Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

The most valuable aspect was that he found himself getting along exceedingly well with Lu Xun; their ideas were incredibly compatible in certain aspects, as if they were meant to stand together.

For some reason, as he looked at Lu Xun speaking eloquently, Lao Han's mind couldn't help but flash to the image of his old friend, who had been just as confident, wanting to change this despairing world.

The difference was that Lu Xun was younger and more knowledgeable. What was even more precious was that he had proposed his own political program. People like Lao Han knew very well that with this, there was real hope. Otherwise, it would just be a repetition of the rise and fall of the past.

"It's a pity he's gone. Otherwise, you would have had so much in common with him," Lao Han said, unable to contain his emotion after hearing Lu Xun speak.

Lu Xun was well aware that the person Lao Han referred to must have been the leader of the Rebel Army. His feelings toward this man were quite complex, containing both the hatred for the death of his parents and a heartfelt admiration and approval.

"May I ask, Your Highness, what is your view of him?" Lao Han hesitated for a while before asking such a question.

After pondering for a moment, Lu Xun replied, "He is the mastermind, responsible for breaching the Capital City, killing my father and mother. This hatred is as high as the heavens and as deep as the sea. Although I highly approve of his ideas, it is impossible for me to vindicate him. Let him remain in the long river of history, and let posterity judge his merits and demerits."

Lao Han sighed softly upon hearing this. He was well aware that after all, they were merely subordinates who could easily become part of another group. But since his old friend was a rebel renowned throughout the world, Lu Xun would never overturn his conviction, regardless. However, the fact that Lu Xun's words did not include any pursuit of his old friend's accountability also gave him some consolation.

After all, to leave the judgment of right and wrong to posterity is the greatest mercy, ensuring that the descendants and kin of his old friend would not be implicated. This was already the best possible outcome.

Thinking this, Lao Han suddenly knelt on the ground and said loudly, "We are willing to follow Your Highness, with no regrets, even unto death. We hope you do not disdain our humble origins."

Lu Xun quickly helped Lao Han up and spoke warmly, "Why stand on such ceremony, sir? It is a great fortune for Lu Xun to have your assistance. I hope for your earnest guidance in the future. Together, we shall change this world and restore peace to the people."

As one kneeled and the other assisted, the roles of ruler and subject were established, and Lao Han's heart gradually became at ease. His abilities and character were not suitable for leading a vast army. Now that Lu Xun had taken up this burden, Lao Han felt a sense of relief.

At this moment, Mr. Wu, who was on the side, also laughed and clapped, saying, "Congratulations to Your Highness, for establishing a foundation."

"You must be Mr. Wu. I have heard Ruyi True Immortal mentioning you. I thank you for your support in this matter, and for your further guidance in the future," Lu Xun said.

"Your Highness is too modest. You are the True Dragon Emperor, with Fortune and Destiny at your side. I am quite content to merely share a bit of your good fortune and advance my cultivation. As for giving advice, with the Tea Saint and my master present, I doubt it will be my turn," Mr. Wu said with a smile.

The three of them spoke cheerfully. Under Lu Xun's lead, the army found a place to station for the time being, while he led the two men towards the Cave Heaven.

When the two men met Liu Qingyun, one can imagine the shock on their faces. After all, since childhood, they had grown up listening to the stories of this famous general. He was the idol of many, and yet, after eight hundred years, this once unparalleled general was still alive.

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"I have heard about your affair, and I have great confidence that you will assist Lu Xun in reviving Great Chu," Liu Qingyun said gently.

Lao Han's face bore a look of admiration as he respectfully replied, "Lord Champion Marquis, your words are too generous. We are not worthy of such praise."

"Do not sell yourself short; a nation will always produce talented individuals who will lead for hundreds of years. Now, it's your time,"

Upon meeting Liu Qingyun, Lao Han and Mr. Wu decided to stay in Mountain Luoxia, organizing military affairs on one hand and initiating a sweeping production movement on the other.

