dmims Page 560
Page 560
I have received the Mandate of Heaven, and since assuming the throne, I have been sleepless day and night, fearing that I will fail to live up to it.
The world is in turmoil, evil forces run rampant, and the treacherous cults and rebels are wreaking havoc on the Ming Dynasty, causing immense suffering and chaos to the nation. I am deeply distressed and indignant.
However, Heaven blessed the Ming Dynasty, sending down heroes to Mount Hua. Among them was the chivalrous Jiang Ning, who possessed divine skills, a chivalrous heart and courage, who vanquished demons and protected the righteous path, saving the world and helping people. He was truly a blessing for the nation and a boon for all living beings.
Its achievements are threefold, as Heaven and Earth can attest!
First, he used his sword to vanquish the demons, beheading their leader Ren Woxing and the demonic cultist Ren Yingying.
Secondly, he subdued the tortoise and snake. Deep in the Qinling Mountains, he subdued the two ferocious beasts, the Xuan Turtle and the Spirit Snake, and transformed their malevolent energy, making them guardian spirit beasts to protect the mountains and rivers of the Ming Dynasty.
Thirdly, he saved the emperor and protected the country. The Five Poisons Cult secretly infiltrated the palace, plotting to assassinate the emperor and plunge the nation into chaos. At the critical moment when the emperor's life hung by a thread, and the survival of the nation was at stake, the chivalrous Jiang Ning single-handedly turned the tide, thwarted the Five Poisons Cult, and saved the emperor from dire straits. His loyalty shines as bright as the sun and moon, and his merit will be remembered for eternity!
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the people kneeling down shifted slightly.
Upon hearing the third point, they realized that the Five Poisons Sect had gone to the capital to attempt to assassinate the emperor, but they were also surprised that it was Jiang Ning who saved the emperor.
It's no wonder that when the Huashan Sect issued its proclamation to exterminate the demons, the imperial court also issued an edict to fully support the righteous path in its fight against the demons.
Only then did everyone realize what was happening.
But at this moment, none of them dared to utter a word, and they obediently knelt on the ground to receive the imperial decree.
Wang Zhi continued.
But whether it was just his imagination or not, Wang Zhi, who had been reciting the imperial edict without the slightest pause, seemed to pause for a moment.
At this moment, Wang Zhi's pupils contracted slightly, as if he had seen something unbelievable. He subconsciously glanced at Jiang Ning, his heart filled with shock.
Many thoughts flashed through his mind, but only for a moment. Wang Zhi suppressed his shock and continued reading the imperial edict.
"I was moved by his sincere heart in protecting the country, and I dreamt of Emperor Taizong Wen that night."
Emperor Taizong decreed:
This child is the reincarnation of the True Martial Emperor of the North Pole, destined to face calamity. He should wield the power to vanquish demons and protect the nation, receiving divine mandate to glorify his virtue!
Everyone was greatly shocked upon hearing this.
Chongxu suddenly looked up at Jiang Ning, his eyes filled with shock.
Wang Zhi's voice continued.
"I was startled awake and burned incense to pray to Heaven. Sure enough, I saw the Purple Star shining brightly, Zhenwu manifesting his divine power, and a tortoise and snake coiling in the clouds. Holy light shone brightly, and auspicious clouds filled the sky. Heaven's mandate was clear!"
Upon reading this, Wang Zhi's pupils trembled, and his hands trembled slightly involuntarily.
"Now, in accordance with the will of Heaven and the edict of Emperor Taizong, this imperial decree is hereby promulgated:"
Now, by imperial decree, the chivalrous Jiang Ning is hereby conferred the title of…
"The Holy One... Protector of the Nation..."
"Demon-Subduing Celestial Venerable!"
"Holding power over the mortal world and its sects."
"To rule over all Taoism under heaven."
Chapter 761: A Day That Will Be Recorded in the History of the Martial World
Jiang Ning looked astonished upon hearing this.
As Wang Zhisheng finished speaking, everyone was so shocked that they were speechless for a long time.
"The Demon-Slaying... Celestial Venerable?"
A martial arts practitioner was horrified.
Everyone instinctively looked towards Chongxu.
Even with Chongxu's decades of experience in composure, his expression kept changing.
He knew that Zhu Houzhao was likely sending an angel to bestow titles upon Jiang Ning. He thought that Zhu Houzhao would at most bestow the title of "True Man" upon Jiang Ning. He did not expect that Zhu Houzhao would actually bestow the title of "Demon-Subduing Heavenly Venerable" upon Jiang Ning.
What is he doing at Wudang?
Chongxu's expression kept changing, showing shock as well as a hint of anger.
It is important to know that the rules of Taoism are very strict. The highest title a living Taoist master can attain is "True Person". Even after death, he is only posthumously granted the title of "True Lord". No emperor has ever bestowed such a grand title upon a living person.
Why did Zhu Houzhao go through such a huge controversy? What was he thinking?
Chongxu's mind was in turmoil, and his emotions were fluctuating.
Just then, a cold pool at the foot of the back mountain of Mount Hua suddenly rippled, and a jet-black spirit snake rushed out of the pool and crawled up the back mountain wall.
Meanwhile, a thud that shook the ground could be heard from another mountain peak.
Before long, the Xuan Turtle and the Spirit Serpent arrived as if summoned.
hiss!
Roar!
The Xuan Turtle and the Spirit Serpent roared incessantly behind Jiang Ning.
This scene was even more breathtaking.
Chongxu, who was originally filled with a myriad of emotions, was suddenly stunned when he saw this scene. He looked at the Zhenwu Sword at Jiang Ning's waist, and then at the Xuan Turtle Spirit Serpent behind Jiang Ning.
