Lao Tzu is Ji Gong

Chang'an City consisted of three parts: the outer city wall, the palace city, and the imperial city.

The palace city and the imperial city were located in the northern center of the capital, with the various wards within the outer city wall protecting them from the left, right, and south. The central Zhuque Avenue served as the boundary, dividing the area east and west into Wannian and Chang'an counties respectively.

The palace city and the imperial city were the residences of the Tang imperial family, while the outer city was where ordinary people lived and worked; each had its own layout.

Thousands of houses resemble a Go board, and twelve streets are like vegetable fields.

The outer city of Chang'an consisted of eleven main streets running north-south and fourteen main streets running east-west, which crisscrossed and divided the city into one hundred and ten wards.

The three north-south main streets and three east-west main streets running between the city gates constitute the main traffic arteries of Chang'an. The widest of these is the Zhuque Avenue, which is comparable to the Heavenly Street of Luoyang, and is forty zhang wide. Although the others are not as wide as the Zhuque Avenue, their scale can still be imagined.

Besides Zhuque Avenue, the most famous places in Chang'an were the Metropolitan Market and Liren Market, located in the southeast and southwest of the imperial city, respectively, each occupying two wards.

The city has four streets in each district, forming a cross-shaped layout, dividing the entire city into nine districts. Each district is surrounded by streets on all four sides, with shops of various industries located along the streets.

Within each district, there are also small alleyways for passage within the district.

Chapter 184 Empress Wu Zhao

The two cities were the most bustling places in Chang'an, with many restaurants and eateries that stayed open all night, making them the most vibrant and sleepless areas of Chang'an.

Li Xiuyuan flew straight from Zhuque Avenue into the imperial palace of Chang'an City. With his cultivation level, it would have been easy for him to remain undetected.

The palace was heavily guarded, but Li Xiuyuan walked as if no one was around to the Taiji Hall. The floor, paved with the finest white jade, shone with a warm glow.

He walked straight into the hall, where he saw a huge, bright moon pearl hanging on the ceiling, shining like the moon. The floor was covered with white jade, inlaid with gold pearls, and carved into the ground to resemble a lotus.

Each flower resembles a five-stemmed lotus, with delicate and exquisite petals, and even the stamens are finely discernible. Li Xiuyuan understood as soon as he stepped on it that it was carved from Lantian warm jade, just like stepping on a jade lotus.

On the dragon throne, which was ten feet wide, sat a woman of unparalleled beauty. She wore a golden, tight-fitting robe with golden sleeves and a pale yellow gauze skirt with scattered flowers. Her beauty was exquisite, and her demeanor was serene and composed.

The woman's waist was tied with a large bow of soft gold silk gauze, her hair was draped low and adorned with a jade phoenix hairpin, and her slender figure was adorned with a jade dragon and phoenix clip. She appeared to be alluring and captivating.

what!

The presence of another person in the house naturally caught Wu Zetian's attention. Upon seeing the newcomer, she noticed that he was dressed in jet-black clothes, with strange light in his eyes, sword-like eyebrows that reached his temples, and a wicked smile on his lips, exuding an unparalleled demonic aura.

This involuntarily stirred up memories in her heart. Wu Zetian swayed her slender waist with delicate steps, her eyebrows were like dark eyebrows, her bright eyes were sparkling, her fingers were like jade and her arms were like fair skin, her waist was slender and her body was like snow, her body was fragrant, her lotus-like steps were like small socks, and her fair wrists were revealed in light gauze.

Wu Zetian's eyes were like spring water, clear and bright; her delicate and beautiful face was more beautiful than flowers; her fingers were like slender scallions, and her lips were like cinnabar. Every frown and smile was captivating. Her light pink makeup made her even more beautiful, and she was as graceful as a startled swan!

Wu Zetian hesitated for a moment, then said, "Master!"

Ten years ago, although she was young, she had a deep memory of Li Xiuyuan's true form after practicing the Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture. Now that they meet again, she still recognizes him.

Li Xiuyuan looked at this disciple who had been given a bribe. She had grown a lot in the past ten years. Her cultivation had reached the Great Perfection of the Golden Core stage, but she had not been able to break through for a long time, and he did not know why.

It should be noted that Wu Mingkong was one of Li Xiuyuan's most promising disciples, even surpassing Feng Heng, but his cultivation level was lower than hers, and there must be a reason for this.

Upon seeing Wu Mingkong, Li Xiuyuan couldn't help but recall a passage: "His form is as graceful as a startled swan, as lithe as a swimming dragon. His glory shines like autumn chrysanthemums, his splendor flourishes like spring pines."

