Chapter 101: The Ghost Star’s Gaze

Yuan Tiangang is a figure scarcely mentioned in official historical records. However, some unofficial histories depict him as an all-knowing sage. According to the official accounts, Yuan was only summoned to the imperial court by Emperor Taizong in the sixth year of the Zhenguan era to serve as an advisor. Yet by the eighth year, he requested to return to his hometown and died that same year while serving as the magistrate of Huojing County.

Regardless of the truth, as Yuan Tiangang himself once said, at that time he was still an obscure figure, far from renowned. But tonight’s battle would ensure his name spread far and wide.

In fact, the moment Yuan Tiangang appeared, Lu Xin recognized him immediately. Though it was only a silhouette, it was unforgettable. The two had crossed paths two years earlier in Xiaoxi Town. Moreover, Lu Xin’s cousin, Lu Tingfang, had left for Chang’an and changed drastically because of Yuan Tiangang.

Lu Xin’s expression darkened as he suddenly realized that perhaps fate had long bound him to Yuan Tiangang. Since his arrival in the Tang dynasty, everything he had experienced might not have been accidental or simple.

He recalled a few days ago at the residence of Chancellor Changsun Wuji, where Lu Tingfang had said that their time travel to the Tang era was orchestrated by someone manipulating everything behind the scenes. In other words, the man standing atop the roof of the Baifu Inn must have known something. Otherwise, Lu Tingfang could never have known so much with such certainty.

This thought stirred a deep, inexplicable sense of aversion in Lu Xin’s heart.

“Master, do you know who he is?” Li Chunfeng’s voice, uttered after rising, was heard clearly by everyone on the tower. Not only Lu Xin but also Yue Buhui and the Yang sisters were greatly shocked. This man atop the tower was someone even Tan Zongxiao, the Chief of the Yin-Yang Temple, feared. He remained composed and jovial when facing two grand “Bodhisattva” level masters from Wujin Buddha Mountain. Yet at this moment, even this supreme expert could not hide the shock in his tone.

“No, I do not know him, nor his origins. But I recognize his eyes—they are the Ghost Star eyes of Xuanweizi.”

“Ghost Star eyes?”

Lu Xin was momentarily stunned, not understanding the meaning. Yue Buhui furrowed her brows, glancing toward the tower with suspicion. As for Xuanweizi, Lu Xin knew a bit: Xuanweizi was the Taoist name of Wang Xu, also known as Guiguzi, one of the founding patriarchs of Taoism and the most mysterious figure of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Guiguzi was revered throughout history.

But Li Chunfeng’s phrase, “the Ghost Star eyes of Xuanweizi,” puzzled Lu Xin. Literally, was he saying Yuan Tiangang’s eyes were taken from Guiguzi himself?

“Ghost Star is one of the twenty-eight lunar mansions, one of the seven southern mansions. Its stars are dim, visible on dark nights, resembling neither clouds nor stars but the eyes of heaven. The Ghost Star constellation is the epitome of yin and evil, accumulating the spirits of countless souls, containing supreme mysteries. Legend says Xuanweizi was born with mystical eyes that alternated between yin and yang, like the stars of the heavens. When closed, he could see the primordial universe; when open, he could swallow heaven and earth. These Ghost Star eyes are a divine gift, appearing only on Xuanweizi himself. Could this man have inherited all of Xuanweizi’s Taoist lineage?”

Li Chunfeng was visibly shaken, falling silent after speaking. Though Lu Xin could not see his expression, Yue Buhui drew a sharp breath.

“Guiguzi, the Fearsome Spirit Needle! Master of the Five Elements and Yin-Yang, creator of heaven and earth, tactician of life and death… This man commands heaven and earth, beyond the comprehension of gods and spirits. It is said he fathomed the mysteries of the universe, mastered all disciplines, penetrated the six realms, and was versed in all schools of thought! To call him the First Sage of all saints would not be an exaggeration. Among the five great divine weapons, the Fearsome Spirit Needle is the most powerful and mysterious. If this Yuan Tiangang…”

Yue Buhui suddenly stopped speaking. From the main government office, they saw Shangguan Yunyi descending from the void, locked in fierce battle with Yuan Tiangang atop the inn. Both were formidable in magic; Shangguan Yunyi wielded a sword in her right hand and the Phoenix Seal in her left. The two treasures, one hard and one soft, complemented each other, shaking the entire void.

Yet Yuan Tiangang remained calm, hands behind his back, his form flickering invisibly from left to right, front to back—unpredictable.

What was more astonishing was that no matter how many spells Shangguan Yunyi cast, once they reached within three feet of Yuan Tiangang, they all vanished. Shangguan Yunyi was a master at the sixth level of the Guiwei realm, experienced in cultivation, and had never encountered such an inexplicable phenomenon.

