Chapter 144 – Buddha Land on Earth, Little Joyful Heaven

“Beneath the Imperial Palace lies the Lesser Joy Heaven.”

Lesser Joy Heaven?

Upon hearing that the Buddha Mother Statue was placed in the Underground Lesser Joy Heaven beneath the Imperial Palace, Lu Chen immediately furrowed his brow.

This was the first time he had ever heard of the so-called ‘Lesser Joy Heaven’.

Perhaps sensing Lu Chen’s unfamiliarity with what the ‘Lesser Joy Heaven’ actually was, Li Ruomei promptly explained: “The so-called Lesser Joy Heaven is actually a temporary Earthly Buddha Kingdom constructed by the Black Lotus Matriarch within the Great Yan Dynasty.”

“This Buddha Kingdom not only connects with the Black Lotus Buddha Mother’s palm-sized Buddha Kingdom—the Great Freedom Joy Heaven—but also serves as a channel through which the Buddha Mother can briefly manifest her power in this world.”

“I came to know this because I once used the Ghost Control Technique to track that despicable emperor and accidentally followed him underground in the Imperial Palace, where I witnessed the scene of the Buddha Mother bestowing blessings.”

Hearing this, Lu Chen roughly understood the whole story.

Li Ruomei was a descendant of the Wu Tribe who had miraculously survived years ago.

Later, to seek revenge, she came alone to the Great Yan Imperial Palace.

After some time, she became the Empress of the Great Yan Dynasty.

Combined with what the Great Yan Emperor Ji Yuan had previously mentioned—that he first discovered his so-called ‘Noctambulism’ six years ago, right after Empress Xiao’s death—Lu Chen didn’t need to think hard to realize that Empress Xiao’s death was almost certainly linked to Li Ruomei before him.

However, Lu Chen had no interest in the power struggles within the Imperial Palace.

He only wanted to know to what extent the Black Lotus Sect had infiltrated the Great Yan Dynasty.

“Aside from you, how many others in the Imperial Palace are aware of the Black Lotus Sect, and who can be confirmed to be associated with them?”

Upon hearing this, Li Ruomei thought for a moment and said: “Although not many in the court know about the Black Lotus Sect, quite a few have guessed that there is a hidden force silently controlling the current Great Yan Dynasty.”

“However, those who can deduce this are clever individuals; to protect themselves, they naturally choose to act as if they’ve seen nothing.”

“Therefore, I cannot guarantee how many in the court have joined the Black Lotus Sect, or how many are colluding with them openly or secretly.”

“The only ones I can confirm are our current State Preceptor Zhan Ziyin, some top-ranking officials in the court, and most of the Celestial Masters from the Celestial Master’s Mansion—they have definitely joined the Black Lotus Sect.”

“Because I saw these figures during that ritual of the Buddha Mother’s blessing.”

Hearing Li Ruomei’s words, Lu Chen immediately compared the people she mentioned with what he had encountered during the day.

He concluded that Li Ruomei was likely telling the truth.

During the day, Lu Chen had noticed that the Imperial Palace and the Celestial Master’s Mansion were the places with the most concentrated Ancient Fiend Power in the entire Imperial City.

If the State Preceptor and most Celestial Masters from the Celestial Master’s Mansion had joined the Black Lotus Sect, then such a situation was not surprising.

However, the thought that even the Celestial Master’s Mansion, established by Jade Void Mountain in the mortal realm, could be infiltrated by the Black Lotus Sect made Lu Chen once again marvel at the methods of the Immortal Fiends.

They truly were a bunch of pervasive individuals.

With this in mind, Lu Chen roughly formed a plan in his heart.

Just as Li Ruomei was about to say something more to Lu Chen, a palace maid’s voice suddenly came from outside the door.”Your Majesty, His Majesty has sent word that he will be staying overnight tonight, and requests that you make proper preparations.”

Upon hearing that Emperor Ji Yuan would be visiting tonight, Li Ruomei was momentarily stunned before instinctively replying, “Understood.”

When she turned around again, Lu Chen, who had been in the bedchamber earlier, had already vanished without a trace.

Gazing at the spot where Lu Chen had just been sitting, Li Ruomei’s expression immediately shifted between cloudy and clear, revealing a thoughtful demeanor…

Meanwhile, outside the Imperial Palace, within the Celestial Master’s Mansion.

After absorbing the memories transmitted back by his Heretical Avatar, Lu Chen quickly gained a general understanding of the entire Great Yan Dynasty’s situation.

“The Great Yan Emperor, the Great Yan State Preceptor, the Great Yan Empress…”

“Currently, the three most powerful figures in the Great Yan Dynasty are all connected to the Black Lotus Sect. The situation in this dynasty… is far more complicated than I initially imagined.”

