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Chapter 2218: Divine Gun Gifted to the Hero

He Lingchuan raised an eyebrow. "A founding treasure—does Lord Xin truly intend to give it away?"

"No matter how much prestige it carries, it is merely a spear. Its inherent significance is likely more important than the spear itself, wouldn't you agree?"

Emperor Mou's words alluded to something, and He Lingchuan offered a carefree smile.

"After the great victory at Yangquan Pass, you sent a large batch of specialized weapons, which helped our army capture Yadu. That was real assistance, and so the Thunder-Responding Spear is merely a return gift," Emperor Mou said softly. "A divine spear gifted to a hero—perhaps one day, it will regain its glory because of you."

Earlier, Emperor Jiuyou had sent word through the Imperial Preceptor, expressing a desire to examine the spear. Emperor Mou understood his intention immediately and decided to be generous. By gifting the Thunder-Responding Spear to Emperor Jiuyou, it would neither be left obscure nor would it fail to demonstrate Mou's sincerity—that they would even part with a founding divine weapon.

"Thank you," He Lingchuan said, caressing the spear's shaft. "Does Lord Xin know its history?"

It was a common sight in Dragon Coil City, but its re-appearance in reality came after more than 160 years! The object remained, but the people were gone. He Lingchuan had no one with whom to share the emotions swirling within him.

"A divine weapon's renown comes not from itself, but from its wielder," Emperor Mou said, turning to gaze at the smooth river surface. "Just as the Middle Ancient period began, a powerful nation suddenly emerged, named Longquan. Acting according to the will of a Great Celestial Demon, it defeated eleven Immortals—three Beast Immortals and eight Human Immortals. Their spirits, demon cores, and weapons were all cast into the Heavenly Crucible, forging two weapons. This Thunder-Responding Spear is one of them."

After the Great Ancient War, the human realm entered the Middle Ancient period. From its early to mid-stages, the concentration of spiritual energy declined at varying rates, and during this time, conflicts and friction between Immortals, beasts, sects, and human nations intensified.

"What about the other one?"

"The Dragon Seal Saber," Emperor Mou said softly, "its whereabouts became unknown after the fall of Longquan. Only the Thunder-Responding Spear survived, passing through the hands of several great generals to become a renowned weapon. Longquan was a fleeting bloom, existing for only nine years, appearing and vanishing like a meteor. But the Great Celestial Demon it revered—you should have heard of him."

"He should have heard of him?" He Lingchuan's gaze sharpened slightly: "Mitian?"

"Precisely."

He Lingchuan understood. No wonder General Hong acquired the Thunder-Responding Spear; it was an old possession of Mitian's. As an unparalleled formidable weapon, the Thunder-Responding Spear had seen countless battles in the mortal world. This alone showed that for the three millennia since the appearance of the Tianluo Star, the faint shadows of Celestial Demons and Immortals had often loomed behind human nations.

"Before my Mou kingdom's High Ancestor obtained it, it was still General Hong's personal magic artifact in Dragon Coil City," Emperor Mou chuckled. "I believe you already know this."

He Lingchuan nodded: "Indeed."

Emperor Mou tilted his head, looking at him: "Could it be that you're seeing the object and thinking of its former owner?"

When Jiuyou first received the spear, the mixed emotions in his eyes did not escape Emperor Mou's notice. Combining this with the fact that He Xiao rose from Blackwater City on the edge of the Dragon Coil Desert, and his persistent preoccupation with the Thunder-Responding Spear, it couldn't possibly be without reason, could it?

"The person is gone, but the spear's spirit lives on. Reflecting on the past from the present, Elder Zhong's legacy is eternal!" He Lingchuan said earnestly. "What I received is the legacy of Dragon Coil City, and this spear holds immense significance for me! Thank you, Lord Xin, for this gift. I only hope I won't let this divine artifact be obscured."

Emperor Mou, of course, understood that the first two lines specifically referred to General Hong, while the latter two spoke of Zhong Shengguang. In the real world, He Lingchuan admitted it for the first time. He admitted his connection to Dragon Coil City, which had vanished into thin air in history, and acknowledged that he had inherited its mantle. From the moment he requested the Thunder-Responding Spear, from the moment he gripped its shaft, Emperor Mou knew that the chasm between Emperor Jiuyou and Mount Ling was extremely deep and difficult to bridge.

