Huanzhu Time Travel: Yan Luo's Unbreakable Love in the Yong Dynasty

Despite their nervousness at the Taoist priest's questioning, Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan forced themselves to remain calm. Lin Yuhang stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Taoist priest, we meant no offense. We have only heard that this Taoist temple has some mysterious aspects, so we came to explore it. We hope you will forgive us."

The Taoist priest snorted coldly, his eyes revealing vigilance and dissatisfaction. "Hmph, who can you fool with such an excuse? Who exactly are you? If you don't tell the truth, don't even think about leaving here alive today!" As he spoke, the Taoist priest clenched his fists, and a faint sense of pressure emanated from his body.

Zhao Xuan gritted his teeth and said, "Daoist Master, we are indeed here to investigate some matters. To be honest, we are tracking down a mysterious organization, and this organization seems to have some connection with this Taoist temple. We hope that you can tell us something. If you can help us, it will be a good deed for the imperial court and the people."

The Taoist priest paused slightly upon hearing Zhao Xuan's words, a flicker of hesitation crossing his eyes. But quickly, his gaze returned to its icy coldness. "Mysterious organization? What does that have to do with me? If you don't leave, don't blame me for being impolite!" With that, the Taoist priest waved his hands, and a low buzzing sound suddenly echoed through the cave, causing some unknown instruments to tremble slightly.

Seeing this, Lin Yuhang felt a sense of foreboding; it seemed the Taoist priest wouldn't let them go easily. He secretly gave Zhao Xuan a wink, and the two of them simultaneously drew their weapons, ready for battle.

"Taoist Master, we don't want to be your enemy, but we can't just leave like this. Please don't force us," Lin Yuhang said loudly, his eyes fixed firmly on the Taoist priest.

The Taoist priest sneered, "Hmph, you two think you can cause trouble in my temple?" He then formed hand seals and chanted incantations. Suddenly, black shadows appeared on the cave walls, gradually coalescing into blurry human figures that lunged towards Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan.

"Watch out!" Lin Yuhang shouted, brandishing his longsword and slashing at the nearest shadow. Zhao Xuan was not to be outdone, wielding a short knife and engaging in fierce combat with the shadows.

These shadows appeared illusory, but their attacks carried a chilling power. Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan felt a chill travel through their weapons every time they came into contact with the shadows.

"Brother Lin, these shadows are strange. We must be careful!" Zhao Xuan shouted as he parried the shadows' attacks.

Lin Yuhang nodded. "Zhao Xuan, let's get as close to that Taoist priest as possible. If we can subdue him, these shadows might disappear!"

The two worked together, gradually approaching the Taoist priest. However, the Taoist priest seemed to be prepared, constantly changing the hand seals he used, and the shadows' attacks became increasingly fierce.

Just as Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan were starting to feel overwhelmed, a deep, resonant bell suddenly rang out from the depths of the cave. The bell's sound was melodious and mysterious, as if possessing an invisible force that instantly slowed down the shadows.

Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan were overjoyed. Taking advantage of this opportunity, they increased their attack speed and finally broke through the encirclement of the shadows, arriving in front of the Taoist.

The Taoist priest's expression changed slightly; he hadn't expected Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan to be able to break through the shadow's barrier. But he quickly regained his composure. "Hmph, you've got some skill. But do you think you can subdue me like this?"

After saying this, the Taoist priest clapped his hands together, and the cave floor suddenly began to shake. Some sharp stone spikes emerged from the ground and stabbed towards Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan.

Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan quickly jumped to dodge, their movements swift and agile, barely avoiding the attack of the stone spikes. But just as they were dodging the spikes, the Taoist priest suddenly pulled a black bottle from his robes and threw it at them.

Lin Yuhang was startled when he saw the black bottle. He immediately shouted, "Zhao Xuan, be careful, it's poisonous!"

The two of them simultaneously dodged to the side, and the black bottle smashed to the ground, shattering into pieces. A plume of black smoke billowed out from the bottle. The smoke carried a pungent odor that made one want to vomit.

"Cough cough... What is this?" Zhao Xuan coughed a few times and covered his mouth and nose with his hand.

Lin Yuhang's eyes stung from the smoke, but he endured the discomfort and said, "Zhao Xuan, we can't stay passive like this any longer. Let's attack together and finish this quickly!"

