitude towards his younger brother, but he never thought that Li Cong would regard himself as a competitor and pull his legs without hesitation!

It seems that he needs to understand some things!

The sound of horse hooves can be regarded as crisp and pleasant. In this slightly monotonous rhythm, Li Xun entered a state of thinking. He had to think the whole thing through before arriving at the palace, without missing a single thing.

He did not notice that there were suddenly some noises in the sound of horse hooves, until a voice called out from the side – “Hey! “

Li Xun was startled and turned his head towards the voice. It was already dark at this time, but he could still see clearly. A carriage with green tassels came to his side. It was covered with a lot of dust. It must have come from a long journey to the city.

On his side of the carriage window, the embroidered curtain was lifted, and a girl with a peach-shaped bun stuck her head out and smiled at him!

Li Xun glanced over and was immediately surprised.

Where do so many beautiful women come from in this world? Although to be precise, she is still a child!

That girl… The girl was only about thirteen or fourteen years old, with a childish face, but her facial features were incredibly beautiful and delicate. Her eyes were bright and shining, without any impurities. The corners of her lips were slightly upturned, and she smiled before she spoke, like a warm spring breeze, refreshing the heart.

Li Xun was actually dazed by the sight. He couldn’t help but think that if this girl was a few years older, she would probably be of the same level as Concubine Qin!

With this thought in mind, he looked at her again and felt that the girl’s face suddenly became more mature, as if she was seventeen or eighteen years old.

“A natural beauty!” Li Xun praised in his heart.

He finally admitted that there were still many beautiful women in this world. First it was Concubine Qin, and then this girl, both of them were rare beauties even in the Tongxuan Realm.

However, something was wrong… Why was the girl’s eyes not looking at his face, but looking up at the top of his head?

Li Xun was curious, so he smiled and asked, “Miss, are you calling me?

The girl blinked and giggled, “Yes, I told you to ask you something! “

Seeing her innocent look, Li Xun couldn’t help but smile, and a childlike innocence was born. He said with a smile: “Miss, please tell me. If I know, I will tell you everything!”

The girl’s smile became even brighter.

“Actually, it’s very simple!” She pointed at the top of Li Xun’s head, her eyes shining with admiration. “That hairpin is so beautiful! I want one too. Can you tell me where you bought it? I want Aunt Qing to buy me one too!”

Li Xun was stunned for a moment before he realized that the girl was talking about the “Phoenix Feather Needle” on his head. He was now a little embarrassed. Could he say that this was a treasure of the Tongxuan Realm, made by plucking the tail feathers of a phoenix?

Looking at the girl’s expectant eyes, he could only smile bitterly: “I’m sorry, this hairpin was given by an elder, and I don’t know where to buy it.”

The girl’s face was immediately full of disappointment, which made Li Xun feel even more embarrassed.

“Is that so?”

The girl’s thoughts raced. Moments before, her spirits high, she now pouts and retreats. The carriage continues its journey, quickly leaving Li Xun behind. Li Xun watches the receding carriage and can only shake his head and smile bitterly.

“Fool! Absolute idiot!”

Li Xin’s usually composed face twisted with rage. He slammed his hands on the desk, causing the scrolls and official documents to leap up, signaling his uncontrollable fury.

Amidst this furious outburst, Li Cong fled, his head in his

hands. After Li Cong left, Li Xin sighed deeply. Li Xun joined him, admonishing him, “Brother Cong is still young. Father, there’s no need to rush things!”

Li Xin’s eyes suddenly flickered, gazing at his face. At this moment, he had regained his image as the powerful Prince of Fu. Though he lacked profound cultivation, the overwhelming authority cultivated over the years still held a powerful, oppressive air.

He said slowly, “Xun’er, is this how you feel about your brother?”

Li Xun was puzzled. A sneer played at the corner of Li Xin’s lips. “Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t worry about this. But the situation is different now. At this moment, there’s no room for a confused person to act!”

