I'm Dreaming of a Journey to the West

"Is this Chang'an? How prosperous and beautiful!" the Fairy Rabbit exclaimed in delight. This was her first time in the Tang Dynasty, witnessing its splendor. Although she had been a princess in Tianzhu, Tianzhu pales in comparison to the Tang Dynasty. After all, the Tang Dynasty was the world's largest nation at the time, and Li Shimin was known as the Governor of Asia!

Looking at the city of Chang'an before him, Li Chen couldn't help but think back to when he first arrived. The ground outside Chang'an was littered with chariot wreckage and blood from the battle between the Tang Dynasty soldiers defending Chang'an and the demons under the command of the Golden Ancestor Witch. Back then, he was just an ordinary person without any mana or system support.

However, as time went on, Li Chen possessed the system and powerful magic power, and gradually became a strong man. He remembered the tiger monster General Yin who almost killed him. That powerful monster made him awaken the "Dream Maker Unparalleled" system!

He still remembered the mother and child he hadn't saved, and their plight made him feel deeply guilty. From that moment on, he decided to use his power to protect more people and prevent such tragedies from happening again.

He also couldn't forget the innocent people of Chang'an who died and were injured in the killing contest between Xiong Shanjun and Te Chushi. Their blood stained the land red, leaving a scar in Li Chen's heart that would never fade. These memories constantly reminded him to constantly strive to cultivate, improve his strength, and protect the people of this land.

Today's Chang'an City is like a painting of peace and prosperity. The people in the city live and work in peace and contentment, enjoying the joy of life. There is no trace of the apocalyptic scenes of the past intertwined with war and blood.

At some point, the people in Chang'an City noticed Li Chen's return and crowded forward, welcoming the hero's triumphant return with cheers.

In a moment, a well-equipped and fully armed team of soldiers came galloping from the direction of the imperial city. They quickly formed two neat rows, as if waiting for the arrival of an important person.

Immediately afterwards, a group of civil and military officials in official uniforms of various colors approached Li Chen and his companions. Behind them, a man in a yellow robe appeared. He wore a crown and was accompanied by palace maids. Someone also held a huge umbrella to shield him from the sun.

He was none other than Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, who had come to greet Li Chen upon hearing the news. Beside Li Shimin was a woman, who was only sixteen or seventeen years old and still in the developmental stage. However, she had an extremely dignified and beautiful appearance and a graceful figure. The only flaw in her appearance was that her chest was a little too flat due to her age!

She was none other than Princess Fengyi Li Zhaohuang, who was rescued from the clutches of a ghost by Li Chen. Now she and her father Li Shimin came to welcome the triumphant return of Li Chen and his party!

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Li Chen and others bowed to Li Shimin.

"No need to be polite, please stand up!" Li Shimin said with a smile, "All heroes have worked hard. I have ordered people to prepare a welcoming banquet and am waiting for your return!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Everyone expressed their gratitude in unison.

Li Chen looked up at Li Shimin and was shocked to see that Li Shimin's face was dark and his eyes were bloodshot, as if he had not slept all night.

He wondered inwardly, could this be the calamity Manjusri Bodhisattva had spoken of? But it didn't look like it! Just then, Li Shimin asked, "Hero Li Chen, I believe your merits have been fulfilled this time, and you have successfully slain the demons and eliminated the evil spirits?"

Li Chen quickly replied, "Your Majesty, we have lived up to everyone's expectations. We have successfully eliminated the demons that have been wreaking havoc on this land! This can barely be considered a successful deed!"

Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with admiration. He then turned his gaze to Li Zhaohuang behind him, a doting smile on his lips, and said softly, "My dear daughter, come and meet the hero Li Chen who once saved you."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhaohuang's pretty face flushed slightly. She walked lightly to Li Chen, bowed slightly, and said in a soft and pleasant voice, "Thank you, Li Chen, for saving my life."

Seeing this, Li Chen hurried forward and gently helped Li Zhaohuang up. A gentle smile appeared on his face, and he humbly said, "Princess, your words are too kind. Protecting the people of the Tang Dynasty is my duty. There is no need for you to be so polite."

After exchanging pleasantries, the group boarded the carriage and headed towards the palace. Along the way, Li Chen had a strange feeling in his heart, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Finally, when they arrived at the palace, Li Chen was shocked to see the face of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. His forehead was extremely dark and bloodless, and there were dark circles around his eyes, as if he had experienced a serious illness. It seemed that Li Shimin might have recently suffered a bloody disaster.

Li Shimin personally prepared a sumptuous banquet, with a dazzling array of delicacies from land and sea, fine wines and delicacies, making people salivate. But Li Chen felt that all this seemed a little strange.

"Hero Li Chen, why don't you enjoy all this delicious food and wine? Is it because these dishes don't suit your taste?"

Li Shimin looked at Li Chen, who didn't eat delicious food or drink fine wine, and asked him. He thought that the food was not to Li Chen's taste.

Hearing Li Shimin's words, Li Chen hurriedly saluted and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness! These meals are very appetizing! Thank you for your hard work! Thank you for your hard work!"

Although he said this, Li Chen knew very well in his heart that the reason he did not pick up his chopsticks was entirely because he saw the black energy on Li Shimin's forehead and had an ominous premonition in his heart.

In this mysterious and ancient world, people generally believe that there is a subtle connection between face and destiny. If a person's forehead is black, it is considered an ominous sign, indicating that the person is about to face misfortune or disaster.

Therefore, when Li Chen received Li Shimin's invitation to the banquet, he was filled with doubts and uneasiness. He couldn't help but secretly speculate whether this was a Hongmen Banquet. However, facing Li Shimin's warm hospitality, Li Chen couldn't refuse directly, so he had to respond politely and express his gratitude.

At this time, they were enjoying a sumptuous meal, but Li Chen did not want to mention his recent discovery at this time. Therefore, he decided to remain silent and wait until after the meal to have a deeper discussion with Li Shimin.

Just as everyone was immersed in their delicious food, a chilly breeze suddenly blew into the room. This cold wind gave people an indescribable sense of strangeness, as if a mysterious force was lurking in the shadows. The atmosphere in the room suddenly became extremely solemn, and everyone couldn't help but feel terrified.

Li Chen was quick to notice this change and immediately used his Fiery Eyes to vigilantly survey his surroundings. However, the gust of wind seemed to sense the immense power within Li Chen and vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye.

Li Chen was startled. He was certain that this gust of wind was not naturally generated, but was created by some mysterious entity. He secretly thanked himself for using his Fiery Eyes in time, otherwise he would have been unable to detect the trace of this gust of wind.

After this incident, Li Chen became more convinced of his previous judgment: behind this seemingly peaceful Chang'an City there must be an unknown undercurrent!