Emperor Taizong's Edict

"You mean everything that just happened was a staged performance by the Great True Person the Northwest?"

With the matter of Lifeless Valley settled, the Great True Person departed one after another.

Qi Yun, mingling among the scattered stray cultivators' escape lights, quietly left this desolate valley that had become a place of conflict.

But on the way, he overheard a secret revealed by the Wealth Connects to the Divine.

It turns out that the Southern Yin Dynasty's northern expedition has caused a great calamity for the entire cultivation world in the Northwest.

The Four Northwestern Sects —or rather, the True Lord of the Four Sects—are the real driving forces behind the scenes!

"Why, after spending so much money and planning for hundreds of years, was it all just to give away an Imperial Weapon?"

Qi Yun was filled with doubts and couldn't understand why this was happening.

What kind of treasure is the Imperial Weapon?

Even if it cannot be activated immediately, its material, its Daoist essence, and its symbolic meaning are enough to drive any force crazy.

Even if it just looks nice at home and is simply used as a vase, that's fine too.

Why would we go to such lengths to push it into the enemy's hands?

"Hehehe----" Cai Shen emitted a spiritual fluctuation that carried a sense of vicissitude and a hint of self-mockery.

"Young friend, you are unaware of the predicament that makes the existence of Imperial Weapon so precarious."

Our Imperial Weapon are forged by Emperor Taizong with the full power of the nation, the auspicious energy of the dynasty, the will of the people, and Qiongqi. They are truly a Creation of nature, capturing the essence of the sun and moon, and possessing unparalleled power.

It paused, a hint of helplessness in its thoughts. "However, the way of heaven and earth is that with gain comes loss."

For something of this size and status to survive in the world, it must continuously draw upon the necessary resources to maintain its foundation.

Just like living beings in the mortal world need to eat and drink in order to survive.

"And we Imperial Weapon, which maintain our spiritual essence and enduring Daoist spirit, also need to draw upon the primordial energy of heaven and earth; otherwise, we will fall into silence."

A sudden flash of insight struck Qi Yun, as if he had grasped something crucial.

Cai Shen continued, "About six hundred years ago, I awoke from a long slumber. My consciousness was just beginning to return, and I was in a daze."

To preserve this glimmer of light, it had no choice but to follow its instincts and spontaneously draw upon the spiritual energy of the Northwest Region to barely sustain its existence.

Although this approach is slow, like a gentle stream, over the years it has placed a considerable burden on the spiritual and cultural heritage of this northwestern region.

"Later, the True Lord of the Four Northwestern Sects found my resting place." Cai Shen's tone carried a hint of reminiscence.

"They were naturally overjoyed at first, thinking they had obtained a tremendous fortuitous opportunity and could use this Imperial Weapon to suppress all directions."

However, when they attempted to refine and activate me, they triggered an ironclad law engraved deep within our very being by Emperor Taizong.

Its spiritual fluctuations became solemn, as if quoting some supreme Principle: "[Emperor Taizong's Edict: No one other than an official of the Great Tang may wield Imperial Weapon without authorization]."

This is a fundamental restriction established when the weapon was forged, and it is one with our spirituality; even I myself cannot violate it.

They possess the might of True Lord, yet hold no official position in the Great Tang; they will only bring trouble upon themselves and suffer more losses than gains.

Qi Yun listened intently, for this explained why the Northwest True Lord, despite possessing the Imperial Weapon, was unable to use it.

"Thus, the situation became awkward." Cai Shen's tone was full of helplessness.

"Use it, but you can't use it; leave it, and I will continue to quietly and continuously replenish the vitality that belongs to this land."

It might not matter in the short term, but what about hundreds or thousands of years?

This ebb and flow will inevitably become a hidden danger affecting the foundation of the sect and hindering the Dao Path of future generations.

"So," Qi Yun's eyes showed a deeper realization, and he continued, "They then had an idea: rather than keeping you around..."

Perhaps we should try to send it out?

For example, the Southern Yin Dynasty, which coveted the Northwest and also yearned for Imperial Weapon.

"You're a promising young man." Cai Shen's spiritual sense carried an air of approval. "You can roughly deduce what will happen next."

How can I be discovered naturally?

How can we convince Southern Yin to believe us wholeheartedly and to spare no expense to obtain it?

How can we maximize the interests of the Four Northwestern Sects during this process, such as by using Southern Yin to eliminate internal instability and weaken the combined forces of Southern Yin and the righteous forces?

This caused conflict between the Southern Yin Dynasty and the righteous path.

Even after the Imperial Weapon was taken away, they were still able to stand on the moral high ground.

This would require a meticulously planned and extremely realistic drama.

Those True Lord had been planning this play for hundreds of years.

Now, the curtain has finally fallen.

"So that's how it is—this Imperial Weapon is not only useless to them, but also a hot potato." Qi Yun finally understood, and many doubts in his heart were suddenly cleared up, but then he was also somewhat amused and exasperated.

"In that case, isn't this Imperial Weapon completely useless?"

"Who are you calling useless!" Cai Shen's spiritual energy surged suddenly, filled with obvious dissatisfaction. "That's your problem!"

You are simply unworthy to enjoy such a treasure and do not recognize its true value!

The might of our Imperial Weapon, if it were in the Great Tang, would be in the hands of a general holding the imperial seal or an important minister.

Enough to stabilize the nation's destiny, quell chaos, and restore order to the world!

Sweep across the world!

Emperor Taizong's Edict was a fundamental and ironclad rule to uphold the imperial dynasty's legitimacy and ensure the inviolability of the imperial regalia!

Even we, as beings of our own nature, have this engraved in our hearts, and it is inviolable.

How could the phrase "chicken rib" be used to so easily insult someone?