Li Xun’s heart skipped a beat. When he looked at him again, Li Xin’s eyes were blazing with fire. If Li Xun was not mistaken, that fire was filled with… ambition!

Li Xin leaned forward, his voice lowered, but it carried a stronger intensity, ready to explode. Overall, he looked like a giant eagle about to pounce, fierce and unstoppable.

“Big things are coming! Xun’er, are you willing to lend me a hand?”

Li Xun’s heart skipped a beat before returning to its normal rhythm.

He wasn’t surprised by Li Xin’s words.

In fact, with a son like this, and the unfathomable Imperial Preceptor behind him, he would be a fool not to exploit them.

He hadn’t spoken before because he also had high hopes for his youngest son, trusting even more in his own uninterrupted upbringing over the past decade.

But today, Li Cong’s performance had disappointed him, and more importantly, his eldest son was a better choice!

Li Xun didn’t ask what the “big deal” was. On the one hand, his childhood education had already instilled in him this awareness, but on the other, for this prince to speak so eloquently, there was only one possible scenario in the world!

So, he laughed, “Father, why do you say that? You’re my father, how could I not help you? Just like you’re helping me today!”

There was something else going on, and Li Xin naturally understood. He let out a low growl, then stood up, staring intently at Li Xun, and said, “After we’ve dealt with your issue, you’ll come with me to meet some key figures in preparation for that matter!”

Li Xun understood that this so-called acquaintance with key figures was essentially about expanding his own network and gradually replacing Li Cong’s position in Prince Fu’s mansion.

Li Xin’s decision at this moment clearly took considerable thought, fueled by ambition, unleashing immense energy.

Unfortunately, Li Xun felt no such emotion.

Even if he rose to power and ruled the empire, what good would it do? A hundred years of fleeting wealth and glory, what meaning would that hold for him? Looking at

his biological father, Li Xun nodded gently without hesitation.

His attitude, like his movements, was light and effortless.

In contrast, he was even more concerned about Li Cong, who had just left.

Once outside, he lightened his stance, dodging the numerous guards and moving effortlessly through the shadows of the palace. Ordinary people couldn’t see him. In just ten breaths, he found his target—his half-brother, Li Cong.

He sat in his study, writing something with a pen. His handwriting was clearly hesitant, his strokes choppy and halting.

Li Xun sighed inwardly and slipped in.

The lights suddenly flickered, startled Li Cong, who looked up suddenly and saw his brother’s face as calm as water. He was immediately shocked and instinctively wanted to crumple the paper in his hand, but he sighed dejectedly when he was halfway through, and his whole body softened.

Li Xun also sighed, walked over and picked up the creased paper, and saw the handwriting on it: “The magic of the National Master and his senior brother is unfathomable, Li Xun…”

He sighed again and flicked the paper: “It’s for those people… If you keep writing, our brotherhood will probably end here!” As he said, he crumpled the paper and rubbed it lightly, just like this morning, turning it into ashes and flying away.

Li Cong watched his actions, his face turning pale and blue, and finally he looked at Li Xun’s face, but his voice was already trembling: “Are you here to kill me?”

Li Xun shook his head and said, “What are you talking about? Even if you have brought me trouble, in my eyes, it is no different from a child’s prank… You are only fifteen years old after all.”

After hearing his words, Li Cong’s face finally showed some color. At this time, Li Xun’s words knocked him to the ground again.

“Do you know that my father just asked me to accompany him to meet some ministers and dignitaries.”

Li Cong was stunned for a moment before he realized what he meant. Then, the blood color that had just appeared on his face faded away again!

Li Xun smiled gently: “I agreed, but…”

He dragged out a small long tone, watching Li Cong’s expression changing bit by bit. This method of manipulating other people’s psychological changes can really give people pleasure. Li Xun is becoming more and more fascinated.

His smile became softer, like the warm breeze in spring, without any sharpness: “But, I don’t have the slightest interest.”