Just as Emperor Ji Yuan hadn’t been entirely truthful with him during the day, Empress Li Ruomei similarly withheld complete honesty tonight.

In Li Ruomei’s narrative, she consistently portrayed herself as a victim throughout. Everything she did was merely to seek revenge against Emperor Ji Yuan.

However, there was one crucial detail Li Ruomei never disclosed – the origin of the Ancient Fiend Power within her body.

According to her story, her only interaction with the Black Lotus Sect occurred when she accidentally discovered them conducting sacrificial rituals while attempting to curse the emperor.

If that were truly the case, Li Ruomei wouldn’t even qualify as a half-member of the Black Lotus Sect, let alone possess Ancient Fiend Power within her.

Yet Lu Chen was certain he had sensed genuine Ancient Fiend Power emanating from Li Ruomei.

This indicated that either Li Ruomei had concealed part of the truth, or she had obtained the Ancient Fiend Power through alternative channels.

Regardless of which scenario was true, Lu Chen believed her relationship with the Black Lotus Sect was far from being as clean as she claimed.

Although he had only been in the Great Yan Dynasty for a single day, Lu Chen felt the intelligence he had gathered during this time was sufficient to identify potential Immortal Fiends lurking within the dynasty and locate the hiding place of the Buddha Mother Statue.

Beyond these discoveries, Lu Chen considered another significant gain from his journey – learning about the existence of the ‘Minor Bliss Heaven’.

The so-called ‘Minor Bliss Heaven’ was actually a special Domain similar to Lu Chen’s ‘Righteous Azure Lotus Sword Domain’.

Within this Domain, the powers of non-Black Lotus Sect followers would be significantly suppressed – something Lu Chen had experienced earlier in the special Instance.

However, due to Lu Chen’s possession of the unique talent ‘Fairy Lotus Womb’, he could disregard the distorted forces in the surrounding environment, allowing his cultivation to remain completely unaffected.

For others, however, not only would they be unable to unleash their full cultivation within the ‘Minor Bliss Heaven’, they would be fortunate to merely maintain their Divine Soul and Spiritual Power unaffected by its influence.

After all, the power of a ‘Domain’ had already transcended the Realm accessible to ordinary Cultivators.

Another interpretation of a Domain was ‘Embodying Dao’, equivalent to a weakened version of the Deity Transformation Stage Cultivator’s ability to sever heaven and earth.

It represented the unique capability to influence the greater cosmic cycle through the minor cosmic cycle, isolating the celestial forces inside and outside the Domain.

Thus, a particular saying had long circulated throughout the Immortal Cultivation World.A cultivator who has entered the Transformation Dao Realm does not necessarily possess cultivation at the Deity Transformation Stage.

However, a cultivator who has reached the Deity Transformation Stage must have entered the Transformation Dao Realm.

“The Grand Preceptor at the first revolution of the Golden Core Stage, the Great Yan Emperor at the Pseudo-core Stage, and the Great Yan Empress at the Pseudo-core Stage—this is their cultivation level when they are not within the Little Blissful Heaven, meaning without the blessings of the Buddha Mother Statue.”

“Once they enter the Little Blissful Heaven, or if the Domain of the Little Blissful Heaven expands enough to cover the entire Imperial Palace, or even the entire Imperial City, their cultivation is likely to undergo a significant enhancement.”

“The reason I didn’t come here alone earlier was to guard against such a situation…”

As he spoke, Lu Chen stood up and walked to the window, gazing toward the direction of the Imperial Palace.

At this moment, the black mist hovering over the Great Yan Imperial Palace had grown even denser.

This black mist was imperceptible not only to mortals but also to ordinary cultivators.

Even if some cultivators noticed its presence, unless they were as familiar with the Black Lotus Sect as Lu Chen, they would simply assume it was some form of transformed Spiritual Power.

“Three days. From the time Senior Brother Wu Miao arrives at the school to when he brings the others here, it will take about three more days.”

“By now, I have roughly figured out the situation of the Black Lotus Sect within the Imperial City. What remains… is to locate Ji Ling’er, the one with the Longevity Physique.”

“After all, only the essence blood of the Longevity Physique is the best method to break the Buddha Mother Statue.”

With these words, Lu Chen closed his eyes once more.

The Heretical Avatar he had sent into the Imperial Palace was not limited to the one that went to Empress Li Ruomei’s chambers.

He had dispatched another Heretical Avatar to search for Ji Ling’er’s whereabouts.

And just moments ago, he faintly sensed that his other Clone had sent a message.

The tracking talisman he had placed on Lan Yan had finally served its purpose.

Ji Ling’er, the one with the Longevity Physique… had been found.

In a secluded chamber within the rear palace of the Great Yan Imperial Palace.