But what harm was that to him? Emperor Mou smiled, clapping softly: "For it to complement a hero like Jiuyou is far better than gathering dust at the bottom of the national treasury."

With the Thunder-Responding Spear having set a congenial mood, the atmosphere between the two emperors became much more harmonious.

He Lingchuan gestured towards the square table behind him: "Please."

They were the only two on the third floor of the inn; there were no attendants, but the spring water on the small stove was already boiling. He Lingchuan sat down and casually began to brew tea. Emperor Mou took a small celadon jar from his sleeve. The moment he lifted its lid, He Lingchuan caught a refreshing aroma and couldn't help but praise:

"Excellent tea!"

Emperor Mou reached out and pressed his hand onto the scorching teapot. Within two or three breaths, the boiling water inside ceased its turbulent motion, no longer radiating intense heat. The water had been boiling at one hundred degrees, but with a single touch, he directly lowered its temperature to around seventy degrees. For cultivators, it was not difficult to boil water with their spiritual energy. But to reverse the process was quite interesting.

Then, he used a ceramic spoon to scoop a small pinch of dark brown tea leaves into the pot: "This is Wuyou Tea, cultivated in the Immortal Fields of Mount Ling. Drinking it can make one forget worries and dispel sorrow. Jiuyou, please have a taste."

He Lingchuan brewed two cups, taking one for himself to savor. The tea was a warm red, sweet, and delicious.

"Oh?" The tea's aroma was indeed refreshing, but the lingering aftertaste had a hint of floral and citrusy tartness. It was remarkably crisp and invigorating, prompting He Lingchuan to drink it sip after sip, reminding him of the sour plum juice that Lady Ying personally brewed.

"I thought the aroma of immortal tea would be very rich and pure."

"Some elders also like to add clarified butter or milk to this Wuyou Tea to enhance its aroma, and then add job's tears and agar-agar for chewiness," Emperor Mou chuckled. "How could something that brings joy and forgetfulness to most people be bland?"

His words made perfect sense. He Lingchuan raised his cup of tea in lieu of wine, toasting him: "Lord Xin is insightful. What sentient beings truly crave are nothing more than the delights of the ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind."

Emperor Mou raised his cup: "Speaking of sentient beings, I've just recalled something."

"Please tell me."

"The spiritual energy of heaven and earth is like the tides, but each great surge has its 'Awakening of Insects' period. This time is no exception," Emperor Mou stated. "Especially this current round of frequent Imperial Nectar occurrences, which has already lasted for over three years."

"Oh? What is the 'Awakening of Insects'?"

"When the spiritual environment in the human realm significantly improves, powerful Immortals and beasts who were previously dormant in secluded places will emerge one after another, much like the awakening of insects after spring thunder."

He Lingchuan understood: "Indeed. Over the past year, cave dwellings have appeared sporadically within Cangyan, and the Immortals and beasts emerging from them are quite... individualistic. Local authorities find it very difficult to communicate with them. I've had to establish a dedicated 'Bingyuan Division' to deal with these sudden occurrences."

Before these Immortals and beasts entered seclusion, the Glimmering Gold Plains were still in chaos. Now, the Glimmering Gold Plains have achieved a unification unseen in a thousand years. After emerging from seclusion, these beings are undoubtedly finding it difficult to adapt to Cangyan's official regulations. Cangyan offers them only two choices: either submit, or leave.

The Bingyuan Division was established for this purpose, led by Liu Qingdao, with Madam Zhu as a guest consultant. It is a mixed team comprising Immortals, cultivators, monsters, and soldiers, specifically tasked with "interfacing" with the powerful beasts and Immortals who have just re-entered the world. When the two sides make contact, the Bingyuan Division is certainly polite at first. However, if the other party is arrogant and refuses to heed advice, insisting on taking the punitive measure instead of the courteous offer, then...

Either way, they have to choose between the carrot and the stick.

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