Under the leadership of Lu Xun, these young soldiers both undertook military training and engaged massively in production, diligently stockpiling food and preparing for the future, ready to soar at the right moment.

Meanwhile, the world beyond was a spectacle of events. After the Rebel Army had completely fragmented, warfare began to ravage the land everywhere, countless people took advantage of the chaos to rise, and the entire world descended into extraordinary turmoil.

For the Noble Families and Clans, this outcome was beyond their imagination; their once-respected prestige and accumulation had become the target of many, and numerous noble families were completely dissipated in this storm, leaving only a few.

The Noble Families ignited this raging fire, never expecting it would burn their own houses. After the collapse of order, the ugliness of human nature was fully exposed.

When the people at the bottom had no food, a fearsome flood of refugees began to sweep across the land, devouring all the food along the way, which paradoxically only increased the size of the refugee forces, turning the entire country into chaos like a messy porridge.

Just as Great Chu was plunged into dire straits, far away Great Tang was enjoying peace and happiness, with the title of Celestial Khan freshly bestowed upon Li Shimin, elevating the Emperor's majesty to its zenith.

Today, the high monk Tang Xuanzang, who went on a Journey to the West to acquire the scriptures, finally returned from Mount Ling after seeking the True Scriptures from the Rulai Buddha.

The news once announced shook the world, and countless citizens flocked to the streets to catch a glimpse of the high monk returning from the holy land of Buddhism, with many devout Buddhists trekking to Changan, wishing to behold the True Scriptures.

In the sky, Auspicious Clouds gathered, as if celestial music sounded, and a hint of sandalwood fragrance seemed to waft past the noses of the crowd when suddenly, a brilliant golden light ensued, revealing a cloud carrying the Journey to the West entourage; the Monkey and its fellow heroic-looking disciples, but fortunately, the citizens of Great Tang were brave enough, and upon realizing that it was Mage Xuanzhuang arriving, they calmed down without much panic ensuing.

The Auspicious Clouds descended outside the gates of the Imperial Palace. Tang Monk looked up at the towering city walls and was lost in thought; descending from Mount Ling, Golden Cicada had weathered ten reincarnations and countless difficulties to obtain the True Scriptures, and now he could finally account for his journey.

The Eunuch had already informed the Emperor, so Li Shimin came out to welcome the return of his Royal Younger Brother. Civil and military officials lined either side, curiously examining Tang Monk and his disciples; Monkey and the others were extraordinary beings and naturally undaunted, each with a composed demeanor. Despite the immense pressure of Human Path Fortune and Destiny from the void, they were not worried—with the protection of merit from heaven and earth, they were invincible at this moment.

Li Shimin affectionately took Golden Cicada's hand and talked about his adventures. Meanwhile, in a side hall, a stunningly beautiful woman peered curiously through the veils at the happenings in the great hall.

Emboldened by the Invisibility Talisman given by her husband, she was not frightened but still dared not approach the main hall too closely. After all, her husband had said that these were not ordinary people, and if they saw through her disguise, it would be a great loss. It was none other than the grown Wu Meiniang.

"Royal Younger Brother, your journey was fraught with difficulty and peril; did you keep a record?" Li Shimin asked with concern. After all, as an Emperor, he was very interested in those lands yet unconquered.

Golden Cicada wore a compassionate smile and pulled a book from his bosom, saying, "This is a record of what I've witnessed and heard along the way, detailing the nature of each country I passed through. If Your Majesty is interested, you may take a look; consider it a small token of my sincerity."

At these words, Li Shimin's face revealed a satisfied smile. For an Emperor who vowed to become a great sovereign, this item held fatal attraction, so he joyously accepted it.

"Since the Royal Younger Brother has been to Mount Ling and has met the Tathagata, who I've heard can foresee the future of the world, did he mention the future destiny of Great Tang?"