“Wuwu…”

“It’s alright, Your Highness, don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. There’s nothing around here.”

On the bed, Lan Yan held the trembling Ji Ling’er in her arms, doing her best to comfort her.

Just moments earlier, Lan Yan, who had been guarding outside the door, suddenly heard Ji Ling’er scream from inside the chamber.

Rushing in, she found Ji Ling’er staring at the ceiling with a terrified expression, as if something horrifying had appeared there.

But no matter how long Lan Yan looked at the ceiling, she could see nothing.

Despite Lan Yan’s repeated assurances that there was nothing in the chamber, Ji Ling’er seemed unable to hear her, her face frozen in terror as she stared at the ceiling above.

This led to the current scene of Lan Yan holding Ji Ling’er and continuously comforting her.

On the ceiling, invisible to Lan Yan, countless twisted arms intertwined like a sprawling spiderweb, enveloping the space directly above Ji Ling’er’s chamber.

Moreover, these arms were constantly waving, as if trying to drag Ji Ling’er into some other realm.

Faced with this ever-approaching net, not only Ji Ling’er, who had never cultivated, but even experienced cultivators would be terrified and at a loss.

And as the eerie web of flesh-and-blood arms on the ceiling drew closer and closer…Ji Ling’er’s expression grew increasingly desperate.

But just as the bloody flesh net descended to about two meters above Ji Ling’er, a streak of Sword Qi suddenly shot toward the enormous flesh web.

“Screech!!!”

Accompanied by a piercing shriek, the bizarre flesh web was instantly split in half, with thick black smoke billowing from the severed sections.

This sharp cry was heard not only by Ji Ling’er but also by Lan Yan standing beside her.

Though she still couldn’t see the flesh web on the ceiling, she did spot Lu Chen appearing at the entrance of the bedchamber.

Lu Chen stepped through the bedchamber doorway and looked up at the grotesque flesh web.

[Blood Infant Ghost Mist]

[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Stage Third Layer]

[Characteristics: A specialized Divine Ability conglomerate formed from cultivators gathering countless dead infants’ resentful energies, difficult for ordinary people to detect]

Looking at this distorted Blood Infant Ghost Mist above him, Lu Chen made no attempt to conceal the disgust in his eyes.

Because from this Blood Infant Ghost Mist, he could smell far too much of that nauseating stench.

Lu Chen raised his hand, his fingers continuously tracing patterns in the air. Within just one or two breaths, he had completed drawing a special Talisman from a distance.

“Go.”

Under Lu Chen’s control, the freshly drawn ‘River Styx Curse’ flew toward the Blood Infant Ghost Mist above.

Seeing this River Styx Curse, the Blood Infant Ghost Mist seemed to recognize the power of this Talismanic Incantation and desperately tried to flee.

But no matter how fast it ran, it couldn’t possibly outpace the flying Talisman.

As the River Styx Curse landed on the Blood Infant Ghost Mist, the previously menacing entity immediately emitted another piercing shriek.

Only this time, its cry shifted from the initial shock and anger…

To pure terror and despair.

Because the Blood Infant Ghost Mist discovered its form was being uncontrollably absorbed into the River Styx Curse.

Though the Blood Infant Ghost Mist struggled several times to break free…

This River Styx Curse seemed to contain some power specifically designed to restrain such ghostly entities.

So even when the Blood Infant Ghost Mist struggled with all its might…

It still couldn’t escape being sealed within the River Styx Curse.

“Seal.”

When Lu Chen formed a hand seal, the River Styx Curse in mid-air immediately erupted with terrifying suction force.

Then a massive vortex centered around the River Styx Curse, sucking the entire Blood Infant Ghost Mist inside and condensing it into a mysterious yellow pearl that flew into Lu Chen’s hand.

After storing this ghost pearl in his Storage Bag, Lu Chen turned to look at Ji Ling’er and Lan Yan not far away.

The two women were also staring at Lu Chen.

They seemed to be wondering why Lu Chen had appeared here, and what that strange black mist above them had been.

While the two observed Lu Chen, he was similarly observing them.

Or more precisely, observing Ji Ling’er in Lan Yan’s arms.

[Name: Ji Ling’er]

[Cultivation: Mortal]

[Special Talent: Longevity Physique]

[Description: ???]

Looking at Ji Ling’er’s status panel, Lu Chen knew he had found the right person.

Perhaps sensing Lu Chen meant no harm, the usually timid Ji Ling’er unusually took the initiative to speak first.

“Um, may I ask who you are?”

Lu Chen thought for a moment, then decided to directly tell them his identity.

“Azure Cloud Sect True Disciple, Lu Chen, Daoist Title Azure Lotus.”

