Chapter 187

Li Heng returned to the courtyard alone. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. When the entire army withdrew from Chang 'an, Li Heng had already planned everything out. When his father was still on the throne, treacherous officials took control of the court, causing the country to fall and the people to be hung upside down. Ma Huaipo had already succeeded in his plan. After moving the capital, he could do whatever he wanted and create a new Tang Dynasty. In the past few days, the officials, especially Yu Chao 'en, had been wantonly advocating that Li Heng was the destined ruler of the Tang Dynasty and would definitely sweep away the decline of the Tang Dynasty.

In the past, Geshu Han and Go Seonji, the old officials who could not be removed, had all died. After stabilizing Guo Ziyi, the Tang Court under Li Heng's rule naturally regarded him as the only one with authority and will. Unexpectedly, there was also Li Jinglong!

Li Heng had long forgotten about this matter. He disliked Li Jinglong the most. When he was still a hedonistic son, Li Heng saw that he was talented and wanted to recruit him. Unexpectedly, this fellow was too tactless and criticized the crown prince's military affairs. Relying on the fact that he was from a family of generals, he spoke without thinking. Thus, Li Heng gave up on the idea. Later on, when he heard that Li Jinglong had been thrown into the Long Wu Army as a vase of honor, he no longer cared about this person.

Unexpectedly, after the Exorcism Department was established, Li Jinglong's status was no longer the same as before. Even more troublesome was that in the past, his father listened to everything he said. Although there was often friction between the sovereign and his officials, they still trusted each other. Even worse was that although Li Jinglong was young, he could be considered an 'old official'.

Old officials were always troublesome to the crown prince.

"Your Highness, Li Jinglong, Mo Rigen, Hongjun, Lu Xu, and Chao Yun of the Exorcism Department request an audience," the eunuch said in a low voice.

Li Heng frowned. "Again? What's Chao Yun? Pass it on. "

The eunuch whispered into Li Heng's ear. Li Heng was instantly enraged.

"What do you mean?" Li Heng asked. "Treat them as the sovereign? Did you hear wrong? "

The eunuch nodded fearfully.

"What kind of person is the Crown Prince?" Although he had already received Li Jinglong's answer, Hongjun couldn't help but ask again.

"He's a martial artist." Li Jinglong's answer was different from the first time.

Hongjun said, "I think you should do it."

Li Jinglong said, "This meeting is very important. I can't 'come'."

"You promised me." Hongjun was a little uneasy.

Li Jinglong laughed and said, "There are some words that are more useful when spoken by you than when spoken by me."

Everyone stood outside the palace and waited. Mo Rigen said, "I don't think he will."

"He will." Li Jinglong said, "Because he doesn't know what we want to do."

Everyone waited for a while before a eunuch came out to report, "Marquis, His Highness orders …"

"If he doesn't do as I ask," Li Jinglong said, "we'll go back."

These words made the eunuch speechless. The eunuch could only go back and report. In the end, they waited for a full hour. Everyone sat on the steps outside and chatted for a while. The eunuch came out again and looked at the five people, saying, "Marquis, please."

The Tang Dynasty had its own rules for receiving foreign envoys and special rules for receiving the sovereign of vassal states. But from ancient times until now, very few sovereign of a state had personally come to visit the Li Clan's Son of Heaven. Most of them were envoys. The place where the capital was moved to the west was Lingwu City. Chengdu didn't have a complicated ceremonial procession. Li Heng could only summon the six armies, each sending ten people to guard the procession. He sat facing the south and left a guest seat. According to the etiquette, the tables and utensils were listed and Li Jinglong was summoned into the hall.

He really didn't understand Li Jinglong's intentions. First, he mercilessly ridiculed him when he returned and then reported that the Son of Heaven of another country was coming to visit. However, this matter could be big or small. The Tang Dynasty had just lost, so foreign affairs couldn't be careless. If it really was the Son of Heaven of another country, Li Heng definitely wouldn't dare to act rashly.

The Minister of Rites just so happened to be in the Jingong Palace. Amidst the beating of the drums, Hongjun, dressed in the official robes of the Exorcist Division, walked at the very front. His face was filled with astonishment and he stopped for a moment.

Hongjun entered the hall and met Li Heng face to face. Li Heng's face was blank, and then he became angry again. With a darkened face, he asked, "Li Jinglong! Where's the sovereign of a foreign country? Are you really going to make fun of this seat?! "

"I am," Hongjun replied.