It appears as if light clouds veil the moon, or drift like swirling snow in a flowing wind. From afar, it shines like the sun rising in the morning glow; up close, it glows like a lotus emerging from clear water.

Her shoulders were like those of a sculpted figure, her waist slender and graceful. Her neck was long and elegant, her skin fair and radiant. She needed no adornment, no makeup. Her hair was piled high like clouds, her eyebrows delicate and arched.

Her lips were bright red, her teeth white and gleaming, her eyes sparkling, and her dimples charming. Her beauty was exquisite, her demeanor serene and composed. Her gentle grace and captivating charm were evident in her every word.

Li Xiuyuan said calmly, "Mingkong, it's been many years since I last saw you. I didn't expect you to have grown up so much, and now you even sit on the throne."

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and the door, which had been tightly closed, was shut shut.

As for the soldiers waiting outside, they didn't notice anyone else in the house.

Upon hearing this, Wu Mingkong nodded and smiled, "Master, everyone changes. Back then, I was just a little girl who was led astray by you without any sense of direction. Now I finally understand!"

As she spoke, she stepped forward, her voice carrying a hint of authority, but she didn't put on airs in front of this cheap master.

Putting aside the fact that Wu Mingkong practiced the Supreme Heavenly Demon True Scripture and submitted to Li Xiuyuan, she was also very clear about her master's abilities.

Wu Mingkong drew many conclusions from the events of the past, concluding that both the Buddhist and demonic sects were likely under his master's control.

As the saying goes: those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly!

Wu Mingkong's natural beauty goes without saying, and in the five years she has been in the palace, she has been involved in countless power struggles and intrigues.

Wu Mingkong's ability to ascend the throne was no accident. She married Emperor Li Shimin, rose from a lowly palace maid to become an empress, and finally seized the throne. How many things she had to scheme for!

Compared to the Wu Zetian of the original history, she is undoubtedly more outstanding in this immortal realm.

After all, Li Shimin was not Li Zhi. Although he was no less capable, he was still completely outmaneuvered by Wu Zetian. The Li family was wiped out, leaving only a few people to live in retirement.

It can be said that Wu Zetian's ascension to the throne was tantamount to seizing the Li family's empire.

After listening to Wu Zetian's words, Li Xiuyuan smiled slightly and said, "Indeed, I was absolutely right to choose you as my disciple back then."

Although you are not as skilled as Bodhidharma in martial arts, you are superior in all other aspects.

As he spoke, he praised without any hint of embarrassment.

Upon hearing this, Wu Zetian was overjoyed, as if she had been coated with honey. After practicing the Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture, she naturally became extremely loyal to her cheap master, like a fanatical believer.

Wu Mingkong humbly replied, "No, compared to Bodhidharma, I am still somewhat inferior. He is already a human immortal-level expert, having transcended the realm of mortals."

As she spoke, she felt a little resentful, thinking that she had been cultivating diligently enough, so why was she still only at the Golden Core stage?

Since Wu Mingkong ascended the throne, her cultivation level has not improved any further.

After hearing Wu Zetian's words, Li Xiuyuan smiled and said, "This is none of your business. After you ascend the throne, it will be difficult for your cultivation to improve. Even the ancient emperors could not remain on the throne for long."

He paused and then said, "If you step down from this position, you will definitely gain a lot."

He knew very well that the throne was of paramount importance to the human race, and that no one who became emperor could live forever.

Wu Zetian's cultivation level was at the Golden Core stage, which was considered top-tier among mortals. It was impossible for her to advance any further unless she relinquished the throne.

Chapter 185 The Sun and Moon Shining Brightly

Moreover, as time goes by, even with the cultivation of the Golden Core stage, Wu Zetian will not live to be a hundred years old, because she will be corrupted by the dragon energy.

Upon hearing this, Wu Zetian smiled slightly and said, "Yes! However, this position will need to be held for some time. I cannot step down immediately. I need to make arrangements for the future of the Demonic Sect."

As she spoke, she rejected Li Xiuyuan's words. Perhaps due to a habit she had developed, she referred to herself as "朕" (Zhen, the imperial "I") even in front of her master.

Li Xiuyuan didn't care about this at all. It was just the position of an emperor. If it were the position of the human emperor in ancient times, it might be worth his attention, but in the Tang Dynasty, the human race's fortune was less than one ten-millionth of the throne.

This is also the fundamental reason why Li Xiuyuan and others were able to seize the throne. If it were truly the throne of the Human Emperor, it would have been decided long ago.

