novelnext Chapter 245:
Chapter 245:
Chapter 245:
"Yuan Ming, let’s discuss this matter after the ceremony," the young emperor persuaded.
But Yuan Ming just smiled, shook his head at him, and then turned to address the civil and military officials of the court, loudly declaring, "Gentlemen, regarding the assassination attempt on my envoy mission to the Southern Border, both the captured Noble King and the slain Lin Junsheng were mere puppets under someone’s control. The true mastermind behind this is someone else."
As soon as these words were spoken, an eerie silence fell upon the majestic hall, and many eyes involuntarily shifted towards the national teacher, only to quickly look away.
The reactions of Lin Junsheng and the Noble King had already given these seasoned officials their answer. What puzzled them was why Yuan Ming would so recklessly tear through this thin veil of decency.Fịndd new updates at novelhall.com
Could it be that he truly had the confidence to take down the national teacher on his own? Or was he so emboldened by the young emperor’s favor that he forgot the national teacher was a cultivator from Changchun Temple, at the Foundation Establishment stage, and that the laws of Great Jin might not apply to him? A genius who rose to fame at a young age, a mere Qi refining stage cultivator, should not be so impulsive.
"Yuan Ming..." the young emperor suddenly raised his voice, shaking his head silently at him.
Yuan Ming just glanced at him, then smiled and pointed directly at the national teacher, loudly demanding, "Daoist Master Yuhu, I, Yuan Ming, have no grudges against you, why do you seek my death?" His accusation pierced through the silence like a stone causing ripples on a calm pond, tearing the veil to shreds.
"How dare you, a mere commoner, slander the national teacher?" A cultivator from Changchun Temple standing in the back couldn’t hold back and cursed loudly. "The national teacher is a paragon of virtue, having prayed for Great Jin’s prosperity for years. How dare you accuse him?"
"The national teacher has always been righteous and virtuous, how could he harm a mortal?" Some expressed their doubts.
The young emperor watched these chaotic accusations with a silent sigh, yet he did not reprimand Yuan Ming. Because, in truth, Yuan Ming had done nothing wrong.
"National teacher, regardless, shouldn’t you give an explanation to the Yuan family?" At that moment, a deep voice overpowered the clamor of the civil officials. General Yuan’s eyes were slightly red as he stared intently at the national teacher. Although he knew he couldn’t do anything to the national teacher with his own strength, as a father, he had to stand firm and support his son.
"National teacher, this matter ultimately requires an explanation to Yuan Ming," the young emperor also spoke up. Since the matter was out in the open, he would not choose otherwise but to stand with Yuan Ming.
Daoist Master Yuhu looked at Yuan Ming, his gaze deep and silent for a long time before he finally sighed and stood up.
"The arrangement to have the Noble King and Lin Junsheng assassinate Yuan Ming on his mission to the Southern Border was indeed my doing," the national teacher admitted outright.
"What? Why would you do such a thing?"
"Impossible, national teacher, why would you go to such lengths..."
"What has Yuan Ming done to warrant such actions from the national teacher?"
Questions erupted all around.
Even the old emperor couldn’t help but frown and look towards him.
"Although I am responsible for this matter, I do not believe I have done anything wrong," the national teacher spoke again, his words striking like thunder in everyone’s hearts.
"What a statement, to not see it as wrong!" Yuan Ming heard this and laughed instead of getting angry, clapping his hands in amusement.
"Your Majesty, the Nine Elements Formula is a technique only core disciples can cultivate. What are Yuan Ming’s qualifications? Why should he be allowed to cultivate the Nine Elements Formula? Allowing him to cultivate the Changchun Arts is already an exception, how can he be so presumptuous?"
"Are you saying I’m overstepping?" the young emperor retorted coldly.
"I, I..." The disciple from Changchun Temple was at a loss for words.
"Your Majesty, I cannot decide on the Nine Elements Formula, please forgive me," the national teacher bowed slightly.
The young emperor hesitated upon hearing this.
"Gentlemen, I think there might be a misunderstanding," Yuan Ming’s voice rang out again.
Everyone turned to look at him.
"The reason I stand here accusing the national teacher is not to seek compensation or justice, but to ask you all to bear witness and give me a chance, a chance to challenge the national teacher." Yuan Ming’s statement was another bolt from the blue.
"What does he mean, he wants to challenge the national teacher?"
"Has Yuan Ming gone mad? How can he challenge the national teacher?"
"A contest in painting and calligraphy, or in writing? What a joke!"
Whether they supported or opposed the national teacher, everyone thought Yuan Ming was insane.
"I thought he was a genius, but it turns out he’s so foolish!"
"His Majesty has already secured a great advantage for you, and you act like this, where do you place His Majesty?"
"Simply ungrateful and courting death!"
***
"Yuan Ming, what nonsense are you talking about?" General Yuan was both anxious and angry, disregarding decorum as he rushed to Yuan Ming’s side. He placed his hand on his son’s shoulder, lowered his voice, and urged, "We cannot fight the national teacher, what His Majesty has done is already the greatest compensation, don’t act rashly."
"Brother Ming, what exactly do you want to do?" The young emperor also approached Yuan Ming, his brow furrowed, asking in a voice only they could hear.
"Father, Your Majesty, the dangers I encountered on my travels to the Southern Border far exceed those described in my ’Tales of Young Master Sheng’s Southern Journey.’ When leaving Tiehu Town, the national teacher even sent cultivators to assassinate me. I’ve made my way back here step by step, simply to fight for my own life. If I don’t settle this matter openly today, I’ll have to watch my back against him for the rest of my life," Yuan Ming said with a smile.
If it had only been Lin Junsheng’s targeting, Yuan Ming might have accepted the national teacher’s reconciliation, but the second assassination attempt outside Tiehu Town made it impossible for him to forgive.
"Once is an accident, twice is a pattern, and I, Yuan Ming, will have my revenge." With that, he turned to the crowd and loudly questioned, "For an attempt on my life, why should I accept a mere apology from the national teacher? Why should I be grateful for a cultivation spot from Changchun Temple? Why should I sign a life-and-death contract with someone who wants me dead, and then be scolded for being ungrateful?" "I ask you all, what wrong have I done? Why do you disapprove?" Yuan Ming’s voice swept over the crowd, his question thundering like a bolt from the blue, leaving everyone red-faced and speechless.