Everyone in the hall held their breaths. Li Heng also realized this and swept his gaze over Li Jinglong and the others.

Li Jinglong left Hongjun at this moment and sat behind Li Heng. Chao Yun, Mo Rigen, and Lu Xu followed Hongjun to the guest seats in the hall.

"Just now, in front of outsiders, it was inconvenient to say too much." Hongjun said to Li Heng. "I originally wanted to go to Lingwu to meet you, but we just happened to meet in Chengdu. Let's have a chat. Close the door and have the officials leave. "

Li Heng: "…"

Li Heng was flabbergasted as he stared at Hongjun. He had already lost count of the number of times he had seen this kid. For a moment, he was still in a dream and had yet to recover his senses.

"Wait a moment," Li Heng said. "You all … are serious?"

Li Heng felt that these people had listened to Li Jinglong's words to make fun of him. Mo Rigen said, "Hongjun is my king."

Li Heng was instantly dumbfounded. In the past, when Li Jinglong was not here, Mo Rigen was in charge of the Exorcist Division. Li Heng was actually more familiar with him and knew that this tall and thin youth was scrupulous and never lied.

"Which country's Son of Heaven are you?" Li Heng asked.

"Let them leave first," Hongjun urged.

"His Highness's body is priceless!" Yu Chao 'en said. "How can he be alone in a room with you all?"

"I really want to do something," Hongjun said. "Can you all stop me?"

Li Heng had heard from the Six Armies' Hu Sheng about the situation of the battle when they retreated from Chang 'an. Qiu Yongsi had summoned dragons and Hongjun had killed everywhere. Normal people were not his match at all. Hearing this, he ordered everyone to leave. He then said, "Yu Chao' en, stay behind and summon Hu Sheng and Chen Xuanli."

Finally, the guards closed the door. Li Jinglong said, "Your Highness, this is the Demon King of the human realm. After Hei Jiao's Xie Yu was killed, the demon race of the world was unified and revered as their leader."

When these words were said, Hu Sheng, Yu Chao 'en, and Chen Xuanli's faces turned ashen. Li Heng suddenly thought of a long time ago, when the Exorcism Department was established, Yang Guozhong's words of alienation. At the time, Yang Guozhong warned Li Longji that there were people in the Exorcism Department with demonic blood that could cause a great disaster in the future.

Afterwards, Li Jinglong used his actions to prove and convince Li Longji. He even used the example of the Son of Heaven being on the throne and all countries coming to court. Only then did the Emperor not mention this matter again.

"Son of Heaven," Hongjun said. "After learning that you will succeed the throne and become the next Son of Heaven, this King has come to congratulate you."

Li Heng still had not recovered from his shock. He stared at Hongjun in a daze and muttered, "Hongjun Kong, you … your background is not small."

"My father was once the master of Taihang Mountain's Dazzling Golden Palace." Hongjun replied. "Before his death, he passed the throne to me. I hope that your Tang Dynasty will continue to prosper and prosper."

Saying this, Hongjun released a five-colored divine light. The divine light in his hand turned into a flying peacock that flew towards the crowd. Hu Sheng couldn't help but cry out in alarm. When the glowing little peacock flew towards Li Heng, it shattered into light powder and dissipated.

For a moment, Li Heng was confused. "As a Demonic King, why did you come to my Tang Dynasty?"

"At that time, Hongjun was still a prince." Li Jinglong explained for Hongjun to Li Heng. "I came down to the mortal world to gain experience and shoulder the mission of unifying the demonic race that had been divided for a long time."

"Humans and demons walk different paths," Li Heng muttered. "You and I are friends, not enemies. The three people behind you are all demons?"

Mo Rigen and Lu Xu had the ability to transform. Strictly speaking, they were 'not humans'. Although the two never admitted that they were demons, in the end, they still had to be classified as demons if they couldn't be categorized. Chao Yun was orthodox and immediately replied, "Yes, we are all demons. Why don't I transform into my original form for you to see?"

Li Jinglong was about to stop her when he suddenly changed his mind. This wasn't a bad idea. Then, Chao Yun suddenly transformed into a snake and flew up. Everyone was shocked and shouted in panic. Li Heng retreated. Chao Yun's transformation ability could be big or small. After circling around the hall, she returned to her seat.

"The Grey Wolf, the White Deer, and the Snake," Hongjun said. "They all have a deep relationship with my demonic race."

