Struggling to Survive with Regression Power in the Primordial Saint Sect

Chapter 505: The Empress’s Dao Attainment Is Truly Profound

Actually, in Lu Yang’s view, there was one aspect of the Dao Court that stood in stark contrast to the Holy Sect, the Sword Pavilion, or even the Pure Land, making it appear quite unique and unconventional.

That was “individuality”.

This aspect was subtle—the so-called “individuality” was merely Lu Yang’s personal opinion. Frankly speaking, it boiled down to this: Jiangbei had the First Saint, Jiangnan had Sword Seeds, Jiangxi had the World-Honored One.

What did Jiangdong have?

Vermin?

It sounded absurd, but was actually quite reasonable—at least compared to the other three regions. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe the Dao Court cultivators as pure and simple.

『In the end, it was still because cultivation in the Dao Court came too easily, lacking in tempering. Compared to fighting and killing, Dao Court cultivators focused more of their energy on internal strife under the governance of the【Immortal Nation Dao Law】. It was no wonder the Dao Court’s combat strength ranked lowest among the Four Regions.』

Still, the Dao Court had its own advantages.

This advantage wasn’t found among the lower-level officials, but in the uppermost echelon of the Dao Court—those who could freely invoke the【Immortal Nation Dao Law】.

Take the Empress Xiao, for example.

『Even reading through the【Four Vaults of the Dao Canon】—if it were just rote memorization, any Qi Refining cultivator could do it. The key lay in fully comprehending its contents.』

To comprehend was to truly attain the Dao.

Otherwise, knowing the surface but not the essence was like building castles in the air. It would not aid one’s cultivation—on the contrary, it could be detrimental and invite ridicule.

But Empress Xiao was clearly not that type. As the empress, she too had the authority to freely invoke the blessings of the【Immortal Nation Dao Law】. Therefore, when it came to the Four Vaults of the Dao Canon, her understanding was genuinely profound. After several conversations, Empress Xiao’s bottomless Dao attainment had Lu Yang utterly captivated.

“Beloved subject, you cultivate the【Heavenly Fire Above】?”

When she spoke those words, Empress Xiao’s expression turned slightly strange. After all, the path to Golden Fruition through【Heavenly Fire Above】was notorious—cultivating it meant severing one’s Dao path.

『But... perhaps that’s for the best.』

After all, a partner whose Dao path was cut off would never be in conflict with her own ambition for Golden Fruition, and would be even more worthy of trust.

Even taking a step further—the path to Golden Fruition via【Heavenly Fire Above】was to rule the world, which didn’t conflict with her own goal for Fruit Position, and the two paths might even complement each other.

With that thought, Empress Xiao became more proactive.

To her, Lu Yang was now her forerunner—the divine sword she would wield to cut down the civil and military officials. Naturally, she needed to sharpen it well.

“The Dao techniques you previously chose were actually quite good.”

Empress Xiao glanced at the【Beacon Watchtower Sun-Igniting Scroll】and【Empyrean Light of the Yang Emperor Talisman】that Lu Yang had picked and nodded. “Both are symbolically connected to【Heavenly Fire Above】.”

“But you’ve taken a slightly eccentric path.”

“【Heavenly Fire Above】isn’t just the blazing sun above—it also includes the jade-like bright moon, the extreme yin transformation. Both sun and moon are【Heavenly Fire Above】!”

Empress Xiao’s words were like a slap to awaken someone from a dream.

Lu Yang’s eyes widened instantly, as if a fog had lifted: 『That’s it...【Heavenly Fire Above】encompasses the transformation of yin and yang. Walking the path of the sun is the dignified and righteous way.』

『Yet walking the path of the moon—this is exactly the symbolism I once yearned for: the Emperor personally leading the charge, treading perilous ground.』

『In that case...』

Lu Yang was already at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Previously, he had been blind to the truth because he couldn’t see past the leaves. Even without Empress Xiao’s reminder, he would have eventually figured it out.

But with her guidance, he instantly reached enlightenment:

『Seek Geng Metal!』

Lu Yang looked up, fully enlightened, and almost in unison with Empress Xiao, they both said, “Taiyin represents the moon, and Geng Metal is also associated with the moon. It governs weaponry and warfare, often bringing calamity to the virtuous. This perfectly aligns with the symbolism of【Treading Deep, Walking Perilous】. So the best course now is to choose a Geng Metal Dao technique.”

Their voices stopped simultaneously.

Empress Xiao was slightly stunned, her beautiful eyes glinting with surprise. She clearly hadn’t expected Lu Yang’s reaction to be so swift—his Dao attainment was obviously not shallow.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your guidance.” Lu Yang cupped his hands.

“...You’re too polite.”

Empress Xiao once again reached out to help Lu Yang up. With a soft chuckle, she said, “Seems like even if I hadn’t said anything, you would’ve figured it out in a few days.”

“I still must trouble Your Majesty.”

