The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 388 - 326, Lord Zhao, the State Preceptor sends his regards to you (and asks for guaranteed monthly votes).

"Cough, cough,"

Xu Zhenguan saw him begin to daydream and cleared his throat to pull Zhao Douan back.

He said in a clear, cold voice,

"As for the Dream Devouring Skill, those present need not worry too much. With your wills, even if you are invaded, you can resist to some extent.

Moreover, to use this magic, one must be very close. You either have extraordinary cultivation or possess magic artifacts for protection, and you are constantly accompanied by guards. As long as you are careful and vigilant, it is not difficult to resist.

After all, that demon from the Demon Path is not adept at close combat, and direct confrontation is a weakness. Regarding bewitching language, however, you must be cautious and speak less with strangers."

So, this was supposed to be reassuring... Even though those present might have ways to resist, there were a million people in the Capital, with so many officials in the government. It would be troublesome if something happened to the lower and middle-level officials...

Zhao Douan pondered over this, feeling that the Empress's arrangements definitely included more than this.

As expected, Xu Zhenguan continued,

"This Gu Huo demon is extremely vengeful by nature and likes to be conspicuous in his actions. Even against opponents, he prefers to target those he deems worthy.

Therefore, I actually feel that since he has declared his return so openly, he won't hide away and engage in lowly disruptions of the court."

Yuann Li's gaze turned toward the last three people to enter the hall, contemplative.

"Your Majesty means... if he has come back for revenge, he might have already identified his targets?"

Xu Zhenguan nodded slightly, looked up at the three people, and remained silent.

But the meaning was unmistakably clear.

Zhao Douan was momentarily stunned, then once again shifted his focus to them.

After silently listening to the dialogue between the sovereign and the subjects, the three individuals, each of different status but suddenly convened to this small court meeting, stood up and came forward.

The Deputy General of the Thousand Cows Guard had a sharp look in his eyes.

The brows of the Dan Dao Priest from the Heavenly Master Mansion were tightly furrowed.

Old Man Kong from the Hanlin Academy had an enlightened expression.

Xu Zhenguan looked down at the three people and said gravely,

"All three of you once had grudges with that demon. In my view, now that the demon has returned to the Capital, there is a high possibility that he will come after you.

Therefore, you have been summoned here: first, to prepare yourselves; second, I will assign masters to secretly protect you. If the demon appears, he will be captured."

The three looked at each other, showing no surprise as if they had already anticipated this.

The Deputy General of the imperial guard and Kong Hanlin thanked her with folded hands, their faces solemn.

As for the priest with the blue pill furnace embroidered on his chest, he was proud and said with a salute,

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern, but there's no need. If I am within the Heavenly Master Mansion, I trust that demon will not dare to take half a step inside!

However, now that this person has returned, I do hope he comes to me. In the coming days, I will spend more time outside the Heavenly Master Mansion. If I encounter him, why not fight him?

Life and death are fated, haha. I regret not having been able to confront this demon in the past; now that I have the chance to eradicate him and protect the Dao, it is my inescapable duty."

He had an air of someone who saw no need for court protection and would take matters into his own hands.

...No, Priest, don't you understand at all? "Protection" is a euphemism; the real purpose is to use you as bait... Zhao Douan inwardly complained.

But it was not surprising.

Priests of the Alchemy Dao were always proud, and with Heavenly Master Zhang backing them, they naturally had full confidence.

Xu Zhenguan wasn't surprised either and slightly nodded in approval.

Then, she instructed the rest of the Imperial Faction officials, asking them to convey this matter discreetly after returning and to remain vigilant against bewitching troublemakers.

As for Ma Yan, he naturally received the task to pursue and arrest the demon from the Demon Path.

The whole process was orderly, and at the end, the small court meeting disbanded. Zhao Douan was called by the Empress to stay behind last.

"Does Your Majesty have any instructions?" Zhao Douan blinked his innocent eyes.

Xu Zhenguan looked at him for a while and said,

"Though you have never met that demon and have no connection to him, ultimately, he is part of Jian Wen's rebel faction. Now that he has returned, he might also get involved with the Kuangfu Society..."

The implication: There was a possibility that the State Preceptor would trouble Zhao Douan.

"I am a thorn in the side of the rebels, and truly, it would be troublesome if I were targeted. If Your Majesty allows, I would like to move into the palace during this period to avoid harm from the demon!"

Zhao Douan first said with a serious frown, but then his expression earnestly turned, revealing his real intentions.

"..." Xu Zhenguan's eyelashes trembled, her chest heaving slightly as she turned away, said irritably,

"Get out."

"Got it."

Zhao Douan immediately complied and turned to leave.

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Just as he was about to step over the threshold, he heard the Empress's cool voice from behind,

"If you really encounter this person, try meditating on the 'Six Chapters Scripture'; it may break his skill."

Huh, meditating on the painting Xu left behind has this function too? But I'm not interested in breaking the game right now; I kind of want to taste the Dream Devouring Skill... Zhao Douan thought with surprise, his smile broadening,

"Yes, Your Majesty."

...

Leaving the palace, Zhao Douan briskly walked out and, upon reaching the palace square, saw Ma Yan waiting for him.

"Let's walk together."

Ma Yan glanced at him but didn't inquire what the Empress had said to him and turned to lead the way toward the Meridian Gate.

Zhao Douan followed beside his nominal senior brother, the view filled with a vast square, behind them, the imposing staircase lined with hundreds of white marble railings.

The autumn wind swept across the square as if carrying the scent of blood from the past coup.

"Elder Brother, do you think that demon will take the bait? I mean, will he take the risk of troubling those three? Given that he was able to bewitch the late Emperor and thrived in the Capital, he must not be a fool."

Zhao Douan thought and tried to ask indirectly.