Chapter 134 — Respectfully Inviting Imperial Preceptor Jingping

Chancellor Bashan seemed lost in thought, then smiled and said, "Grand Chancellor, you mean to have Imperial Preceptor Jingping come teach sword techniques and divine powers, and then let our academy's students defeat the Daoist sect's Daozi? " The young grandmaster smiled and nodded. Chancellor Bashan raised three fingers. "Three days! There are only three days! Old master, do you really believe Imperial Preceptor Jingping can produce a genius in three days who can defeat the Daoist sect's Daozi?

" "I do. " The young grandmaster smiled and said, "Bashan, do not underestimate the abilities of Imperial Preceptor Jingping.

He is, after all, the foremost man beneath the gods; his skill is beyond your imagination. And besides. .

.

" He walked to the door of the Imperial Academy Hall and looked down at the mountain gate, thinking with a cold sneer, "This little rascal never stirs without a profit in sight! I thought he would not be able to hold himself back and would cross swords with the Daoist sect's Daozi, yet he has kept his composure so well! Fine—this time, having Imperial Preceptor Jingping come is a bargain for him!

" At the residence of Imperial Preceptor Jingping.

"The Grand Chancellor invites me to give a lecture? " Imperial Preceptor Jingping was taken aback upon hearing his disciples' report.

"What is that old fox up to now? To make you all academy students, he need only stamp his seal once—why must I go in person? " One disciple said, "The Grand Chancellor's meaning is that the Daoist sect recognizes only what is set in stone. If they knew we were your disciples, they would never acknowledge the result and would seize the chance to rebel. " Imperial Preceptor Jingping smiled.

"The Daoist sect are indeed stiff-necked.

In my early years I once met the Daoist Lord, and he was indeed of that stubborn temper, recognizing only what was set in stone.

Very well, I will make a trip. Summon the Little Poison King. " Fu Yuanqing arrived, and Imperial Preceptor Jingping handed him a dagger, saying, "You have seen my wounds.

Now recreate the wounds on my body, and make it look convincing. " Fu Yuanqing was startled.

Holding the dagger, he traced lines across Jingping's chest, leaving the Imperial Preceptor drenched in blood, then used the blood as paint to make the wounds appear more authentic. "Let the wounds carry a rank odor," Imperial Preceptor Jingping said, his eyes flickering. Fu Yuanqing sprinkled a little powder over the wounds; they became somewhat rank, but not heavily so.

Imperial Preceptor Jingping said, "Sprinkle on some perfume as well. " Fu Yuanqing did as he was told, masking the rank smell with fragrance.

Imperial Preceptor Jingping changed his clothes, thought for a moment, then ordered someone to bring rouge and powder, and had a maidservant dust his cheeks with a morbid flush. When all was done, Imperial Preceptor Jingping smiled and said, "Now can this slip past the eyes and ears of the rebels? " Fu Yuanqing smiled and replied, "Do you mean to say there are rebels in the academy?

If so, Imperial Preceptor Jingping had best bring some experts along—only then will you appear to lack confidence.

" "The academy is so vast that a few rebels are bound to be hidden inside. " Imperial Preceptor Jingping understood his meaning and said, "But this is the capital; who would dare kill me here?

As for the academy, there are more experts there than in the imperial palace, so there is no need to bring additional experts.

You follow along, lest the Empress Dowager take advantage of my absence, come barging in, and kill you. " Fu Yuanqing breathed a sigh of relief. His original intention had indeed been to have Imperial Preceptor Jingping bring him along, so that the Empress Dowager would not seize the chance to strike him down.

At the Imperial Academy, a bell suddenly rang out, spreading across the entire mountain.

The many academy students guarding the mountain gate heard the bell and immediately hurried up the mountain. Shen Mu was puzzled.

Ling Yuxiu said, "This is the bell summoning the academy students to assemble.

Upon hearing it, one must gather before the Imperial Academy Hall. The Grand Chancellor most likely has something to announce. " Wei Yong said with worry, "Could it be that because we cannot defeat this Daoist sect's Daozi, the academy is going to be dissolved? " Many students cast angry glares at him, and Wei Yong hastily shrank back.

When they reached the summit, they saw that the area before the Imperial Academy Hall was already packed with people—imperial princes, dukes, nobles, and common students alike, all gathered there. After a moment, when everyone had arrived, the young grandmaster smiled and said, "Imperial Preceptor Jingping, if you please.

"