“Your cultivation is likely not yet at the Divine level. Otherwise, even I, possessing two supreme treasures, would not be your match. Yuan Tiangang, if all you can do is dodge and parry, you’d better avoid stirring trouble.”

Frustrated at hitting nothing, Shangguan Yunyi furrowed her brow in anger, then stopped and slashed at the rooftop.

Crash!

Countless tiles were blasted dozens of meters into the air, shattering into dust. Inside the inn, the guests had already fled to the street—mostly scholars timid by nature, many were so frightened their legs gave out.

Yuan Tiangang’s eyes suddenly took on a dual polarity: his left eye pitch black with a crescent-shaped pupil, his right eye pure white with a sun-like pupil.

A low hum filled the air as the void trembled. In the next moment, Yuan Tiangang appeared instantly before Shangguan Yunyi, reaching out to seize both the Red Dust Sword and Phoenix Seal.

“You say I only dodge? Young lady, the one you want to kill is a direct descendant of Confucius. Moreover, this man has an immortal bone, his righteous spirit embodying the Hetu and Luoshu diagrams—heaven and earth protect him. Why do you persist so?”

“You know nothing!”

Shangguan Yunyi roared, unable to move her body as Yuan Tiangang held her two treasures. They stood in the void above the inn, exchanging magical power. Yuan Tiangang clearly held the advantage but seemed wary, refraining from dealing a fatal blow.

Meanwhile, atop a pavilion in the imperial Taiji Hall, Emperor Li Shimin stood with his hands behind his back. On either side were Secretary Wei Zheng and Yin-Yang Temple Chief Tan Zongxiao. Their gazes were fixed toward Wuben District. Though distant, all three observed clearly.

“I originally thought this man was merely a somewhat effective fortune teller. Unexpectedly, his divine abilities have reached such heights. No wonder officials throughout the court hold him in high regard. Even Fuji brought him and his apprentice to the palace. Tan Xianshi, since he wishes to serve the court loyally, how can I let him grow disheartened? This matter, I entrust to your Yin-Yang Temple.”

Li Shimin finished speaking; Tan Zongxiao stepped forward slightly. His clear eyes bore a faint, enigmatic smile, and his long robe trailing the ground added an air of mystery.

“Your Majesty’s kindness is profound. But forgive me for speaking plainly—given his cultivation, our humble Yin-Yang Temple is likely beneath his notice. If he truly wishes to join, I would gladly yield my position as Chief.”

“Master, you flatter me. That is not my intention,” Li Shimin said, eyes flickering with surprise despite no visible expression. As the emperor’s close aide, he understood Tan Zongxiao well. From his words, it was clear this Yuan Tiangang was extraordinarily powerful.

“Your Majesty’s meaning is clear. My previous words were not empty threats. This man possesses the Ghost Star eyes, rendering him impervious to all methods. I suspect he also carries Xuanweizi’s Fearsome Spirit Needle. If so, what position in the Yin-Yang Temple could I possibly offer that would matter? This man can still protect Your Majesty.”

“Xuanweizi? Xuan Cheng, what do you think?” Li Shimin asked.

“Your Majesty,” Wei Zheng bowed quickly then stepped forward. “Yuan Tiangang arrived in Chang’an two years ago and is now close to Lord Changsun. The reason he has not yet met Your Majesty, I believe, is because he is awaiting this imperial examination.”

“Imperial examination? Continue.”

“He has a disciple named Lu Tingfang, listed among the examinees. From what I know, this apprentice is well-read and exceptionally intelligent. Once he takes the test, he is sure to pass. After that, the master and disciple will enter the court naturally, avoiding public criticism.”

“Oh? Lu Tingfang? Ha ha ha… interesting. But judging from tonight’s celestial phenomena, Chang’an may yet face calamity. Hmph, I shall initiate a special examination; all the demons and monsters in the world will be unsettled. Very well, today I will see how many dare to lay claim to my head!”

Li Shimin’s gaze turned fierce as he slammed both hands on the railing, causing the pavilion to hum with resonance. Wei Zheng quickly stepped back, bowing low. Tan Zongxiao’s expression darkened as he retreated half a step.

“Where are the Shadow Dragon Guards?”

“Your Majesty!”

At that moment, five figures clad in golden armor and helmets appeared from the shadows behind him. Their attire resembled that of General Yuchi Jingde. These were the emperor’s secret guards, existing only in darkness.

“Order this: anyone causing chaos in Chang’an, no matter who or where from, shall be executed without mercy. Also, the Grand General may proceed.”

Li Shimin’s words fell silent. Turning around, one would find that the five golden-armored guards had vanished without a trace, their disappearance a mystery.

Crash!

Almost simultaneously with the Shadow Dragon Guards’ departure, the Imperial Academy next to Baifu Inn suddenly erupted into flames.