radicalducati Page 106
Page 106
Understanding Ye Fan's background became the primary concern for Li Shimin, the monk Shenxiu, and Li Chunfeng at this moment.
After all, if Ye Fan really is connected with Ye Xiaoying and the Prince of Langya, it might be closely related to what happened back then.
If that were the case, it would be the greatest crisis facing the Tang Dynasty, and the thing the three of them feared most.
After all, these three people are all closely related to that strange case from back then!
Li Shimin noticed their unusual behavior and asked, "Are you sure you handled that matter back then perfectly, without leaving anything out?"
When asked this question, both Monk Shenxiu and Li Chunfeng were filled with fear and began to desperately try to recall all the details of that strange case from years ago.
After pondering for a while, the two men, their foreheads beaded with cold sweat, gritted their teeth and said in unison, "Your Majesty, that matter concerns the fate of the Tang Dynasty and the Liyang Kingdom, and we, your subjects, would naturally dare not overlook the slightest detail."
"Moreover, besides the two of us, there are many martial arts masters and big shots from Liyang and Tang Dynasty involved in this matter."
"We can assure you that all the key figures involved in the case back then have been eliminated!"
Li Shimin's eyes flickered uncertainly, but he was certain of what the two men had said.
After all, he could still guarantee the loyalty of the monk Shenxiu and Li Chunfeng.
However... what Ye Xiaoying showed today made Li Shimin suspicious of Ye Fan's identity.
The monk Shenxiu and Li Chunfeng also noticed Li Shimin's worries.
The two also knew that although the matter seemed to be resolved back then, it was actually a bad move and had not truly resolved the concerns of the Tang Dynasty and Liyang.
On the contrary, that incident sowed the seeds of future trouble.
Originally, the root of this trouble was only Xu Xiao, the King of Northern Cold, but now it has become involved with Ye Fan, the Martial Saint who has shocked the world several times.
How could this not cause Li Shimin worry?
Thinking of this, the monk Shenxiu cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is aware of your concerns, but I believe that Ye Fan has nothing to do with that matter."
"However, since Your Majesty is worried, why don't you allow me to use some secret methods?"
"As the Imperial Advisor, I have studied for many years and have discovered a secret technique that can deduce Ye Fan's fate."
"By then, Ye Fan's true identity will be clear at a glance, and he should be able to dispel His Majesty's worries!"
Hearing the words of the monk Shenxiu, Li Shimin finally breathed a sigh of relief, and then waved his hand and said, "In that case, my dear minister, quickly use the secret technique now!"
"The matter of Ye Fan is of great importance. If you, my dear minister, can truly uncover the truth, I will reward you handsomely!"
Chapter 71 The Dragon's Fortune Shifts! The Tang Dynasty Collapses Overnight!!
About half an hour after Ye Xiaoying left the palace.
Li Shimin also changed into casual clothes and left the palace with the monk Shenxiu and Li Chunfeng.
The three of them arrived together at the residence of the monk Shenxiu, the Imperial Preceptor.
Inside the most magnificent three-story tower in the Imperial Preceptor's mansion, more than a dozen young Taoist disciples arranged the numerous secret treasures and magical artifacts they had taken from the treasure pavilion of the monk Shenxiu, one by one, according to the monk Shenxiu's instructions.
These magical artifacts and secret treasures are all rare and precious materials collected by the monk Shenxiu.
Many magical artifacts and secret treasures were able to emit their own light in this slightly dark hall.
Even the well-traveled and knowledgeable Li Shimin was somewhat amazed by this sight.
"The Imperial Preceptor's methods are truly remarkable. The simultaneous appearance of so many exquisite and rare treasures and magical artifacts in one place creates a unique artistic conception. Such a breathtaking spectacle is something even I have never seen before!"
Upon hearing Li Shimin's exclamation, the monk Shenxiu quickly flattered him, saying, "Your Majesty's vision encompasses the entire world; these mundane matters are naturally beyond Your Majesty's comprehension!"
Li Chunfeng, a friend standing nearby, chimed in, "Your Majesty, look! With so many secret treasures and magical artifacts, even if Ye Fan is truly a martial saint among men, he will surely be able to discern the true extent of his power."
Seeing that Li Chunfeng agreed, Li Shimin nodded and said, "In that case, I entrust it to the National Preceptor Qi! Do not disappoint my expectations."
After saying this, Li Shimin had a young Taoist boy waiting outside bring over two chairs. In order not to disturb the monk Shenxiu's magic, he and Li Chunfeng sat together in a secluded corner of the hall.
However, even after Li Shimin and Li Chunfeng took their seats, the monk Shenxiu still did not begin his deductions.
Li Shimin grew impatient and sat down in his chair, fidgeting with the armrests.
This small detail did not escape Li Chunfeng's notice.
Knowing that Li Shimin was already somewhat impatient, Li Chunfeng quickly defended the monk Shenxiu, saying, "Your Majesty, please don't be anxious."
"The Imperial Preceptor's divination technique requires the power of the stars in the sky."
"Your Majesty, please look at the arrangement of these magical artifacts and treasures in this room. They were not placed randomly."
"The arrangement of these treasures is based on the layout of the Twenty-Eight Mansions in the sky."
"The Twenty-Eight Mansions are the primordial energy of heaven and the essence of all things."
"The Twenty-Eight Mansions are further divided into four groups. Your Majesty, if you look closely, aren't the numerous magical artifacts and secret treasures in this room also subtly divided into four pieces?"
