However, after he reconnected with Dong Jue Daoist, Dongzhen, Dongxiao, and his own disciple He Ying Daoist through the Secret Technique of the Dong Shen Temple, Jingming Daoist’s complexion improved considerably.
Still, this time the Dong Shen Temple lost an Elder.
Dongxuan Daoist was unlucky and encountered a Purple-clothed Killing Star when leaving, and was ’dismembered’ by a single sword strike!
...
In the Imperial Palace, Zhang Jian stepped in, only to see that more than half of the palace, which had withstood over four hundred years of Daqian’s storms, was destroyed.
The place was littered with ruins and remnants, bearing the marks of sword and slaughter, the scent of blood lingering in the air.
The study rooms in the southeast, southwest, and northwest were still ablaze, billowing black smoke, the luxurious pavilions and carved eaves all reduced to history.
Zhang Jian believed that new palace buildings would be erected, possibly grander and more opulent, but at this moment, he felt an inexplicable sense of sorrow.
As far as Zhang Jian’s eyes could see, his Spiritual Gaze observed wisps of resentment and coalesced black energy.
With a wave of his hand, a gale swept through the ruins, uncovering many skeletons beneath the debris.
This was mostly thanks to the so-called ’Prince Shun,’ whose summoned Black Armored Puppet Soldiers killed anyone they saw, nearly demolishing the entire Imperial Palace.
Zhang Jian stood amidst the ruins, his gaze sweeping over them. After a moment, he formed a seal with his hands, silently reciting the "Soul-Cleansing Cyan Lotus Spell."
His spell flowed, like wisps of cyan wind sweeping through the ruin-filled buildings, across broken sections, through palace walls, as if enveloping this scorched land.
Within his spell, numerous hidden souls beneath the debris were gradually liberated, shadows rising from the ruins, dust glowing like a forest, many familiar figures manifesting, bowing to Zhang Jian before retreating into the Nine Netherworld.
As the shadows were gradually ferried away, Zhang Jian laid down the Dharma Seal in his hands, his gaze fluctuating.
All mortals cannot escape the bitterness of rise and fall!
After finishing everything, Zhang Jian noticeably felt an unusual stir in the three Emperor’s Fates deep within his Life Plate. He glanced in a certain direction, his gaze shifting suddenly before he restrained himself.
"It seems there is something within these ruins resonating with the Emperor’s Fate!"
Zhang Jian thought to himself.
At that moment, Jingming Daoist descended from the sky, witnessing the scene, his gaze sweeping over it, his expression slightly stunned, a hint of melancholy in his eyes, his Dao Heart visibly wavering, yet filled more with killing intent and determination.
Jingming Daoist knew that this time Daqian was facing dire straits.
The destruction of the Imperial City, symbolizing Daqian’s honor, meant Daqian’s prestige was thoroughly trampled by those outsiders. Restoring it would be a daunting task.
This undoubtedly would ignite ambitions in countless opportunists.
But a more crucial issue was at hand: the enthronement of a new emperor.
Yet, under such circumstances, even if there were candidates, Jingming Daoist dared not bring the two Princes out for the time being.
The Dong Shen Temple still faced many pressing difficulties to resolve!
Moments later, Zhang Jian’s thoughts stirred, and he looked towards Jingming Daoist, saying.
"Master Jingming, how is the State Preceptor?"
Upon hearing this, Jingming Daoist sighed.
"Master left us a message, he’s currently at Yuanchi Pass!"
Zhang Jian’s eyes flickered slightly: "It seems the State Preceptor plans to annihilate Beichu in one battle!"
Indeed, this was the last glimmer of hope for Daqian, to ’rescue’ Qianhai True Monarch, obliterate Beichu, and if successful, revive the Daqian Dragon Vein and rebuild the Dragon Qi Barrier, offering a slim chance of renewing the nation’s fate!
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