Cai Tongshen rolled his eyes dramatically, a palpable sense of pride belonging to the imperial weapons of the Tang Dynasty emanating from him.

On the mountain ridge, the gale swept through the crevices of the rocks, emitting a low, mournful sound.

As Qi Yun digested the shocking secret revealed by Cai Kun, the turmoil in his heart gradually subsided.

Only awe remained towards the profound scheming and long-term plans of those few Northwest True Lord.

To be able to manipulate a catastrophe that affected two regions and was intertwined with bloodshed into such a brilliant game of chess, one's vision, patience, and ruthlessness are truly beyond the reach of ordinary people.

However, a thought flashed through his mind like lightning. He frowned slightly and asked again with his Divine Sense: "Senior Cai Shen, if what you say is true, the Imperial Weapon is like a chicken rib for those without the official status of the Great Tang Dynasty, or even a burden."

The Southern Yin Dynasty, which claimed to be the legitimate dynasty, was after all not the Great Tang.

If they expend enormous resources to acquire the Imperial Weapon, only to find that they are also unable to activate it, and even perceive that it is continuously draining the vital energy of the Southern Yin territory—

At that point, won't they get angry and try to throw this "hot potato" back at them?

This is the seemingly most unstable link in the entire plan.

Southern Yin was not dull-witted; Celestial Master Chen of the Heavenly Secrets Sect was renowned for his ability to deduce celestial secrets.

They will notice the unusual nature of the Imperial Weapon sooner or later.

"Hehe," Cai Shen's spiritual fluctuations carried an almost cunning certainty, "Young friend, your considerations are thorough."

However, you should think about it.

First, if I hadn't proactively revealed the key points, how long would it have taken them to fully understand the fundamental principle of how our Imperial Weapon maintain their spirituality, and the strictness of the official restrictions set up by Emperor Taizong, simply by exploring and verifying on their own?

"It could take anywhere from a few decades to several hundred years."

During this time, they would only assume that their own cultivation was insufficient, their refining methods were flawed, or that they needed to be slowly nurtured and harmonized with the dynasty's fortune; they would hardly consider such a fundamental limitation as official position.

"Secondly," Cai Kun's tone turned serious, with a hint of solemnity, "It's easy to invite a god, but difficult to send him away."

Once the Imperial Weapon itself crosses mountains and rivers and officially settles in the Southern Yin territory, the cause and effect of its absorption of the primordial energy of heaven and earth will be quietly tied to the ley lines of the southern mountains and rivers.

As time goes on, this cause and effect, like vines taking root, becomes difficult to sever easily.

At that time, let alone whether Southern Yin is willing to return it, even if they truly have the intention, do you think those True Lord in the Northwest would agree?

"I see—" Qi Yun nodded slowly, the last bit of doubt in his heart dissipating.

This strategy not only considered the step of "sending it out," but also anticipated the possibility that the other party might want to send it back.

It encompasses cause and effect, geographical advantages, and human nature.

The plan was meticulously crafted, with each step linked to the next, demonstrating a flawless strategy.

Having silently pieced together the entire picture of this chess game spanning hundreds of years, Qi Yun couldn't help but sigh slightly.

In order to achieve their core objective of "sending away the Imperial Weapon," the Northwest True Lord spared no time in planning and arranging, secretly pushing forward, and even using parts of their territory and their subordinate forces as bait.

Ultimately, they successfully dragged the Southern Yin Dynasty and various righteous sects of the South into the game, and the grand drama was completed amidst blood and fire.

Ultimately, this "burden" and potential future troubles were transferred to Southern Yin.

They also took this opportunity to sever the relationship between the Southern Yin Dynasty and the righteous sects.

Killing two birds with one stone—that's the essence of it.

The True Lord's methods are indeed as profound and immeasurable as an abyss.

"Fortunately." With a sigh, Qi Yun focused his mind inward, his gaze falling into the depths of the [Great Luo Heaven].

Besides Cai Shen's faint golden spiritual light, there were three other completely different orbs of light, each radiating a profound Daoist charm, quietly floating and sinking.

One is a hazy, bluish-gray hue, resembling the nascent stage of all things, the beginning of cause and effect, which is the [Origin of Beginnings].

One aspect possesses inner radiance, reaching its full potential and flourishing continuously; this is the [Origin of Flourishing].

One is weak yet resilient, swaying between reality and illusion, seemingly concealing infinite possibilities; this is the Mystery of Suspension and Concealment].

These three elements are the third of the [Four Seasons] that he personally participated in during the tumultuous karmic calamity in Lifeless Valley, stirring up the storm and ultimately forming in its initial stages!

"Although this trip to Lifeless Valley was fraught with danger and I was drawn into the True Lord's chess game, I have gained a great deal from it." Qi Yun's lips curled up slightly, and a look of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

Cai Kun's secrecy, the supreme and unique warning, and the convergence of the Four Seasons —any one of these can be considered a tremendous fortuitous opportunity.

Risk and reward have always gone hand in hand.

He undoubtedly won his gamble this time.

Now, only the final step remains in the Four Seasons.

He's one step closer to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage stage!

The mountain wind was biting, causing his dark blue Daoist robe to flutter loudly.

Qi Yun on the desolate ridge, gazing southeast, towards the territory of Southern Yin, which was also the direction to which the Imperial Weapon "Wealth Connects to the Divine" was taken.

A grand drama may have come to an end, but new causes and effects have been sown, and an even greater storm may be brewing.

Qi Yun withdrew his gaze and stopped thinking about it.

The most important thing right now is to find a place to cultivate in seclusion and consolidate our gains.

And to seek that final opportunity of the [Four Seasons].

With a flicker, he transformed into an inconspicuous streak of bluish-gray light, silently disappearing into the even more desolate and secluded shadows of the mountains below, like a drop of water returning to the sea, leaving no trace.