"This is what is known as the Four Symbols."
"The four symbols formed by the twenty-eight constellations, on the left side, are the twelve Azure Dragons seated together."
"The right side is the twenty-sixth White Tiger."
"In front there are twenty-four Vermilion Birds, and behind there are seventy-two Black Tortoises."
"When the Imperial Preceptor uses his divination methods, these magical artifacts and treasures that reflect the positions of the stars in the sky can allow him to borrow the power of the stars."
"These four groups of constellations are divided into the Azure Dragon Seven Mansions, the Vermilion Bird Seven Mansions, the White Tiger Seven Mansions, and the Black Tortoise Seven Mansions."
"Specifically, they are the seven constellations of the Azure Dragon: Horned Wood Dragon, Neck Metal Dragon, Root Earth Badger, Room Sun Rabbit, Heart Moon Fox, Tail Fire Tiger, and Winnowing Basket Water Leopard."
"The seven constellations of the Vermilion Bird are: Well Wood Wolf, Ghost Metal Sheep, Willow Earth Deer, Star Sun Horse, Extended Moon Deer, Winged Fire Snake, and Chariot Water Earthworm."
"After that, there are the seven constellations of the White Tiger, Kui Wood Wolf, Lou Metal Dog, Wei Earth Pheasant, Mao Sun Rooster, Bi Moon Crow, Zi Fire Monkey, Shen Water Ape, and the seven constellations of the Black Tortoise, Dou Wood Xie, Niu Metal Ox, Nü Earth Bat, Xu Sun Rat, Wei Moon Swallow, Shi Fire Pig, and Bi Water."
"With the power of these stars, the Imperial Advisor was able to push aside the stream of fate and deduce the necessary matters."
"Under normal circumstances, the power of a single constellation is enough to detect the fate of ordinary soldiers and bureaucrats."
"And the power of the two sets of stars can be used to detect the fates of kings, nobles and generals."
"As for His Majesty's fate, since His Majesty is the Son of Heaven, it is only possible to find out by relying on the power of the three constellations."
Listening to Li Chunfeng's explanation, Li Shimin nodded blankly.
He had no interest in these things like constellations and divination; even if Li Chunfeng explained them to him, he couldn't understand them at all.
Li Chunfeng was naturally aware of this, and he explained these things to Li Shimin only to alleviate Li Shimin's anxiety.
"By the way," Li Shimin suddenly said, "It only takes the power of three sets of stars to investigate the fate of an emperor, but it takes the power of four sets of stars to investigate the fate of Ye Fan? Could it be that Ye Fan has a fate that surpasses that of an emperor?"
Li Chunfeng was taken aback by Li Shimin's question.
He also realized the key to this situation.
Li Chunfeng's understanding of the methods of divination based on constellations was not comprehensive.
What he knew was only the superficial knowledge that the monk Shenxiu had occasionally shared and explained to him in the past.
Even so, looking at the room full of magical artifacts and treasures, Li Chunfeng still sensed the monk Shenxiu's caution.
Normally, Li Chunfeng had once witnessed the monk Shenxiu using the power of the stars to perform divination for someone.
At that time, although the magical artifacts used were quite valuable, they could be bought with some money.
But now, looking at the many magical artifacts and treasures in this room, even Li Chunfeng, with his extensive knowledge, was unaware of the details of many of them.
Li Chunfeng understood that the monk Shenxiu had really pulled out all the stops to investigate Ye Fan's fate.
The treasures and magical artifacts in this room are probably the most cherished possessions of the monk Shenxiu over most of his life.
However, Li Chunfeng felt that the monk Shenxiu's caution was not excessive.
What Ye Fan has revealed is merely the tip of the iceberg of his true nature.
Even this small tip of the iceberg has shocked many masters and experts from all walks of life.
Just how strong is Ye Fan himself? He probably already surpasses many martial arts masters in the world today, right?
It was no wonder that the monk Shenxiu was so cautious.
"Your Majesty, please do not worry." After thinking it over, Li Chunfeng understood Li Shimin's concerns and explained to him, "The fact that the Imperial Preceptor used the full power of the Four Constellations this time does not mean that Ye Fan has a destiny that surpasses that of an emperor."
"It's just to address His Majesty's concerns; the Imperial Advisor simply wants to uncover more details about Ye Fan's destiny."
Li Chunfeng did not tell the truth because he did not want to cause any unnecessary trouble.
After all, the emperor's heart is unpredictable. If a rift were to develop between Li Shimin and Ye Fan, it might lead to something that would harm the Tang Dynasty in the future.
After all, Ye Fan's strength
Even Li Chunfeng couldn't figure it out at all.
Such outstanding individuals are enough to determine the life or death of a dynasty.
As Li Chunfeng and Li Shimin chatted, the sky gradually darkened.
Looking at the dim sky outside, Li Chunfeng knew that the monk Shenxiu was about to begin his astronomical calculations.
Sure enough, the monk Shenxiu walked to the very center of the first floor of the tower.
Arriving at the very center of numerous rare treasures and magical artifacts, the monk Shenxiu closed his eyes and sat down cross-legged.
Then, Li Shimin and Li Chunfeng heard the sound of huge gears turning coming from inside the walls of the first floor of the tower.
With a soft creaking sound, the roof of the entire tower was divided into four sections and began to slowly unfold until the entire sky was revealed.