Li Xiuyuan said calmly, "Very well, it will be more convenient for you to do some things if you sit in this position."

In the Tang Dynasty, whether it's the demonic sect or the Buddhist sect, they are all just pawns for Li Xiuyuan to gain merit and sin points. If the two sides love and kill each other, he will benefit even more.

At this moment, Li Xiuyuan had already sat on the dragon throne. If the rest of the Tang Dynasty were to discover this, it would truly dazzle them.

It should be noted that Empress Wu Zetian held a highly respected position in the Tang Dynasty, and no one else had held that position since Li Shimin's death.

When Wu Zetian saw Li Xiuyuan sitting on the dragon throne, she felt no anger whatsoever. If it were anyone else, they would naturally be unhappy, since every emperor has their own rules and regulations, and they would never allow anyone else to sit on their throne. Moreover, they are extremely power-hungry.

However, the person now is Li Xiuyuan, whom Wu Zetian has long regarded as everything. Even though they haven't seen each other for many years, after practicing the Supreme Heavenly Demon True Scripture, he will subconsciously change her thoughts, and Wu Mingkong will not notice.

After Wu Zetian stepped forward, she said in a deep voice, "Hmm! This position is indeed very attractive."

As she spoke, she walked to Li Xiuyuan's side. If possible, she hoped to remain Empress forever. After experiencing the taste of power, it seemed to be a deadly poison that no one was willing to give up.

When Li Xiuyuan saw Wu Zetian approaching, he couldn't help but pull her close. In an instant, her soft, fragrant body pressed against him, carrying a faint rose scent that filled his nostrils!

Li Xiuyuan's lips curled up, and he chuckled, "Mingkong, it's been many years since we last met. Let me see if you've grown up."

As he spoke, a sinister light shone in his eyes.

Wu Zetian smiled slightly upon hearing this, even the flowers paled in comparison. She leaned closer, her face alluring, and said, "Yes, Master, please come on over!"

As he spoke, an endless smile spread across his lips.

Wu Mingkong is no longer the clueless little girl she once was. After experiencing the intrigues and power struggles in the palace, she has become adept at understanding men's thoughts.

Wu Mingkong naturally understood what was in Li Xiuyuan's gaze, but she did not resist. As an empress, there were few men in the world who could catch her eye.

Li Xiuyuan was one of them. Rather than giving it to someone else, she would rather make her master happy. Besides, even though she was an empress, this was the first time she had done this.

When Li Shimin took her into his harem, Wu Mingkong merely used the Demonic Sect's "Charming Maiden Technique" to amuse him.

Since practicing the Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture, Wu Mingkong's standards have become extremely high. There are very few people in the Tang Dynasty who can move her heart. Li Shimin was only controlled by her; otherwise, how could he have been allowed to take the throne?

During the Xuanwu Gate Incident of yesteryear, apart from Li Shimin's sons, the vast majority of the rest of the Li family were slaughtered, partly due to the machinations of the Demonic Sect.

The Buddhist sect also played a dishonorable role. Now that Wu Zetian has ascended the throne, the most important thing is that all of Li's descendants have died.

Seeing that Wu Mingkong had taken the initiative, Li Xiuyuan smiled slightly and, without being polite, the two of them began to make a joyful symphony in the hall.

Li Xiuyuan's ability to observe women was naturally outstanding. Upon seeing that Wu Mingkong was still a virgin, he naturally had other intentions.

After learning about it, Wu Mingkong completely agreed. Even if she was unwilling, she had no choice but to comply.

After a long while, Li Xiuyuan looked at the paralyzed Wu Mingkong, her rosy little face, and her beautiful features, and couldn't help but feel extremely excited.

Defeating the Empress on the dragon throne would make him the first person in history to do so!

The empress's conquest gave Li Xiuyuan a sense of accomplishment!

Wu Mingkong leaned back on the table, and after he felt better, he got up from the dragon throne, tidied his clothes, and fixed his hair.

She changed her clothes, because the golden dragon robe was already tattered.

She wore a purple top with narrow sleeves and a round neck, adorned with purple patterns. A pink silk gauze tied into a graceful bow at her waist accentuated her slender figure and gave her an elegant and noble air.

She wore a light purple silk skirt that trailed on the ground. It was plain without any patterns, except for a few half-open oleander flowers embroidered in red silk thread on the cuffs. A white silk sash tied her waist, and she held a soft green gauze shawl in her hand.

These are clothes that Li Xiuyuan took out from the system space. After all, this kind of thing happens often, and clothes can be damaged by accident. He prepared a lot of women's clothes.