bookbashuk Chapter 171 Returning to Lin'an
Chapter 171 Returning to Lin'an
Chapter 171 Returning to Lin'an
Zhao Yu never expected that his other self would be in such a tragic situation, and that the one chasing him was the infamous Evil King Shi Zhixuan.
No wonder I was forced into such a sorry state.
The leader of the eight great masters of the Demonic Sect, he possesses unparalleled mastery of the Undying Seal Technique and is a top-tier figure who combines martial arts skills with strategic acumen.
In the Tang Dynasty, a world teeming with martial arts masters, Shi Zhixuan was among the very best, far surpassing the Five Greats of the Condor Heroes world in strength.
However, Zhao Yu clenched his fist, feeling the increasingly refined true energy within his body after its fusion, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.
So what if it's Shi Zhixuan?
This fusion differs from the previous two. Out of a sense of security, Zhao Yu of the Tang Dynasty world has honed his stealth skills to an unparalleled level.
Furthermore, the Tang Dynasty world is at a higher level than the Condor Heroes world, so even though his martial arts skills are far from being the best in the world, they are still above the Five Greats.
After the two Zhao Yu merged, their internal energy surged again, which actually pushed Zhao Yu to defy his innate nature and reach a higher level of skill.
Moreover, most of the martial arts in the Tang Dynasty world involve spiritual cultivation. Zhao Yu, whose spiritual power had already reached a state of perfection, has now reached an even higher level, and his spiritual power can almost be solidified.
Previously, Zhao Yu had never dared to confront Shi Zhixuan head-on, but now he wanted to see for himself.
With a thought, Zhao Yu vanished from the spot and returned to the Southern Song Dynasty.
He composed himself and slowly walked out of the tent.
The guards standing outside the tent, swords drawn, stood tall and alert, but they were completely unaware of Zhao Yu's presence until he had completely emerged.
It wasn't until Zhao Yu took three steps away that everyone suddenly snapped out of their daze and exclaimed, "Your Majesty!"
Everyone's face showed surprise.
They stood guard at the tent entrance without leaving for a moment, completely unaware of when the emperor came out. Such negligence could have disastrous consequences if an assassin were to appear.
Zhao Yu waved his hand, signaling them to stand up: "Did you notice anything unusual while on duty?"
The guards looked at each other and shook their heads: "Reporting to Your Majesty, there has been no unusual activity."
Zhao Yu nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
The Bird Crossing Technique's ability to conceal itself is indeed well-deserved.
After merging with his past self from the Tang Dynasty world, Zhao Yu not only became more refined in his internal energy, but his stealth and concealment skills also became incredibly versatile.
Even he himself had a feeling that as long as he was willing to conceal his aura, he could stand in a crowd like an ordinary stone and not be easily noticed.
"Send the order to break camp and set off." He said no more, mounted his horse, and said, "With light cavalry and minimal entourage, we will travel day and night to return to Lin'an as soon as possible."
"Here you go!"
Leaving one group of men to pack up the camp's supplies, Zhao Yu led his elite light cavalry ahead.
They rode at breakneck speed and arrived outside Lin'an City in just two days.
At this time, the officials in the city were still discussing the arrangements for welcoming the emperor. They calculated that the emperor would not arrive for at least six or seven days. No one expected that the emperor would return so quickly.
Zhao Yu made no fuss and led his personal guards directly into the city through the south gate of the imperial city.
The palace servants and eunuchs along the way were startled and panicked when they suddenly saw the emperor's entourage. They all knelt down and paid their respects.
Zhao Yu had no time to care about any of that and rode straight to the inner palace.
In the warm pavilion of Kunning Palace, Lin Chaoying was sitting behind a long table by the window, holding a book in her hand, but she hadn't turned a single page for a long time.
The sunlight outside the window fell on her plain dress, making her features appear cool and aloof, yet a hint of weariness lingered in her eyes.
Ever since Zhao Yu went on his northern expedition, she had to manage the inner palace while also cooperating with Huang Yaoshi to stabilize the court. She didn't sleep a wink on the night of the palace coup.
