In the stillness of the night, within the imperial palace, in the emperor's study, the emperor, who had only recently ascended the throne, was the infamous, absurd ruler—Emperor Zhengde of the Ming Dynasty. The very reign title revealed the extent of the ministers' discontent with him. (In Lu Xiaofeng's world, the emperor's identity is unknown; this is purely fictional, please refrain from criticism.)
Zhengde, Your Majesty, your moral character is indeed problematic and needs to be corrected...
At this moment, Emperor Zhengde was playing with a jade pendant in his hand. Under the candlelight, the pendant automatically emitted five colors. Holding it in his hand, one felt a warmth that went straight to his heart.
Even the Zhengde Emperor, who was not known for his learning, knew that this jade pendant was a genuine treasure. Moreover, the legends surrounding this jade pendant have been countless since ancient times.
"Wang Daban, do you know the legend of this jade pendant?" Zhu Houzhao asked excitedly, sitting at a table without any seriousness.
"Of course I know. Legend has it that whoever obtains this jade pendant can make a wish to the heavens. It is said that whatever the wish is, it will come true," said Eunuch Wang, who was bowing and bending over, with a smile.
At the same time, a hint of contempt flashed in his eyes as he looked at Zhengde. However, it was well concealed and disappeared in an instant. Even Zhu Houzhao, who was standing to the side, did not notice it.
Do you really think our family is as uncultured and uneducated as you? If this jade pendant could truly grant wishes, would it even be your turn? If you had read a few more books, why would you believe in such unfounded and unrealistic things?
"Hehe, it's always just a legend. But I might as well give it a try, maybe it will work. Let's go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple," Zhu Houzhao said happily.
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Wang's face darkened. This young emperor is truly a troublemaker. Compared to the late emperor, he's far inferior.
"Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, today your descendant Zhu Houzhao has come to visit you. If you have spirits in heaven, please bless me so that my wish may come true," Zhu Houzhao said with a smile.
"Hmm, jade pendant, if you truly have a spirit, then help me deal with those lawless martial artists," Zhu Houzhao said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Wang immediately closed his eyes and turned his head away. What a tyrant! Truly a tyrant! But what did it matter to him? He was already the heir of the Prince of Pingnan's side. When the time came, the glory and wealth he would receive for his service in supporting the new emperor would be assured.
However, at that moment, something unexpected happened. With a click, the jade pendant suddenly emitted a strong, multicolored light, instantly illuminating the entire palace. It was incredibly conspicuous against the dark night sky.
At the same time, four imperial guards emerged directly from the shadows, standing guard around Zhu Houzhao and protecting him closely.
"Escort"
After an incense stick's time, over a thousand imperial guards arrived and tightly surrounded the area. However, even so, the light continued to illuminate all directions without any change.
What's wrong with this world?
I made a wish casually, how did it turn out like this?
However, despite the guards' nervousness, Zhu Houzhao was not afraid at all; on the contrary, he was somewhat excited. Then, as if he had thought of something, he quickly said, "Everyone, listen to my command! Guard a hundred paces away from the Imperial Ancestral Temple. No one, regardless of who they are, is allowed to enter without my order."
"But His Majesty's safety..."
"No buts, just obey my orders immediately."
Soon, something even more astonishing happened. Three strangely dressed people emerged from the light. Their attire was peculiar and unlike anything seen before, at least completely different from the prevailing fashions of the time.
As the saying goes, "The Master did not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits," and although Zhu Houzhao was not a scholar, he was still puzzled by what he was seeing. If it weren't for a feeling within him telling him there was no danger, he might have already left.
"Who are you people?" Zhu Houzhao walked over and asked cautiously. At the same time, he opened his eyes wide and looked at the three people curiously.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yang immediately activated his Divine Eye of Fortune and carefully examined Zhu Houzhao.
"Dragon energy swirls above, causing ghosts and gods to flee. You must be the current Human Emperor. We are people from beyond the heavens, and have come here as promised."
"Agreeing to what? Is it to pacify the martial world? If that's the case, then the legend of this jade pendant is true? Then I've suffered a huge loss!" Zhu Houzhao said with some heartache.
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Chapter Twenty-Two: Let's present His Majesty with a gift upon our first meeting.
"That's right, it's what Your Majesty just mentioned, which is to suppress the martial arts world, or to put an end to the martial arts world. Of course, it's impossible to completely pacify the martial arts world in a short period of time."
"Furthermore, I believe Your Majesty has also sensed this. The time the three of us can stay in this world is also limited. Therefore, Your Majesty need not worry during this period," Lin Yang explained slowly.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao nodded solemnly. Although he loved to play, and was even somewhat absurd, it didn't mean he was a fool.
The time limit meant that whatever they did would not pose a threat to his throne. Therefore, there was no need for fear, and both sides could cooperate effectively.
"I am the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty, named Zhu Houzhao. You may call me Zhu Shou."
"I am Lin Yang, a man from beyond the heavens."
"I am Cai Yan, a man from beyond the heavens."
"I am Shi A, a man from beyond the heavens."
"So, how do you plan to help me?" Zhu Houzhao asked.
"First, we need to understand the specific situation of this world, such as the extent of the chaos among martial artists. We also need to know the strength of these masters, the distribution of martial arts forces, and the power of the imperial court. Only after understanding these factors can we make a judgment," Lin Yang analyzed earnestly.
"However, I wonder if there are any famous figures in the martial arts world these days?" Lin Yang continued. He asked this to find out if he was familiar with the plot of this world. If it was a familiar world, then things would be much easier.
"Hmm, I rarely leave the palace. Wang Daban, Wang Daban, come here quickly," Zhu Houzhao said.
Soon, Wang An, the chief eunuch of the inner court, came running over from a hundred paces away. Upon seeing this, Lin Yang glanced at him and immediately noticed something amiss.
Above this eunuch's head were three distinct auras. The weakest one corresponded to his own strength, while the strongest was connected to the imperial court, meaning it corresponded to his position as the Grand Eunuch of the Inner Court.
But besides that, there's also a element of luck, which is quite strange. This is a martial arts world, and there are no treasures that can increase luck. So there's only one explanation: this person is no longer the young emperor's man.
This aura indicates that he is connected to others. To be precise, it means that this person has joined another faction.
If it weren't for Lin Yang's Divine Eye of Fortune, which had evolved once again under the nourishment of numerous merits, he truly wouldn't be able to see so clearly now. In this way, in the future, he could easily identify who among his subordinates were traitors or members of other forces with just a glance—it was incredibly convenient.
"It is so, Your Majesty. There are simply too many famous figures in the martial arts world these days. This old servant will select a few. For example, Ye Gucheng from Feixian Island in the South China Sea, Abbot Dabei of Shaolin Temple, Elder Mu Daoren of Wudang Sect, and Dugu Yihe, the leader of Emei Sect..."
Hearing these names, Lin Yang couldn't help but feel happy. However, along with his happiness came some worry and doubt.
This is a world I'm familiar with!
But why is it that I happen to be familiar with all these worlds? That's too much of a coincidence!