“You are lying! “Li Cong was like a child, retaining the last bit of vigilance and dignity under the dual influence of the adults’ tempting words and candies.

The smile on Li Xun’s face disappeared, replaced by solemnity: “I have no need to lie to you! My heart towards the Tao has long been unwavering. I will work hard and motivate myself throughout my life, strive to break through the boundaries and ascend to achieve the supreme immortal career, so how could I waste my spirit in this mundane world?

“I stayed in the capital these days only because my two teachers ordered me to do it! What do you think I want to do?

“It’s a shame, you’re so young and have such a bright future ahead of you, yet instead of sharpening your resolve and developing your abilities, you’re plotting and scheming behind people’s backs… The most ridiculous thing is, you’ve chosen the wrong person, unable to even distinguish friend from foe. What has Father taught you all these years?”

Li Cong’s face twitched, his eyes reddened with scolding. Before Li Xun could say anything more, he’d already crawled over, kneeling before him and bursting into tears, “Brother, stop talking! I was foolish, I was foolish! But I was also scared…”

He cried until his voice was hoarse and his speech was incoherent, repeating self-deprecating remarks about how superior Li Xun was and how he wasn’t as good. At his most despicable, he even hugged Li Xun’s calf, crying even harder.

Li Xun sighed deeply, “We’re brothers, why did something like this happen…”

The sigh was so desolate, but Li Xun’s heart felt ten times colder, as if all the cold outside had been sucked into his chest!

How familiar this situation was. What was the difference between this young man lying in front of him like a dog and himself? Wasn’t it the same when he knelt in front of the demon phoenix and in front of the Yin Sanren?

He lowered his head to look at the back of Li Cong’s head, his eyes gradually turning blood red, and the deep red pupils began to spin.

What is this kid thinking!

Behind the grievance, self-blame, pain, and shame, deep in his heart, in the roaring and surging boiling magma, there is full of shame and resentment, but the terrible murderous intent in it almost makes Li Xun, a cultivator who is almost high and mighty, feel palpitations!

Li Xun couldn’t help but sigh, what a brother!

Fortunately, he never harbored the naive notion of “brotherly harmony.” As long as Li Cong didn’t cause him any trouble, that was enough. With a cold sneer in his heart, he gently helped Li Cong to his feet, saying, “Why do you have to do this, my brother? It’s enough for us brothers to resolve our misunderstanding!”

But he felt the timing wasn’t right, unable to reassure himself, so he simply said something more decisive: “If my brother Cong still harbors doubts, I, Li Xun, swear hereby that I will never compete with you for the throne, or I will be punished by heaven!”

Only after he had finished his oath did Li Cong cry out again, “Brother, why do you have to do this!”

And then, the happy ending of the two brothers “reconciled as before”

ensued. With this play, both brothers got what they wanted—Li Xun calmed Li Cong’s mind, while Li Cong secured his own position.

Of course, no one could guarantee the validity of this verbal agreement; its true implementation depended on the individual’s tactics.

Li Xun did not ask for too much. He would be satisfied as long as Li Cong obeyed him and did not hold him back before the end of the year.

He smiled and took Li Cong’s arm and said, “My brother, don’t blame your father. You should know that a big event is about to happen. It is a time when you and I need to contribute. But you were confused for a moment and did those things! But it doesn’t matter. There is still a lot of time to save face. It just so happens that this time, I, your brother, have something to discuss with you…”

It was said to be a discussion, but it was actually an order. Li Cong knew this very well, but there was no way. Before Li Xun voluntarily gave up his position, Li Cong had to do a few things to satisfy Li Xun.

This is the exchange of interests.

Everyone understands!

The next day, He Mulan really paid a visit to the National Master’s Mansion. Since Li Xun knew his purpose, he was naturally prepared.

