Chapter 202 — Steaming Imperial Teacher Jingping
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 2 of 4
" "We already know. " Old Tathagata smiled and said, "It is that young man who returned my salute. As it happens, this old monk once had a karmic connection with him; I had intended to deliver him to the Great Thunderclap Temple, but for some reason the connection was suddenly severed and transferred to another wondrous life. " "Him? " The many monks on Mount Sumeru and Master Qiong and the others were all startled.
Old Tathagata smiled and said, "It is him.
Those old friends of the Dao are truly remarkable—to have raised such a little demon lord. What a pity that Ximilo could not hold onto this karmic connection.
Just one step short, just one step short. . .
" "Imperial Teacher Jingping, you are cleverer than I.
Do you not know that Mount Sumeru's purpose in coming here is suspect? " Duke of Wei watched the headless corpse being placed in the coffin, then turned his head to Imperial Teacher Jingping beside him and said, "They have clearly come to take advantage—to rescue Master Qiong and the other old monsters, and swell the strength of their Great Thunderclap Temple! If these people are not eliminated, they will remain a future threat! " "Master Qiong and the others have only ten or twenty years of life left; they are not worth worrying about.
Let Old Tathagata rescue them.
" Imperial Teacher Jingping said, "I understand Old Tathagata's intent. He chose this moment to take advantage—a perfect timing. I am wounded and have no strength to stop him. " Duke of Wei's expression turned strange. He looked Imperial Teacher Jingping up and down and asked suspiciously, "True or false?
" Imperial Teacher Jingping said solemnly, "True? " "True or false?
" Imperial Teacher Jingping said irritably, "Of course it is true. Why not try fighting these Cult Master-level beings head-on yourself? And there were even three god-like beings among them! After a life-and-death battle with them, how could one emerge unscathed?
" "I do not believe it! " Duke of Wei said sourly, "Believe you?
Like hell I will! Not a single word you say will I believe! Those who believed you are now lying stiff in their coffins, not moving a muscle.
" Imperial Teacher Jingping was caught between laughter and tears.
"Actually, sometimes I am very honest.
" "That is precisely why your deception runs so deep.
I cannot read you. " Duke of Wei looked at the coffin, was silent for a moment, then said, "You should know who is in the coffin. " Imperial Teacher Jingping shook his head. "I cannot say.
" "If you do not say, I will still find out.
Once we reach the capital, in a few days, when we see which old prince suddenly passes away, we will know who he is. " Duke of Wei glanced left and right, then lowered his voice. "In the Ling family, there is more than one with problems.
Is the Empress Dowager any different?
I actually think you should go one step further—simply become emperor.
. .
" Imperial Teacher Jingping shot him a glance, killing intent in his eyes.
Duke of Wei was startled and said hurriedly, "We have been old friends for over two hundred years—do not frighten me! Actually, it is not I who thinks this way, but those old brothers who follow you.
Your official rank has reached its limit; even if you render heaven-shaking merit, the emperor cannot promote you further. And now you have quelled a rebellion and established great merit—how do you expect the emperor to reward you? Give you the throne? " Imperial Teacher Jingping shook his head.
"The emperor and I understand each other.
He knows I do not seek merit. What I seek is only my life's ambition. " "That is why the emperor is troubled. If he does not reward you, the meritorious people of the world will be disheartened. If he rewards you, he has nothing left to give. Give you beauties—would you want them? Give you wealth—would you want it?
" Duke of Wei lowered his voice. "The emperor knows and understands you—but what of the crown prince?