After saying that, Lin Yuhang brandished his longsword and charged towards the Taoist priest. Zhao Xuan followed closely behind, his short knife gleaming coldly.

When the Taoist saw Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan rushing over again, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes. He formed hand seals once more, preparing to unleash an even more powerful spell.

Just then, footsteps suddenly came from the entrance of the cave. Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan were startled; they hadn't expected anyone to come at this time.

The Taoist priest also heard the footsteps. He paused slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

A moment later, a mysterious monk dressed in a gray robe entered. The monk had a kind face, but his eyes revealed a wise look. Several young novices followed behind him.

"Amitabha, benefactors, why make such a fuss?" the mysterious monk said softly, his hands clasped together.

Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan were overjoyed when they saw the mysterious monk, knowing that he might have come to help them.

"Master, this person is connected to a mysterious organization. We are currently investigating the clues, and we would appreciate your assistance," Lin Yuhang said hurriedly.

The mysterious monk nodded slightly. "Don't worry, benefactor. I've come here precisely for this matter."

After speaking, the mysterious monk looked at the Taoist priest and said, "Amitabha Buddha, fellow Taoist, why are you so stubborn? This mysterious organization is causing havoc in the world. You are colluding with them. Aren't you afraid of divine retribution?"

The Taoist priest's expression changed; he hadn't expected the mysterious monk to say such a thing. "Hmph, you monk, mind your own business! This is my concern, none of yours!"

The mysterious monk sighed, “Brother, the sea of ​​suffering is boundless, but there is always a shore to turn back to. If you can let go of your obsession and reveal the secrets of that mysterious organization, perhaps you can alleviate your sins.”

The Taoist gritted his teeth, a flicker of struggle crossing his eyes. But he quickly regained his resolve. "Hmph, do you think I'm afraid of you? Today, no one will get any information from me!"

After saying that, the Taoist waved his hands, and the shadows began to rush towards Lin Yuhang, Zhao Xuan, the mysterious monk, and the others again.

The mysterious monk shook his head. "Brother Daoist, since you remain so stubborn, then this old monk has no choice but to offend you."

After speaking, the mysterious monk clasped his hands together and chanted incantations. Suddenly, a soft light emanated from his body, which surged towards the shadows like a tide.

The shadows vanished under the light. The Taoist priest was greatly surprised; he had not expected the mysterious monk to possess such powerful magic.

"Who...who are you?" The Taoist priest looked at the mysterious monk in horror.

The mysterious monk smiled slightly. "I am but a wandering monk. Fellow Daoist, are you now willing to reveal the secrets of that mysterious organization?"

The Taoist gritted his teeth, his heart filled with resentment. But he knew he was no match for the mysterious monk.

“Alright, I can tell you. But you must promise me you will spare my life,” the Taoist priest said.

Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan exchanged a glance, then nodded. "Alright, as long as you tell the truth, we can spare your life."

The Taoist priest sighed. "That mysterious organization is called the 'Shadow Cult.' They have been searching for a mysterious power that is said to grant immortality and control over the world. And this Taoist temple holds the key to unlocking the secrets of this mysterious power."

"What exactly is this mysterious power? And where are the clues?" Lin Yuhang asked hurriedly.

The Taoist priest pointed to a huge stone disc in the cave, "The mysterious power is sealed in this stone disc, and the clue to unlocking the seal lies in these ancient characters on the stone disc."

Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan walked to the stone slab and carefully examined the inscriptions on it. These inscriptions were ancient and mysterious, and they were unable to decipher them for the time being.

"Master, can you understand these words?" Lin Yuhang turned to ask the mysterious monk.

The mysterious monk nodded. "I know a little about this. These inscriptions record an ancient ritual. Only through this ritual can the seal on the stone disc be broken and mysterious power obtained."

"Then how should this ceremony be conducted?" Zhao Xuan asked eagerly.

The mysterious monk frowned. "This ritual is extremely complex and requires some special items. Moreover, this mysterious power is too strong; if it falls into the hands of someone with ill intentions, the consequences would be unimaginable."

After hearing the mysterious monk's words, Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan both understood that this mysterious power must not fall into the hands of the mysterious organization.

"Master, what should we do?" Lin Yuhang asked.

The mysterious monk pondered for a moment, "We must first find those special items, and then figure out a way to stop the mysterious organization from obtaining this mysterious power."