I held on for months, relying entirely on sheer willpower to persevere.
Lin Hongyu, standing to the side, couldn't help but whisper, "Miss, you've been looking at this page for ages and haven't even touched it. Why don't you take a break? Didn't they say the young master is on his way? He'll be back soon."
Lin Chaoying gave a soft "hmm," but her body remained motionless.
Just then, the light and shadow behind her flickered slightly.
Lin Hongyu glanced up unintentionally and caught sight of the figure at the door, which startled her so much that she almost screamed.
Just as he was about to speak, Zhao Yu raised his index finger, making a shushing gesture.
Seeing Zhao Yu's gaze, for some reason, Lin Hongyu swallowed back the words that were on the tip of her tongue, subconsciously nodded, and held her breath.
Martial arts in the Tang Dynasty world inherently involve spiritual cultivation, and after fusion, Zhao Yu's Soul Transfer Technique becomes even more powerful.
They can influence others without even speaking, just with their eyes.
Zhao Yu tiptoed and quietly walked up behind Lin Chaoying.
Her martial arts skills were not weak, and she should have noticed it long ago, but at this moment her mind was not focused, and in addition, Zhao Yu's Bird Crossing Technique concealed his aura to the extreme, so she did not notice it at all.
The next instant, a pair of warm arms wrapped around her from behind, gently encircling her.
"Sister Lin, I'm back."
A familiar voice rang in my ears, carrying a touch of warmth.
Lin Chaoying's body stiffened abruptly, startled at first, then she relaxed completely.
She didn't turn around, but slowly raised her hand and placed it on the back of Zhao Yu's hand, her fingertips trembling slightly.
"So the Emperor does know to come back."
Lin Chaoying's tone carried a hint of reproach, but the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved upwards, and there seemed to be a glint of tears in her eyes.
Months of worry, concern, and exhaustion from forcing myself to stay afloat all rushed over in that instant.
Despite her unparalleled martial arts skills and resilient character, she was ultimately a woman who longed for her husband's safe return.
Zhao Yu's heart softened, and he tightened his grip on her arm, gently resting his chin on the top of her head: "I'm sorry to have kept Sister Lin waiting."
Lin Hongyu stood to the side, watching the two embrace, her cheeks slightly flushed. She quickly and quietly retreated, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.
She stood guard under the eaves, not allowing anyone to approach.
The warm room was quiet, with only the sound of their overlapping breaths.
After an unknown amount of time, a soft knock sounded on the door.
"Your Majesty, Miss," Lin Hongyu's voice came from behind the door, "Lord Lei requests an audience with Your Majesty, saying he has come to plead guilty."
Zhao Yu sat up straight: "Okay, I'll be right there."
He was about to get up when he felt a weight on him.
A pair of arms, white as snow, wrapped around his neck and pulled him back with a slight pull.
Lin Chaoying's cheeks flushed slightly, and her voice carried an unusual softness: "Let that old man wait a little longer. He's so old, yet he has no sense at all, coming at this time of year."
"During the palace coup, he was easily placed under house arrest by Qian Xiangzu, even though they were both high-ranking officials. Who knows what other plans he might have? It won't hurt to leave him hanging for a while."
Zhao Yu chuckled and reached out to pinch her cheek: "Minister Lei is highly respected. When I seized the throne through a coup, it was he who took the lead in stabilizing the court. It wouldn't be right to keep an old minister waiting for too long and lose face as a ruler and his subject."
"Besides," he leaned closer and said with a smile, "if you keep making people wait, and then word gets out that the Emperor of the Song Dynasty is indulging in beautiful women and has stopped holding court, your reputation will be ruined."
Lin Chaoying blushed, reluctantly released her grip, and glared at him: "Who told you to be so infatuated with beautiful women? If you want to leave, then leave. Who cares if you want to stay?"
Despite her firm words, she still reached out to straighten his slightly disheveled clothes, her eyes full of tenderness.