Struggling to Survive with Regression Power in the Primordial Saint Sect

Chapter 504: A Perfect Match

The Empress has arrived.

Hearing the voice from outside the hall, Lu Yang immediately raised his brows. In the next second, the main doors were pushed open, and a graceful figure adorned in a radiant robe and crowned with a coronet walked in.

The woman had willowy brows and almond eyes, her jade-like face glowing faintly. She wore a gauze silk long skirt, draped in a brocade cloud-and-phoenix patterned outer robe. A hairpin of pearl and jade trembled slightly in her hair as she walked. Lu Yang’s gaze wandered across ridges and peaks before finally resting upon a tender, exquisitely beautiful face.

”Greetings to the Empress.”

Lu Yang swiftly retracted his gaze and bowed. However, the very next moment, a dull thud sounded—the door had been shut once again.

What did this mean?

In that instant, the entire Four Vaults of the Dao Canon fell silent. Only Lu Yang and this Empress who had suddenly appeared remained, their very breaths audibly clear.

Immediately afterward, Lu Yang saw a radiant light emerge between the Empress’s brows. The previously dim Dao Canon Hall suddenly brightened, and the space seemed to expand infinitely, revealing vast fields, flourishing vegetation, and a tableau of grain-filled scenery encircling the center.

Above these visions, a beam of earthen true light manifested, perfect and without flaw:

【慈圣灵思皇后】

【Empress Cisheng Lingsi】

Radiant fragments fell like petals—seemingly intangible and immaterial—yet when they fell upon Lu Yang’s body, he felt as if mountains were pressing against his Dharma body.

‘【Roadside Earth】.’

‘As expected, everything within the palace was established around Emperor Jiayou. This Empress is no exception. In terms of status, she is no lesser than Crown Prince Longxing.’

While Lu Yang pondered, this Empress—normally extremely low-profile within the Dao Court’s official hierarchy and almost entirely hidden behind Emperor Jiayou—was also quietly observing him. Her beautiful eyes reflected Lu Yang’s image, as if seeing a world-shaking, purely yang, wildly surging dragon of legend.

But in a blink, that figure transformed into a handsome young man.

‘Half-human, half-dragon?’

‘Not a simple hybrid bloodline—it’s truly “you within me, and I within you.” How was this achieved?’

The Empress’s secular surname was “Xiao,” thus she was also known as Empress Xiao. Though of commoner birth, she was keen and intelligent, so well-versed in the Four Vaults of the Dao Canon that she could recite them backwards.

Across the world, there was little among Foundation Establishment that she did not know.

And yet, Lu Yang’s ”half-human half-dragon” appearance was so strange and unfathomable that Empress Xiao couldn’t make sense of it. At this moment, her curiosity was piqued beyond measure.

Still, she quickly regained composure:

‘No rush. This can be discussed another time. I have official business first.’

With that thought, Empress Xiao pondered for a moment, then gently parted her red lips and softly spoke, “I must thank Minister Du for assisting Longxing in ascending to the Tianwu Hall.”

“Your subject was merely fulfilling his duty,” Lu Yang replied, clasping his hands.

“Minister Du, you are too modest.”

Empress Xiao shook her head gently. “I know Longxing’s temperament well. He is one to pursue great accomplishments yet clings to life; enticed by small gains and forgetful of consequences—hardly a wise sovereign.”

“If not for Minister Du, I fear he would’ve already been manipulated by the officials. I was even considering appearing in person to intimidate the ministers and stabilize the court. But then you suddenly stepped forth, sparing me the trouble—and saving me, a woman, from having to show my face publicly.”

“However...”

Here, Empress Xiao glanced again at Lu Yang and murmured, “I observe in Minister Du the aspect of a tiger or wolf—surely not someone who’ll remain content.”

Her words made Lu Yang furrow his brow.

At that moment, he was contemplating a question: If he were to forcibly subdue Empress Xiao here, what sort of upheaval would that cause in the harem? Would it be discovered?

‘Unfortunately, 【String-Pulled Puppet】 is useless against those who have reached Foundation Establishment Perfection.’

Were it otherwise, there would’ve been no need for such trouble—he could have directly controlled Crown Prince Longxing and the officials, easily taking charge of the Dao Court.

‘Even refining her into a Banner Spirit... still wouldn’t work.’

Dao Court cultivators lost their official position upon death. Even if refined into a Banner Spirit, she would become a mortal and be completely useless.

At this moment, Empress Xiao changed the topic:

“Minister Du, shall we discuss a transaction?”

