From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 357 Yao Girl's Counterattack to the Peak, Strategic Victory Shows Her Brilliance

The Emperor's decree struck my heart like a boulder, creating a huge ripple.

I could almost feel the echo vibrating in my chest, buzzing and making my scalp tingle.

My steps were unsteady as I left the main hall. Wen Chen's fingers still lingered on my lips, but I couldn't feel any sweetness.

I haven't even had time to clean up Princess Mingyue and Prime Minister Lin's persistent henchmen, and now there's trouble within the Immortal Sect, and now Emperor Xuantian has pulled this stunt... I feel like a butterfly caught in a spider's web, the more I struggle, the less I can move.

The air seemed to freeze, making it hard for me to breathe.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my wildly beating heart.

Damn it, those traitors!

I was furious and clenched my fists.

I devoted myself to the immortal sect, only to end up raising a bunch of ungrateful wretches!

I have treated those disciples who were bewitched by Princess Mingyue well, yet they dared to question me and betray me!

I closed my eyes, and their familiar faces appeared before me. The respect and trust I once had had turned into suspicion and hostility, like sharp knives piercing my heart.

My chest was clenching in waves, as if something was blocking it, making it hard for me to breathe.

A sour feeling welled up in my eyes, and I blinked hard to hold back the tears that were about to spill.

The task that Emperor Xuantian gave me was even more difficult than before.

A grand gathering of immortals?

That's easy for you to say!

With such a short time, where am I supposed to prepare?

This is clearly a deliberate attempt to make things difficult for me!

I could almost see his imposing face, a barely perceptible sneer at the corner of his mouth, as if mocking my overestimation of my abilities.

I gritted my teeth, a surge of determination to never give up welling up inside me.

Want to see me make a fool of myself?

Not that easy!

I walked quickly back to my palace. Along the way, the palace maids bowed to me, but I paid them no heed and just nodded absentmindedly.

The palace was quiet, with only the faint scent of incense filling the air, carrying a soothing aroma.

I paced restlessly around the room, my mind racing with thoughts.

"Someone come here!" I stopped abruptly and shouted towards the door.

My voice was a little hoarse, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.

My personal maid, Xiao Tao, entered as soon as she heard me. Seeing my pale face and anxious expression, she asked with concern, "Immortal Master, what's wrong?"

"Go, invite General Wu here!" I said in a deep voice, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Xiao Tao paused for a moment, seemingly hesitant, but ultimately nodded, turned around, and left.

General Wu, I have no choice but to take a gamble now.

He is a very important figure in the court. If I can get his support, my chances of winning will be much greater.

I walked to the window and looked at the blooming peach blossoms outside, but my heart was filled with confusion.

The peach blossoms are still beautiful, but my heart is like this celestial gate, tottering in the wind and rain, not knowing when it will find peace.

As time passed, I became more and more anxious.

Why hasn't General Wu arrived yet?

Was he also bribed by Princess Mingyue?

I shook my head vigorously, trying to dispel the unease in my heart.

Just when I was about to lose my patience, I finally heard footsteps outside the door.

I quickly turned around and saw General Wu, dressed in military uniform, striding in.

When he saw me, a look of surprise crossed his face, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Immortal Venerable, you summoned me?" General Wu's voice was loud and powerful, carrying a hint of military authority.

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, and slowly said, "General Wu, I need your help..."

I told him about the internal strife within the Immortal Sect and the difficulties imposed on me by the Xuan Tian Emperor, my tone tinged with helplessness and pleading.

After listening to my words, General Wu frowned and remained silent.

A suffocating silence fell over the room, with only the occasional birdsong from outside the window sounding exceptionally clear.

“Immortal Venerable,” General Wu finally spoke, his voice low and solemn, “this matter is of utmost importance, and I need some time to consider it.”

My heart sank suddenly, and a bad feeling welled up inside me.

Could it be... that even he rejected me?

"General Wu," I said, forcing back my disappointment, my voice tinged with a hint of pleading, "I know this matter is difficult for you, but..."

“Immortal Venerable,” General Wu interrupted me, his…

My heart sank completely.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door, and Xiao Tao rushed in, her face pale and her voice trembling, saying, "Immortal Venerable, something terrible has happened! Guard Chu... Guard Chu, he..."

My heart skipped a beat, and a sense of foreboding washed over me. "What's wrong with him?"

"He...he led a group of men and surrounded your palace..."

My breath caught in my throat, and a chill ran from my feet to the top of my head. Was he... going to rebel?!

"He...he led a group of men and surrounded your palace..." Xiao Tao's words struck me like a bolt from the blue, leaving me dizzy.

Chu guard?

That Chu guard who was always so respectful and obsequious to me?

How dare he betray me?!

I could hardly believe my ears. It felt like an invisible hand was gripping my chest tightly, and the pain was so intense that I could barely breathe.

"Immortal Venerable, please leave quickly!" Xiao Tao's voice was choked with sobs, her hands gripping my arm tightly, her nails almost digging into my flesh.

I snapped out of my daze, grabbed Xiaotao's hand, and forced myself to calm down.

"Go? Where to go?" I looked around. This palace, this immortal sect, were all built by my own hands. Where could I escape to?

A sense of powerlessness washed over me like a tidal wave, almost drowning me.

General Wu's face also turned extremely ugly. He gripped the sword at his waist tightly and said in a deep voice, "Immortal Lord, this humble general swears to protect you with his life!" His voice was powerful and resolute, with no room for doubt.

