I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2217: 2216: Envoys from the Holy Court, Matters of the Past

“Your senior brother is quite ambitious,” Xu Zimei commented with a chuckle.

“Regardless, Senior Brother hasn’t strayed from Buddhism, and his cultivation must have reached an incredible level,” the Barefoot Monk remarked.

“It's possible he might even become the next Buddha Lord.”

“He is the King of Yinchang; this land has shaped him, and with the populace's blessings, he can defy the Holy Court. However, this also constrains him,” Xu Zimei analyzed.

“As a king, he bears responsibility for so many civilians; departing Zhoushou City would be extremely difficult for him.”

“That is indeed a pity,” the Barefoot Monk sighed softly.

As they proceeded further into the grand hall of the Imperial Palace.

Hearty laughter erupted from within.

“Barefoot Junior Brother, I never thought you would grace my palace with your presence.”

Xu Zimei looked up, spotting a man clad in a yellow imperial robe, chuckling as he emerged from atop a raised platform.

The man exuded an aura as majestic and dignified as a living Buddha.

The imperial robe he wore was unlike ordinary ones; it was adorned with clear Buddhist scriptures, or rather, the entirety of the Buddha Sutra was intricately etched onto the fabric.

As he approached, he appeared as a veritable Buddha.

“Senior Brother,” the Barefoot Monk bowed respectfully.

“There's no need for such formality between us,” Yinxu replied with a smile.

His gaze then shifted to Xu Zimei.

He inquired curiously, “And who might this be?”

“Senior Brother, this is hardly the place for such a discussion,” the Barefoot Monk interjected.

“Right, right, forgive my absent-mindedness,” Yinxu laughed heartily several times.

Then, with a grand sweep of his hand, he declared.

“Let us proceed to my Imperial Extreme Hall, where our conversation will remain undisturbed.”

Upon entering the Imperial Extreme Hall, Xu Zimei noticed a Buddha statue within.

It bore a striking resemblance to the Jade Buddha of Cloud Interval Temple.

“Senior Brother, what is this…” the Barefoot Monk began hesitantly.

“Is there something difficult to articulate?”

“It’s nothing of the sort,” Yinxu responded with a smile.

As he took a seat, palace maids promptly served an array of fruits and delicacies.

He casually remarked, “My entire existence has been dedicated to seeking the Dao of Inquiry. From a young age, I followed our master's teachings, dreaming of propagating Buddhism far and wide.”

“I desired to be a devout monk, but alas – my birth precluded it!”

“My father suffered from a severe illness, and as his only child, I had already been designated the Monarch of Yinchang.

While power held no allure for me, and I had no interest in the throne, I was left with no alternative!

When my father passed, bequeathing this vast kingdom to me, hundreds of thousands of citizens awaited my ascension.

How could I possibly abandon it all and depart?

You understand, Yinchang's defense against cultivators relies heavily on the blessings of the populace.

But if Yinchang were to lose its king, how could the masses offer their prayers for the kingdom?

Buddhism seeks to save all sentient beings; if I were to forsake hundreds of thousands of citizens, what Buddhist Law could I possibly uphold?”

Hearing Yinxu’s words, the Barefoot Monk sighed, comprehending his brother’s internal conflict and sorrow.

After all, he had been compelled to abandon his chosen life path, yet he was powerless to change his circumstances.

“Even as a king, my heart constantly yearns for Cloud Interval Temple and our former Buddha Country,” Yinxu stated.

With a wave of his hand, he gestured towards the area outside the palace.

Laughing, he asked, “Junior Brother, observe this palace; how does it compare to our Buddha Country of the past?”

“It is almost identical,” the Barefoot Monk replied, his voice trembling.

The former Buddha Country held their most cherished recollections, having grown up amidst its splendor.

Yet, it also contained their most agonizing memories, as the Holy Court’s intrusion brought death to the Buddha Lord and devastation to the land.

“Junior Brother, why did you depart from Longxing City on this occasion?” Yinxu inquired.

“I had assumed you would remain guarding Cloud Interval Temple indefinitely, never to emerge again.”

“Cloud Interval Temple, after all, represents the last vestige of our devoted cultivation; I harbored the same belief. Even if I were to perish, I wished for it to be within those hallowed walls.”

The Barefoot Monk nodded slightly and cast a glance towards Xu Zimei.

“It was this senior who influenced my decision to travel.”

“Senior Brother, do you still recall the Demon Race?”

“Demon Race?” Yinxu paused, then swiftly responded.

“Is this individual a member of the Demon Race?”

“I remember them vividly; our Buddha Country once flourished due to the Demon Race, only to later fall into decline because of them.

During our master’s lifetime, he often spoke of the glorious era of the Buddha Country, a time we deeply longed for.

I resolved to accompany him; perhaps rather than dying within the ancient temple of Cloud Interval Temple, it would be more meaningful to spread the Buddhist Dharma. Even if it means meeting my end willingly and without regret,” the Barefoot Monk explained.

At this declaration, Yinxu finally regarded Xu Zimei with renewed seriousness.

He rose solemnly and bowed deeply to Xu Zimei.

Announcing, “Thank you, Senior, for safeguarding our Buddha Country.”

“In a way, this can also be seen as a debt the Demon Race owes you,” Xu Zimei gestured gently.

“Furthermore, my visit here also involves a matter where I seek your assistance.”

“Please, do tell, Senior,” Yinxu replied eagerly, nodding.

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside.

A voice called out from beyond the doorway, “Your Majesty, the General of the Jinwu Guard requests an audience.”

Distinct from the Hidden Dragon Guard, the Jinwu Guard operates outside the palace, tasked with the city's internal security.

The Jinwu Guard General is directly appointed by the Emperor, primarily overseeing city safety in addition to regular patrols.

Upon hearing that someone was requesting an audience from outside.

Yinxu’s brow furrowed slightly. “Can you not see I am currently hosting esteemed guests?

Is there anything that cannot wait until later?”

“Your Majesty, this is a matter of extreme urgency,” the Jinwu Guard General’s voice boomed from outside the hall.

“It’s quite alright, allow him to enter,” Xu Zimei interjected smoothly.

“After all, we are not in any immediate rush.”

“My apologies,” Yinxu nodded his head.

Turning back with an air of authority, he commanded, “You may enter.”

This Jinwu Guard General, named Qiu Pei, was an officer Yinxu held in high regard.

Considering the critical responsibilities of the Jinwu Guard, only someone from the direct imperial lineage would be entrusted with the entire city's safety.

Qiu Pei entered, his golden armor gleaming, a fine sheen of sweat dotting his forehead—whether from the heat or sheer distress was unclear.

Upon entering the hall, he immediately dropped to his knees.

“Qiu Pei, state your business plainly; I assure you, I will not behead you,” Yinxu declared, a hint of displeasure in his tone.

“Your Majesty, a large number of Immortals have appeared outside the city walls,” Qiu Pei reported.

“They have issued an ultimatum: if we do not destroy the statues today, they will proceed to demolish our Zhoushou City themselves.”

“Could these be individuals from the Holy Court once more?” Yinxu’s brow furrowed.

It was evident this was not their first contentious visit.

Qiu Pei gave a slight nod in confirmation.

“This time, their intentions seem serious, not merely a hollow threat.”

“Those Immortals possess formidable power; we stand absolutely no chance against them.”

“What of the masses’ blessings? Do they not heed the Power of Heaven and Earth?” Yinxu inquired, his frown deepening.

“Your Majesty, I implore you, see for yourself,” Qiu Pei responded, his voice strained.