The cups and plates on the table were in a mess. Li Heng was even more shocked. "Even if you, the Demonic King, personally came, as the Son of Heaven with the protection of the North Star, I …"

"You don't," Chao Yun suddenly said.

Li Jinglong's expression instantly changed. Chao Yun said seriously, "You are not the Emperor's eldest son and don't have the North Star. Only after you worship the heavens and ascend the throne can you obtain the power of the North Star and the protection of heaven and earth."

Chao Yun's words were true, but in Li Heng's ears, they were extremely grating.

"What do you want to do?" Li Heng said in a deep voice. "Say it. In the end, evil can't prevail over good. If you want to take advantage of people's difficulties, even if the entire Tang Dynasty dies, we will never yield!"

"It's not that serious." Hongjun didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "We just came to congratulate you."

Li Jinglong said, "Your Highness, Hongjun's mother is a human and has an old affection for the human race. In the past, when she traveled the Chang 'an, she was even more attached to the prosperity of our human world. This time, Tianma has descended. You also know …"

"The demonic beasts have put in a lot of effort," Li Heng said indifferently.

"We are willing to make an eternal pact with the human race." Hongjun picked up his teacup and said, "We will never fight."

Li Heng smiled bitterly. "Your Exorcism Division has long been in cahoots with the demonic beasts. Do you think I can refuse?"

"Our enemy has never been the entire demonic race," Li Jinglong said.

"Humans are the spirit of all things." Hongjun explained, "Humans are also residents of the Divine Great Land like us. We are willing to use the Exorcism Division as a bridge to assist the Son of Heaven in realizing the resurgence of the Tang Dynasty. We are even more unwilling to see humans and demonic beasts kill each other."

With these words, it was Li Heng who lost his composure. Li Heng pondered for a moment and then said, "Let me think about it carefully."

Li Heng couldn't answer Hongjun on the spot. This was within Li Jinglong's expectations. Hongjun nodded and said, "If so, then I will take my leave."

Li Heng: "Then you …"

"Before An Lushan is executed, I will still be a member of the Exorcism Division," Hongjun replied. "Once the human world is at peace, I will find another place to go."

Finally, Li Jinglong and Hongjun came out. Hongjun's back was covered in sweat. He asked Li Jinglong, "How did I do?"

The two of them had naturally discussed this in advance. Li Jinglong smiled and gave him a thumbs up. Lu Xu and Mo Rigen leaned against the palace wall and sized up Li Jinglong.

Mo Rigen suddenly said, "Elder Scribe."

Li Jinglong: "From now on, everyone is free to move. In three days, we will set out together and go to Ruoergai."

"Amazing," Mo Rigen said.

"Amazing," Lu Xu said with a smile.

Mo Rigen and Lu Xu left side by side to take a stroll around the capital. Hongjun was confused, while Li Jinglong smiled embarrassedly.

"What do you mean?" Hongjun asked in surprise.

"I'm praising you," Li Jinglong said.

"I'm clearly praising you." Hongjun was confused. He didn't know that a new era was slowly being opened up between him and Li Jinglong. That afternoon, the two of them went to Chengdu Cottage. It was a simple thatched hut in the suburbs that wasn't even fully covered with grass. Li Bai and Du Fu sat in the hut and drank wine. Du Fu was frowning and sighing. When Hongjun entered, he immediately cheered.

"You're still alive!" Li Bai said drunkenly. "Come, come, come! Drink! "

Li Jinglong had just sat down and chatted with a smile when a guard came and said that the Crown Prince wanted to see him. Li Jinglong said, "He really doesn't let me be idle for even a moment."

Li Bai said casually, "His Highness often talks about you these days. It's normal for him to be close to you."

Li Jinglong said, "I'm afraid he's scolding me." But after the two princes met, it was normal for the Crown Prince to summon him. He could only leave Hongjun in Li Bai's care and pick him up when he was done.

On the other side, Atay had just returned to the Exorcism Division. Everyone had already gone out to stroll around Chengdu. Only Trandol was waiting in the room. The child was drinking milk again.

"Why is he eating again?" Atay said, "He has to eat so many meals a day. Is there enough milk?"

Trandol said, "Children are all like this."

Atay was playing with his son when unexpectedly, a guard came and said that Great General Guo Ziyi wanted to see him. Trandol was startled and said, "You know him?"