Perhaps feeling that disciples of the Mingxin Sword Sect could be trusted, He Mulan didn’t hide anything from him and told him a rough outline of what happened that night, which immediately surprised Li Xun: “So, a few days ago, all the guards in the inner treasury suddenly fell unconscious, and the inner treasury tunnel was also damaged. That means you, Senior Brother He…”

He Mulan smiled and acquiesced, then asked: “Junior Brother Xun, have you ever been to the inner treasury while in the palace?”

Li Xun gave him a rather “surprised” look. “Treasure?” I did go down there. It was the National Preceptor who took me to check the various elixirs and medicinal herbs that had recently been tributed. However, I was not familiar with alchemy, so I didn’t take it too seriously. What’s the matter, Senior Brother He…”

He Mulan was stunned: “Isn’t Junior Brother Xun the National Preceptor? Why is there another one here?”

Li Xun’s eyes widened: “Who said I was the National Preceptor? If I am, it’s just that the people in the capital called me ‘Little National Preceptor’ for fun. That’s all. Senior Brother, don’t you know?” “

He Mulan was a little embarrassed, but still said frankly: “These days, we have been searching everywhere in the capital for the escaped villain, so we have no time to inquire about this.”

He then doubted and asked: “Since my junior brother is not the national teacher, is it possible that the national teacher’s Taoism is better than yours? “

Li Xun thought to himself that she is not only better than me, she is probably ten thousand times stronger! But of course he couldn’t say that, he just shook his head and said, “Brother, do you know why people in the capital call me’National Master’

?” He Mulan shook his head honestly. Li Xun smiled and said, “That’s because she and I are equals, and her position in the palace is higher than mine. So, on weekdays I have to call her’Uncle Master’…”

He Mulan shook her head and smiled bitterly, “Ridiculous, ridiculous, Junior Brother…”

Li Xun pretended not to hear and continued talking, with a hint of disdain on his face, “Speaking of Taoism, what kind of Taoism can she have? It’s her beauty that’s real! And her eloquence can even bring the dead back to life. What’s the difficulty in bluffing a foolish monarch?”

Seeing that there were still questions on He Mulan’s face, Li Xun knew that he must not miss this opportunity to cover up Yin Sanren. He simply picked out a few “little anecdotes” circulating in the capital about the female imperial tutor, slightly modified them, and recounted them one by one as if he had witnessed them firsthand.

He was already an excellent speaker, and He Mulan had no idea what they were. As a result, he had come to define the female imperial tutor as a common Taoist who used her charm and deception to seduce the emperor, thus painting a thick layer of cover for Yin Sanren. He figured Yin Sanren wouldn’t blame him, right?

Given this opportunity, Li Xun didn’t care for his words and threw in a few more insults, mixing them in to vent his anger.

He Mulan had no idea there was such a connection, and she listened attentively.

Li Xun had said enough and returned to the main topic: “This imperial teacher has no real ability, but she is extremely scheming. She enters and leaves the palace as a woman, and the emperor does not suspect anything. He even gives her the management of many affairs in the Forbidden Palace, including the inner treasury.

“It is also because of this that I was able to enter the inner treasury with her under the name of her niece… Brother, what do you mean by asking this?”

After listening to him say so much, He Mulan finally got some understanding of the situation in the palace.

He pondered for a while, comparing his judgment with the new information he got, and did not find any contradictions – of course there would not be, because Li Xun arranged the background according to his reasoning yesterday, and he must make him go further on the wrong path, preferably never to return!

After confirming that everything was correct, He Mulan said: “Junior Brother Xun, have you seen peach blossom blood in the inner treasury?”

“Peach blossom blood?” Li Xun was confused at first, and then his eyes lit up: “I seem to have heard of it! “

He frowned,” I remember that there seemed to be this thing among the tribute herbs. Its name is very special. I should not remember it wrong!”

He Mulan tapped the table with her fingers and said slowly: “Sure enough…”

The words were spoken calmly and firmly, but the solemnity in them suddenly rose several levels!

Then he said to Li Xun, “Junior Brother Xun, can you take us to the inner treasury tonight?”

Li Xun opened his mouth wide and said, “What?”