Lu Yang shook his head and said softly, “Though I now have a goal, I’m still no match for Your Majesty’s deep study of the Dao Canon. I humbly request you to select one for me.”

“Hmm...”

Upon hearing this, Empress Xiao pondered for a moment, then gestured with her hand. A Dao scripture instantly flew out from the vast sea of Dao Canon and was lightly caught by her.

Lu Yang focused his eyes:

【Gilded Command of Martial Symbols】

“This Geng Metal Dao technique should suit you best. Have a good look at it.”

With that, Empress Xiao reached into her robe and pulled out a fragrant talisman token, placing it into Lu Yang’s hand: “You may hold onto this for now.”

“This...”

Lu Yang was about to refuse, but the moment he grasped the token, he felt the distant【Immortal Nation Dao Law】suddenly grow close.

『This is... the authority to invoke the【Immortal Nation Dao Law】!?』

『An unrestricted version!?』

“...With such a gift from Your Majesty, your servant can only respectfully accept!”

As his words fell, Lu Yang instantly clenched his fingers, gripping the token tightly—almost clutching Empress Xiao’s delicate hand along with it.

Empress Xiao withdrew her hand like she’d been shocked, but her expression remained unchanged. She chuckled softly, “With this item, you should be able to quickly grasp the profundity of【Gilded Command of Martial Symbols】. Unfortunately, it cannot be taken out of the inner palace... Better now than later—why not stay and comprehend the Dao technique here?”

“Many thanks, Your Majesty!”

Since this pertained to cultivation, Lu Yang immediately cast aside all concerns. He sat cross-legged, held the Dao scripture steady, and began to study it under the blessing of the Immortal Nation Dao Law.

He wasn’t worried Empress Xiao would pull any tricks.

After all, the myriad Banner Spirits inside the Myriad Spirits Banner weren’t pushovers. Even with Ancestor Tingyou temporarily absent, Suohuan alone was more than enough to act as his protector.

『【Gilded Command of Martial Symbols】... no wonder it’s said to complement【Heavenly Fire Above】.』

『This talisman technique allows one to bind others’ divine abilities, combining them into a single talisman for unified usage and amplified power, to be unleashed when needed.』

『If it were just this technique alone, it would only be good for collecting scraps of divine powers, requiring years of accumulation to slowly strengthen... But I’m different—with【Heavenly Fire Above】, I can seize an entire divine ability in one go!』

After finishing his comprehension, Lu Yang opened his eyes:

『More importantly, this Dao technique suits me perfectly at this moment. The entire Tianwu City—its civil and military officials—are all prime material for me to seize divine abilities from!』

The next second, Empress Xiao spoke:

“Beloved subject, here are some officials who, though nominally part of the bureaucratic faction, command most of Tianwu Cityʼs military forces. They must be removed quickly.”

“Take a look?”

Lu Yang looked up toward the jade slip Empress Xiao passed him:

▶ Dragon Cavalry Camp of the Capital — Commander Chen Changshou. Innate Divine Ability:【Heaven-Sundering Sword Draw Technique】

▶ Tiger Guards Camp of the Capital — Commander He Yongdao. Innate Divine Ability:【Heartless Severance】

▶ Divine Machine Camp of the Capital — Commander Lin Hezhu. Innate Divine Ability:【No Law, No Thought】

▶ Flying Bear Camp of the Capital — Commander Jiang Shucan. Innate Divine Ability:【Parted Dust Severance】

▶ Vanguard Camp of the Capital — Commander Lu Jiantai. Innate Divine Ability:【Single Thought Divine Blade】

『The Five Military Camps of the Capital』

The five commanders, though technically only third-rank officials, seemed unremarkable at first glance. Yet in truth, they were the real stabilizing pillars of Tianwu City.

Empress Xiao softly explained, “The position of these five commanders is very unique—like puzzle pieces. With the addition of the Heavenly Sonʼs Talisman, they can be unified into a single new position known as【As If the Emperor Himself Were Present】, a status that surpasses even myself and the crown prince.”

In other words—

“As long as we control the Five Commanders and add the Heavenly Son’s Talisman I hold, all chaos can be pacified. No matter what the officials try, it will be in vain.”

Without doubt, if this were successful, Empress Xiao—who held the Heavenly Sonʼs Talisman—would be the biggest beneficiary.

However, Lu Yang found it hard to refuse. After all, each of the Five Commanders’ innate divine abilities were ideal as cultivation resources for【Gilded Command of Martial Symbols】.

『Was this all part of her plan?』

Staring at Empress Xiao, who was right before him, Lu Yang suddenly smiled: No wonder her ancestral roots lay in Jiangbei and she had once thrived under the Holy Sect. She definitely had some capability!

And to be able to pick out a Dao technique that matched both Lu Yang’s needs and her own interests—

It was clear:

The Empress’s Dao attainment... was truly profound!

He wanted it!