“You and I join hands to suppress the faction of the Three Dukes, helping my son stabilize his authority. In return, my son shall rule in name only and all real power shall be delegated to you.”

“Your Majesty flatters this humble subject.”

Lu Yang bowed respectfully, saying, “This subject is loyal only to the royal house, to His Majesty, and to the Crown Prince. It is my duty to ensure a stable court.”

After speaking, he noticed Empress Xiao had a faintly amused smile.

“Minister Du, do you know where my Xiao family originates from?”

Before Lu Yang could answer, Empress Xiao continued, “The Xiao family hails from Jiangbei. Even today, one of our branches still frequently sends disciples to the Jiangbei Demonic Sect.”

Hearing this, Lu Yang was slightly startled. Calculating karma, a name suddenly leapt into his mind:

‘Xiao Shiye!?’

Seeing Lu Yang’s peculiar expression, Empress Xiao seemed to misunderstand and chuckled, “What? Could it be that Minister Du suspects me of secretly colluding with the Demonic Sect?”

“Are you planning to investigate me?”

“This subject dares not.” Lu Yang quickly bowed.

“That’s enough—rise.”

Empress Xiao stepped forward. Lu Yang was suddenly enveloped by a delicate fragrance, then lifted up by her hands, face-to-face with her enchanting eyes:

“I’ve always spoken frankly. Minister Du, you hail from the True Dragon Clan—surely you wish to secure your position in court. I too wish to secure power for my family. Yet the ministers block my path, and the Three Dukesʼ disciples endlessly obstruct me. Minister Du, you and I are truly on the same side. Why be so coy?”

In those beautiful eyes, Lu Yang saw ambition.

‘This woman is not of the Tian Wu Royal House. Not only does she lack cultivation, the Dao Court has no Fruitional Rank to bestow upon her—yet she too dares dream of Seeking Golden Fruition?’

‘Together with Crown Prince Longxing… are they both hoping for Emperor Jiayou to “ascend to the heavens” soon?’

In the Dao Court, even those as noble as the Three Dukes or the Son of Heaven—those possessing the status of a Golden Core True Lord—were still bound by a lifespan of one thousand years. When that ended, they would have to abdicate.

After abdication, the Three Dukes must reincarnate.

The Emperor, however, cultivates both nature and virtue. After abdication, he ascends without reincarnation—this is called “Dragon Ascends to the Guest of Heaven,” rising to serve the Dao Lord in the heavens with his blessed realm.

But regardless of the outcome, the seat would be vacant.

And a vacant seat always draws contenders.

After all, across the world of Foundation Establishment, who wouldn’t wish to seek Golden Fruition? Even a sliver of hope was enough to drive countless Foundation Establishment True Persons to risk everything in exchange.

Thinking of this, Lu Yang changed his mind.

After all, Empress Xiao wasn’t wrong. The current Dao Court officials and the disciples of the Three Dukes were mutual enemies. Joining forces was the most fitting approach.

Even if he had to turn against her later, that could wait until after the ministers and the Three Dukesʼ disciples had been dealt with.

Moreover, if even Empress Xiao stood openly in support of him, then his legitimacy within the Dao Court would become unshakable—no one could accuse him of wrongdoing.

This was truly a mutually beneficial alliance.

However, despite this, Lu Yang would give no explicit promises in public lest it provide others with a pretext. He merely bowed and said, “This subject awaits Your Majesty’s instructions.”

Empress Xiao smiled with satisfaction. “Excellent.”

The two reached an instant agreement.

Very quickly, the atmosphere between them grew more congenial. Empress Xiao even glanced at the two Dao books Lu Yang had just selected and asked with a smile:

“Minister Du is searching for a Dao method? Have you found anything satisfactory?”

Lu Yang shook his head. “I’ve yet to find one that pleases me.”

Empress Xiao laughed. “Then why not tell me? I know every inch of the Four Vaults of the Dao Canon—perhaps I can help you choose one or two.”

“Oh?”

Upon hearing this, Lu Yang’s eyes lit up. He looked at Empress Xiao as though she were a treasure trove. This was truly an unexpected delight.

‘To have read the entire Four Vaults of the Dao Canon—what a staggering accumulation of Dao comprehension… No wonder this Empress Xiao also harbors the ambition of Seeking Golden Fruition. If I could use the 『Mending Heaven True Scripture』 to absorb all her knowledge, it would surely be a monumental gain, enough to fully mend the deficiencies in my Dao comprehension needed for Seeking Golden Fruition!’