Atay had already vaguely sensed during the day that the other party had obviously investigated his background and even invited Trandol. Atay took his wife and child and set out for Guo Ziyi's residence in Chengdu. Sure enough, Guo Ziyi saw Atay and said, "Yi Si Ai?"

Atay suddenly saw an old friend and smiled. "You are …"

"When your father brought you to see me, you were still in swaddling clothes." Guo Ziyi said with a smile, "Today, I'm giving you face and won't impeach Li Jinglong."

"Chief Shi is a good person." Trandol could not help but say, "You all blame him. If not for him, Chang 'an City would have long been wiped out."

Guo Ziyi laughed out loud once more. Compared to Geshu Han, who had a fiery temper, this old general was much more amicable and easy-going. He immediately set up a banquet to catch up with Atai. It turned out that Tegra's father, Yi Si Ai, came to the Central Plains and borrowed troops from Li Longji. He stayed in Luoyang for a period of time and got to know Guo Ziyi. Yi Si Ai was in dire straits and Guo Ziyi was proud of his success. The two unexpectedly hit it off.

After Yi Si Ai's wife gave birth to Tegra in Luoyang, she said goodbye to Guo Ziyi and left with her son in her arms. In the blink of an eye, many years had passed. The son of his old friend had a family and returned to the Tang Dynasty to become an exorcist. This made Guo Ziyi sigh endlessly.

Atay talked about the past with some sadness. Guo Ziyi knew that Yi Si Ai had died, but he did not know that his father had died so tragically. The Sassanid Dynasty was destroyed just like that with 200 Sassanid Knights fighting 30,000 Ramadan Black-Clothed Army.

"The son of the Knight Commander." Atay explained to Guo Ziyi, "The Sword of the Dynasty. His name is Ashina Chong. Today, he went out to buy … milk … uh … food for us. He's not at home."

Guo Ziyi's eyes turned red. He nodded repeatedly and said, "You were born in Luoyang. It can be seen that you and the Tang Dynasty are predestined. In the future, you should stay here and establish your career. I see that Li Jinglong is also a general who can distinguish right from wrong. He has great courage and great strategy. Why do you have to put such a heavy burden on yourself?"

Atay remained silent. In the end, he only smiled sadly.

Trandol smiled and said, "I'm advising Tegra to stay in the Tang Dynasty …"

Atay said, "I will definitely go back."

Trandol remained silent. Guo Ziyi said, "When the time comes, I'll talk to the Crown Prince."

Atay hurriedly thanked Guo Ziyi. However, the current Tang Dynasty had already formed a relationship with the Ramadan. After many generations, why would the Central Plains Dynasty care about a Sassanid who had lost power for more than 70 years and could not reclaim their country? The most helpless thing was knowing that there was no hope, but still unable to let it go.

Atay suddenly thought of something and asked Guo Ziyi, "Old General Guo, since you knew my father back then, I wonder if he had a golden magical item when he was alive?"

"Magical item?" Guo Ziyi thought for a moment and said, "What is it?"

Atay did not know if his father had taken the Vajra Arrow, the Demon Subduing Pestle, or the Sun Wheel. He did not even take anything. He just asked to try his luck. Guo Ziyi pondered for a moment, as if thinking back. After thinking for a while, Atay did not dare to interrupt, so Guo Ziyi ordered the meal to be served. Atay and Trandol were served first.

During the meal, Guo Ziyi asked Atay about the aftermath of the Chang 'an, half out of concern and half out of courtesy. Atay knew that Li Jinglong had most likely asked him to ask to confirm whether Li Jinglong had any disloyal intentions. After all, the court was more or less afraid of the Exorcism Department. After the three battles at Luoyang, Tongguan, and Chang' an, the people worshipped Li Jinglong as a god, and rumors spread everywhere.

He did not beat around the bush and answered seriously, basically matching Guo Ziyi's investigation. As he spoke, Guo Ziyi suddenly thought of something and said, "There seems to be such a thing."

Atay: "!!!"

"What is it?" Atay asked with a frown.

"It's a golden hoop." Guo Ziyi gestured with his hand and said, "It's about the size of a bracelet and has the Nine Syllables inscribed on it …"

Atay immediately asked for a brush and paper for Guo Ziyi to draw. He asked, "Did you give it to anyone?"

Guo Ziyi said, "When your father first met me, he did not have this golden hoop. Later on, I don't know when, but he started wearing it on his wrist. Before he left, he still wore it when he bid me farewell. He probably brought it back to the Western Regions."