I shook my head and gave a wry smile. "General Wu, I appreciate your kindness. But now is not the time to play the hero." I took a deep breath and tried to calm my wildly beating heart.

"Since Guard Chu dared to do this, he must have made thorough preparations. We have no chance of winning in a direct confrontation."

"Then...what should we do?" Xiaotao's voice trembled even more, and tears fell like beads from a broken string.

I didn't answer, I just slowly closed my eyes.

Countless thoughts flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern, dazzling me.

I must stay calm, I must find a way out!

Suddenly, a thought flashed through my mind, like a bolt of lightning piercing the darkness.

I suddenly opened my eyes. "Xiao Tao, go and get my Phoenix Feather Robe."

Xiao Tao paused for a moment, seemingly not understanding my intention, but still obediently did as I said.

I took the Phoenix Feather Robe and gently stroked its exquisite embroidery, a strange emotion welling up inside me.

This robe was made for me by Wen Chen when I became an Immortal Venerable.

It's not just a piece of clothing, it's a testament to our love.

I slowly put on the dress and carefully tidied my appearance in front of the mirror.

The image of myself in the mirror shows me dressed in magnificent robes, exuding elegance and grace, like a celestial maiden.

But I know that this is just an appearance.

My heart is already riddled with holes.

"Immortal Venerable, what is this...?" General Wu looked at me, hesitating to speak.

I didn't answer, I just smiled softly.

That smile carried a hint of desolation, a hint of resolve, and a hint of... madness.

"Let's go, let's go and meet this Guard Chu." I turned around and slowly walked out of the palace.

Outside the palace, Chu guards led a group of men, completely surrounding the palace.

They each held weapons, their expressions solemn, as if facing a formidable enemy.

Upon seeing me appear, Guard Chu stepped forward, bowed, and said in a cold, emotionless voice, "Immortal Venerable, I am here on orders to request that you... abdicate."

I stared at him coldly, a mocking smile playing on my lips: "Abdicate? Guard Chu, you have quite the nerve!"

Chu the guard didn't speak, he just looked at me quietly.

There was not a trace of fear in his eyes, but rather a hint of...pity?

A thought struck me, and I suddenly understood something.

He wasn't a traitor; he was just... a pawn being used.

I sighed softly, a hint of helplessness in my voice: "Guard Chu, do you think you can make me abdicate?"

Chu the guard remained silent.

I turned around, looked at the guards holding weapons, and said loudly, "You are all disciples of the Immortal Sect, all trained by me. Do you really intend to betray me and the Immortal Sect?"

My voice echoed in the empty square, carrying a hint of sorrow and heartache.

The guards all lowered their heads, not daring to look me in the eye.

A flicker of hesitation and struggle crossed their eyes.

I took a deep breath and continued, "I know that some of you have been bewitched by Princess Mingyue. But have you ever considered why Princess Mingyue would do this? Is she doing it for the sake of the Immortal Sect? No, she's only doing it for her own selfish desires! She wants to use you to achieve her ulterior motives!"

My voice grew more and more impassioned, each word like a heavy hammer, striking their hearts hard.

"You are all the people I trust most; I consider you my family. But you have disappointed me!"

The guards all raised their heads and looked at me.

"Immortal Lord, we were wrong!" Suddenly, a guard knelt down and wept bitterly.

Then, a second, a third... more and more guards knelt down and confessed to me.

Chu the guard's face turned deathly pale; he had lost completely.

I slowly walked up to Guard Chu, looked at him, and asked softly, "Guard Chu, do you still want me to abdicate?"

Chu the guard did not speak, but simply lowered his head silently.

I sighed, turned around, and slowly walked back to my bedchamber.

I returned to my palace, took off my phoenix feather robe, and changed into a plain dress.

I walked to the window and looked at the peach blossoms still in full bloom outside, but my heart was at peace.

I have no time for sadness, no time for confusion.

I must pull myself together as soon as possible to meet the challenges ahead.

I called Xiao Tao over and instructed her to prepare a writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

I want to write letters to those who have supported me and to those who are still hesitating.

I want to tell them that I haven't fallen, I'm still fighting!

I picked up my pen and wrote down powerful words on the paper.

My pen tip dances across the paper like a butterfly in flight, full of hope and vitality.

Just as I was writing furiously, Wen Chen arrived.

He didn't say anything, he just stood quietly behind me, watching me.

I could feel his gaze, warm and affectionate. I put down my pen, turned around, and looked at him.

"You've come," I said softly, my voice tinged with weariness.

Wen Chen stepped forward and gently hugged me.

His embrace was warm and strong, making me feel incredibly safe and secure.

"I know everything." His voice was low and gentle, with a hint of heartache.

I didn't say anything, I just nestled quietly in his arms.

At that moment, all my weariness and grievances vanished.

"Yao'er, you've suffered so much." Wen Chen gently stroked my hair, his voice trembling slightly.

I shook my head and said softly, "I'm not suffering. As long as you're here, I'm not afraid of anything."

Wen Chen hugged me tightly, as if he wanted to meld me into his body.

"Yao'er, believe me, everything will be alright."

I nodded, believing he would always be by my side and help me through this difficult time.

We embraced, speechless for a long time. Time seemed to stand still at that moment.

“By the way,” Wen Chen suddenly spoke, breaking the silence, “I have already…”

He hesitated to speak, as if he had something to hide.