Just then, a crack appeared in the cave wall, and a low laugh came from the crack.

"Hahahaha, do you think you can stop us? This mysterious power is something our Shadow Cult is determined to obtain!"

With laughter, a group of men in black emerged from the crack. The leader of the group was a member of the mysterious organization who had previously fought Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan.

Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan felt a chill run down their spines when they saw the men in black; they knew an even fiercer battle was about to unfold…

Meanwhile, in the palace, Xiao Yanzi sat by the window of Kunning Palace, gazing at the scenery outside, her heart filled with worry. She didn't know how Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan's investigation was progressing, nor did she know what the mysterious organization's next move would be.

"Your Highness, please don't worry too much. Young Master Lin and Young Master Zhao are both very skilled; they will definitely be alright," Xiao Tao said softly from the side.

Little Swallow nodded slightly, "I know. But this mysterious organization is too mysterious and powerful, I'm always worried about it."

Just then, Su Peisheng hurriedly entered Kunning Palace. "Your Majesty, the Emperor requests your presence, saying he has important matters to discuss."

Little Swallow quickly stood up. "Okay, I'll go right away."

When Xiao Yanzi arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, she saw Hongli sitting on the dragon throne with a solemn expression.

"Your Majesty, what has happened?" Little Swallow asked.

Hongli sighed. "Your Majesty, we have just received news that the mysterious organization seems to have a new plan. We must come up with a countermeasure as soon as possible."

Xiao Yanzi frowned. "Your Majesty, Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan went to investigate that Taoist temple. I wonder if they found any clues."

Hongli nodded. "I hope they can find something. Your Majesty, I have already ordered Fucha Fuheng and General Zhaohui to strengthen the palace's security, and I have also sent people to search inside and outside the capital. But this mysterious organization is very well hidden, and we need more clues."

Xiao Yanzi pondered for a moment, "Your Majesty, although that concubine has been banished to the Cold Palace, she is colluding with a mysterious organization and may know some important clues. Should we go and ask her?"

Hongli frowned slightly. "That wicked woman is vicious and probably won't tell the truth easily. But we can try. Su Peisheng, convey my decree to summon that concubine to the Hall of Mental Cultivation."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Su Peisheng accepted the order and left.

A short while later, the concubine arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, escorted by guards. Her hair was somewhat disheveled, and her face was devoid of its usual makeup, making her appear quite haggard.

"Niohuru Zhixi, you colluded with a mysterious organization to plot against the Empress, a heinous crime. However, I believe you may still be of some use, so I will give you a chance to redeem yourself. As long as you tell me the details of that mysterious organization, I may consider a lighter sentence," Hongli said coldly.

Upon hearing Hongli's words, a flicker of hesitation crossed Consort Na's eyes. But she quickly regained her coldness. "Hmph, Your Majesty, do you think I would believe you? Even if I told you, you wouldn't let me go."

Little Swallow stepped forward and looked at the concubine, "Niohuru Zhixi, if you really care about yourself, you should tell the truth. Do you think that mysterious organization will let you go? They're just using you."

Na Fei gritted her teeth, her heart wavering. She recalled how she had been used by the mysterious organization, and her heart was filled with resentment.

"Alright, I can tell you. But you must promise me that you will spare my life and ensure that I have enough to eat and wear in the Cold Palace," the concubine said.

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi exchanged a glance, then nodded. "Alright, I agree. But if you dare utter even the slightest lie, I will not let you off easily!"

Na Fei took a deep breath. "That mysterious organization is called the 'Shadow Cult.' Their leader is a mysterious man whose true identity is unknown. They have been searching for a mysterious power that is said to grant immortality and control over the world. They have many strongholds inside and outside the capital and have colluded with some martial arts forces and court officials."

"So what are they doing now?" Little Swallow asked quickly.

Na Fei shook her head. "I'm not too clear on the specifics of their actions. But I know that they've been preparing for a long time to obtain that mysterious power, and they won't give up easily."

Hongli frowned. "It seems that this mysterious organization poses a greater threat than we imagined. Your Majesty, we must expedite the investigation, find that mysterious force as soon as possible, and stop their conspiracy."

Little Swallow nodded. "Your Majesty, we will definitely find a way."

Meanwhile, inside the cave of the Taoist temple, the battle between Lin Yuhang, Zhao Xuan, the mysterious monk, and the man in black had already begun...