Chapter 467: Chapter 467

The Emperor's personal visit, even if for the safety of the imperial carriage, naturally involved a grand display. In no time, the entire Cunzhen Temple was tightly surrounded by guards clad in crimson armor, with long sabers at their waists.

However, even so, it wasn't until five days later, under the watchful eyes of everyone, that the small courtyard's gate slowly opened from within.

Upon learning of this, in the neighboring courtyard, Emperor Xuanwu, who had been observing purification rituals and fasting, or discussing scriptures with the temple abbot these past few days, immediately brightened up. Despite the cold weather, he didn't even have time to put on the cloak offered by the palace servants before hurriedly leading his entourage outside the courtyard.

If there had been the slightest sliver of doubt before, then now, having personally witnessed the temple's magnificent scene and the shock brought by that 'Path-Entering' painting, Emperor Xuanwu harbored no further doubts.

Moreover, during this period, he had seen it clearly with his own eyes. With so many guards stationed inside and out, it was absolutely impossible for anyone to play tricks.

An underground tunnel was also impossible.

Which meant, this person had genuinely achieved a state worthy of fasting...

Thinking of this, the emperor's breathing suddenly hitched for a moment.

And all these feelings reached their peak the moment the person within the courtyard appeared.

Led by Emperor Xuanwu, the crowd instinctively held their breath.

The newcomer wore only a simple cyan robe, her ink-black hair loosely tied back with a simple wooden hairpin, as she strolled out from the secluded courtyard full of crabapple flowers.

There were no dazzling techniques like being wreathed in spiritual light, nor any deliberate display of the miraculous. Even her gait was no different from that of an ordinary Daoist.

Yet, the moment he truly laid eyes on her, Emperor Xuanwu couldn't help but think, so this is what an accomplished exalted personage is like.

Like the wind, like the moon, untouched by a speck of dust. Her entire being brimmed with purity, with not a trace of worldly turbidity about her...

Taking a deep breath, before An Ning could walk over, Emperor Xuanwu instinctively stepped forward, clasping his hands in salute:

"It was my fault to disturb the True Master's cultivation unintentionally..."

Excellent, truly knows the way!

It seems this one is really eager for longevity.

Thinking this inwardly, An Ning's expression remained one of serene detachment. Her amber eyes paused on the person before her for a moment before she gave an almost imperceptible nod and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. Today was originally the day for this humble Daoist to exit seclusion."

Who was the current emperor? After a brief exchange, he quickly realized that although this True Master possessed an immortal quality, she herself was not someone skilled in social interaction, or perhaps, someone who enjoyed it.

It must be said, upon realizing this, the current emperor couldn't help but feel relieved.

No matter how much he desired divine favor, as an emperor, he still possessed the necessary wariness towards such a transcendent, otherworldly personage of extraordinary power.

Recalling the information gathered earlier, Emperor Xuanwu immediately clasped his hands in salute again, speaking with thoughtful consideration:

"True Master, you have been in secluded cultivation for many days. You must be weary. I have already had arrangements made in the front courtyard. Would the True Master prefer to rest for a while first?"

"I shall return to pay my respects later?"

His answer was an extremely crisp and decisive nod from the person before him. He watched helplessly as that cyan figure disappeared from the spot.

Emperor Xuanwu: "..."

It wasn't until Zhou Si at his side reminded him that the emperor snapped out of it.

"This immortal master..."

How to put it? She truly was... not surprising in the slightest! Yet also unexpectedly easy to understand.

Standing there in his dark cyan robe, Sima Yu couldn't help but laugh softly.

During this waiting period, as an emperor accustomed to controlling everything, he had long since had people thoroughly investigate all the past actions of this Immortal Maiden.

Even the painting that had previously ended up in the hands of the young master of the Wu Yang Marquis's household had, through twists and turns, fallen into the current emperor's possession.

If he had felt somewhat displeased earlier—after all, as the Son of Heaven, having fought his way out from among a bunch of detestable brothers, Sima Yu considered his own aptitude, literary talent, and martial arts to be among the best. He had been diligent and conscientious during his reign and was himself a lover of painting and calligraphy.

Yet Heaven had bestowed the opportunity to attain the Dao upon an unknown farm girl.

However, the moment he truly saw the painting, he understood.

Even though her origins were humble and she lacked guidance from famous teachers, the matter of innate talent and spiritual energy truly followed no logic.

If that earlier 'Path-Entering' work was already astonishing, even before she had entered the Dao, her works were similarly extraordinary in their spiritual energy.

A moment later, gazing at the fiery sunset over the distant forested mountains, Emperor Xuanwu couldn't help but sigh, clasping his hands behind his back:

"Perhaps only someone so single-mindedly focused on one thing, with a heart unstained by dust, can truly possess the opportunity to attain the Dao..."

And of course, the person themselves must be uniquely favored by Heaven.

Thinking this, the emperor's heart finally felt a bit more comfortable.

Although I cannot attain the Dao myself, isn't there a lofty personage right here? Consider, for thousands of years, countless emperors recorded in history books thirsted for the Dao, only to end up pointlessly losing their lives!

On the other side, having declined the eager attentions of the palace servants, An Ning quickly shed her clothes and slipped into the warm pool.

It was hard to believe that in such a short time, the originally rather barren Cunzhen Temple now boasted such a luxurious bathing pool, paved with top-grade white jade.

After a thoroughly enjoyable wash.

Soon after, two or three maidservants came in, carrying trays. On them were all sorts of exquisite and delicious vegetarian dishes.

Although this person had achieved fasting, it was unknown if she would still appreciate mortal delicacies. But as the saying goes, whether the person uses it is one thing, but whether the attendants offer it is another.

It must be said, when those in high positions truly pay attention to detail, they can be meticulous without causing the slightest discomfort.

Whether it was the bathing pool just now or this full table of delicacies, even An Ning couldn't help but feel her favorable impression of the emperor rise a notch.

Wonderful. Although the Fasting Pill prevents starvation, it really leaves the mouth deprived!

The one whose favorability shot up just as sharply was the system beside her:

"This emperor, though he seems a bit overly suspicious, is actually quite a decent person!"

Enjoying the exquisite food before her, An Ning's tone also became much more cheerful:

"Overly suspicious? Isn't it good to be cautious and rational?"

If he were a fool, and insatiably greedy on top of that, that would be the real disaster!

As if confirming that the current emperor was fairly decent, in the following days, An Ning's demeanor during his visits became noticeably more amiable.

Regarding her directness, Emperor Xuanwu was inwardly even more pleased.

As someone who had genuinely cultivated, when it came to fooling people—ahem, to discussing the Dao—An Ning was not the least bit lacking.

In short, after several visits, the emperor's admiration undoubtedly grew even stronger.

Time passed slowly between their "discussions of the Dao."

On this day, after a visit as usual, Sima Yu couldn't help but clear his throat, his expression turning solemn and earnest:

"True Master, with your great talent, do you have any plans to enter the capital?" Then, fearing it might seem disrespectful, he added:

"I have long since prepared the residence of the State Preceptor..."