Azure Lotus—this was the Daoist Title Sect Leader Gu Liqing himself had bestowed upon Lu Chen when he recently achieved his Foundation Establishment Breakthrough and became a True Disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect.This was why Lu Chen had been somewhat surprised when Ji Ling’er and the others immediately addressed him as Azure Lotus Daoist in the special instance back then.

Because at that time, he had only just obtained this Daoist title.

A title he hadn’t even grown accustomed to himself had been instantly revealed by a group of people he’d “never met before.”

How could he not have been astonished at that moment?

Upon hearing that Lu Chen came from the Azure Cloud Sect, the tension on Ji Ling’er’s face was instantly replaced by the joy of having narrowly escaped death.

Although Ji Ling’er had long resided within the palace, she differed from Shangguan Yunmeng, who was treated as virtually invisible in the Great Wei Dynasty.

Ji Ling’er held a certain status within the Great Yan Dynasty.

At least until six years ago when her mother, Empress Xiao, passed away, she had been cherished like a precious pearl in the Great Yan Dynasty.

Thus, although she knew little about the Immortal Cultivation World, she was still aware of the Azure Cloud Sect, the top Immortal Sect in the Central Province.

So, upon realizing Lu Chen was from the Azure Cloud Sect, coupled with him resolving the eerie ghost mist as soon as he appeared—

this situation of being pulled out from the abyss by someone’s own hands in a moment of despair—

caused Ji Ling’er’s trust in him to reach an astonishing height in a short time.

Meanwhile, Lan Yan, who was standing nearby, asked, “Daoist, may I ask what that mass was just now?”

Lu Chen explained, “That ghost mist is a special Divine Ability of a certain Cultivator. Its purpose was likely to abduct the Longevity Physique by force when their mind was unsettled.”

“Cultivator’s Divine Ability? Longevity Physique?”

Lan Yan was stunned for a moment, then quickly realized.

The so-called Longevity Physique probably referred to Ji Ling’er beside her.

Lu Chen didn’t give them much time to ponder, as he had already noticed the commotion coming from outside the bedchamber.

“Follow me first. We can talk more after we leave this place.”

“Don’t worry, with me here, nothing will happen.”

Hearing this, Lan Yan didn’t doubt him and directly pulled the still dazed Ji Ling’er out of bed.

Looking at the two, Lu Chen thought for a moment and gestured with his right hand.

The next second, Lu Chen’s signature Ink Dragon Sword flew to hover before Ji Ling’er.

Staring at the mystical Flying Sword suspended in front of them, both Lan Yan and Ji Ling’er’s eyes were filled with confusion.

Lu Chen explained, “The situation ahead might be a bit dangerous. I’m not sure if I can protect both of you adequately.”

“This sword is named Ink Dragon. It can summon Foundation Establishment Stage Ink Spirits to battle opponents, or it can undergo Dragon Transformation to engage enemies.”

“Normally, since Miss Ling’er isn’t a Cultivator, she shouldn’t be able to use this sword.”

“But the Longevity Physique belongs to a Xiantian being; its essence blood surpasses even the Spiritual Power of Cultivators.”

“So, if any special circumstances arise later, Miss Ling’er, you only need to sprinkle your blood on this sword, and it will naturally protect your safety.”

Hearing this, Ji Ling’er immediately nodded seriously, then clasped the Ink Dragon Sword hovering before her with both hands.

“Alright, follow me.”

“After all, the path ahead… won’t be easy to tread.”

With that, Lu Chen turned and pushed open the door to Ji Ling’er’s bedchamber.

Outside, a group of black-robed celestial masters had silently appeared in the courtyard before the door.

Leading them was none other than Qiu Wenguang, whom Lu Chen had encountered briefly during the day.However, at this moment, Qiu Wenguang’s identity was no longer that of the Celestial Master of the Celestial Master’s Mansion in the Great Yan Dynasty during the day.

Instead, he was the Altar Lord of the Black Lotus Sect in the Great Yan Dynasty.

Looking at Lu Chen now, Qiu Wenguang—unaware that this was merely one of Lu Chen’s Dao Clones—smiled and said, “I found it strange during the day. Not only is the Eastern Divine Continent far removed from the Central Province, but the Great Yan Dynasty doesn’t even border the Eastern Divine Continent.”

“Why would three cultivators from the Eastern Divine Continent suddenly appear within the territory of the Great Yan Dynasty? So it turns out they were three cultivators from the Azure Cloud Sect. That explains it.”

“Although rashly killing three Azure Cloud Sect cultivators could easily cause unnecessary trouble.”

“Compared to letting you report the situation here, I think it’s better to keep you permanently in the Great Yan Dynasty.”

“After all, only the dead… can keep secrets.”

(End of Chapter)