Chongxu's mind was being impacted.
Upon suddenly seeing these two enormous beasts, their ferocious aura was overwhelming, even causing Wang Zhi, a top-tier expert, to be momentarily shaken.
But his voice continued.
"Ranked among the highest ranks, equivalent to a prince, and forever enjoying the incense offerings and sacrificial rites of the Ming Dynasty."
"From this day forward, build the Demon-Slaying Hall on Mount Hua, sculpt a golden statue, and cast a tortoise and snake image."
"Jiang Ning is my sworn brother. Now, following Emperor Taizong's dream instructions, I have bestowed upon him a nine-tassel crown, a purple jade belt, and permission to ride in the imperial carriage."
"The Great Ming Dynasty is fortunate that the True Martial Emperor has been reincarnated to save the world, granting a general amnesty and reducing taxes for three years. All under heaven rejoice!"
That concludes the contents of the imperial edict.
But everyone was still in shock and couldn't recover.
Wang Zhi put away the imperial edict and presented it to Jiang Ning with both hands.
"Master Jiang".
Jiang Ning was also shocked by Zhu Houzhao's audacity.
A moment of silence.
Jiang Ning accepted the imperial edict.
Wang Zhi added, "In addition, His Majesty knows that Master Jiang is fond of the Daoist Canon, and ordered me to bring a copy of the Yongle Encyclopedia to present to Master Jiang."
Logically, such an honor should also include rare and precious treasures, but Zhu Houzhao understood Jiangning and knew that these things would not impress him. So, he waved his hand and directly ordered Wang Zhi to bring a copy of the Yongle Encyclopedia to Mount Hua.
Jiang Ning was indeed moved.
The Yongle Encyclopedia is the greatest book in history, encompassing everything. After Emperor Taizong ordered officials to compile it, it was kept in the palace and strictly forbidden from being circulated outside.
The fact that Jiang Ning was able to see the Yongle Encyclopedia when he entered the palace last time was already an exception; he never expected that Zhu Houzhao would give him such a grand gift.
The Yongle Encyclopedia is a treasure that no amount of gold or silver could buy.
Jiang Ning looked solemn.
"Please thank His Majesty on my behalf, Eunuch Wang."
Wang Zhi smiled slightly.
"When His Majesty ordered me to transport a copy of the Yongle Encyclopedia, he also instructed me to bring Master Jiang with me."
"Your Majesty said, does my sworn brother still remember the promise you made to him at the Zhenwu Temple?"
Jiang Ning's expression shifted, and Zhu Houzhao's words from that day echoed in his mind.
"I will give you a great gift, but now is not the time. You will know in the future."
Now Wang Zhi has arrived carrying the imperial edict and the Yongle Encyclopedia, which is exactly the grand gift that Zhu Houzhao mentioned back then.
Jiang Ning remained silent for a moment.
Today, Zhu Houzhao has indeed given him a very impressive gift.
Seeing that Jiang Ning remained silent, Wang Zhi was not curious about what he was saying, and cupped his hands in greeting.
"Master Jiang, I must return to the capital to report back, and I must take my leave now."
Originally, Wang Zhi hadn't planned to come this time. He was having a great time fighting with those civil officials in the capital, but Zhu Houzhao had specifically requested his presence, so he had to hurry back.
Jiang Ning also cupped his hands in greeting.
"Please proceed with caution."
Wang Zhi left with his subordinates, arriving in haste and departing just as quickly, waving his sleeves as if he hadn't taken a single cloud with him.
But his trip left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone present.
Today is destined to be a day recorded in the annals of martial arts history.
Chapter 762: Reasonable
"This... the Demon-Slaying Celestial Venerable..."
Everyone was still in shock.
Whether it was the unusual celestial phenomenon that occurred when Jiang Ning took office today, or the flock of cranes that came to pay homage, it had already broadened their horizons.
But the imperial edict brought by Wang Zhi was like a heavy hammer that struck their hearts.
Of course, the most bewildered group at this moment was Wudang.
Everyone couldn't help but turn their attention to the Wudang group.
At this moment, all the Wudang disciples looked bewildered.
Wudang reveres the True Martial Emperor. Now, the current emperor directly claims that Jiang Ning is the reincarnation of the True Martial Emperor. What should Wudang do now?
The bewildered Wudang disciples couldn't help but look at Chongxu, who was equally bewildered.
Chongxu didn't know what to do with Wudang either.
……
now.
Beijing.
"Your Majesty, according to the schedule, Chief Supervisor Wang will deliver His Majesty's decree to Mount Hua today."
Liu Jin spoke cautiously in front of Zhu Houzhao.
"Um……"
Zhu Houzhao leaned back in his recliner, picked up a grape with one hand and popped it into his mouth. He smiled as he savored the sweetness.
"I imagine my sworn brother must be quite shocked upon receiving this decree."
It was more than just shocking; it was unprecedented.
Liu Jin thought to himself.
The Taoist priests nearby looked at each other, all with wry smiles on their faces.
They knew about Zhu Houzhao's move in advance, and after learning about it, they sternly refused, and they would not allow such a thing to happen.
The Wudang sect reveres the Zhenwu Emperor. Isn't Zhu Houzhao's action a desecration of the Zhenwu Emperor?
They would rather die than agree!
These old Taoist priests were also planning to write to Chongxu to inform him of Zhu Houzhao's shocking plan, but Zhu Houzhao strictly forbade it.
Even so, the old Taoist priests were still unwilling until news of Jiang Ning's subjugation of the tortoise and snake reached the palace, which shook the old Taoist priests to their core.