Chapter 1110: His Highness

"From his perspective, with Qingyiyuan's favor, Tiansu's divine skill should not have been in Tingzhou, nor could it have been. Therefore, Suining's acquisition of Tiansu was also a manipulation from above."

The expression in Li Zhouwei's eyes gradually cleared.

"Essentially, a deeper plot is concealed beneath a superficial one. While Suining is indeed Tiansu, the divine ability he acquired likely extends beyond Tiansu. The future he is guiding is very possibly the one that powerful figure from above desires."

Given this, Li Suining's vague understanding of Tiansu's divine skill seemed to make sense. This invisible chess piece, showing no anomalies, must have been played against his Li family.

"Precisely for this reason... Suining cannot possess a Talisman Seed. He is bound to be exposed to that powerful figure's scrutiny sooner or later. If he were to receive a Talisman Seed, the karmic connections would vanish instantly, leaving no trace of abnormality. This would remove the underlying reason for the Li clan's unique situation, thus raising suspicions..."

Li Zhouwei understood that the Li clan, under the scrutiny of millions, and the Li family members burdened with Talisman Seeds, who only found a moment's respite upon entering the lake, appeared free but were, in fact, deeply entrapped.

Li Zhouwei pondered for a moment, then subtly glanced at him. Having formed a plan, he asked:

"How much time remains until the next great North-South War? Can you calculate it accurately?"

Hearing this, Li Suining replied:

"Although there have been minor skirmishes over the past few years, if I am not mistaken, the true great war is still eight years away!"

Eight years from now would be the Battle of Baihai, the final joint northern expedition where Great Song and Xishu each got what they needed. It would also be the war where the Grand Desire Sect once again deployed its forces to Huai. With Guangchan now deceased, the Grand Adoration Buddhist Realm completely silent, and the battle lines aligning perfectly, Li Suining believed the timing should be quite accurate. Conversely, Li Zhouwei's heart brightened upon hearing this:

"Eight years... that's more than enough time..."

He sustained no major injuries in the recent war. Li Ximing, during the years he struggled to maintain his position, also managed to get through without significant incidents, relying on his separated spiritual body. This effectively means these eight years are incredibly valuable for the Li clan—time that can be purely dedicated to development and preparation.

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up as if sensing something, gazing at the horizon. Seeing the black Xuan banners fluttering in the sky, he knew people from the Song court had arrived. He then stood up and said:

"The elder mentioned he wishes to see you. Once you are prepared, go out and meet the venerable elder."

Li Suining promptly assented, bowed as he saw him off, and only stood up after the colors in the sky had faded, standing hesitantly within the cave dwelling.

"Should I speak... or remain silent..."

By this point, in such circumstances, Li Suining naturally grasped the core issue:

"He believes I possess a unique talent for divination..."

Li Suining had considered confessing, yet each time he faced Li Zhouwei, he found himself unable to speak:

"Would it truly be wise to confess to King Wei?"

For Li Suining to reveal the entire Li clan's past and future to Li Zhouwei, he could scarcely imagine the consequences. Furthermore, how could he tell a seeker of truth that their enlightenment, though seemingly second to none, would swiftly lead to their demise? Even though Li Suining did not fully understand the path of 'Seeking Gold,' he knew that for a practice so deeply intertwined with spiritual enlightenment and symbolic progression, this revelation would be profoundly detrimental.

"It's likely difficult to distinguish what can be said and what cannot..."

He knelt anxiously within the cave dwelling, pulling a jade slip from his sleeve. He read for a while, but his mind remained restless. After pacing twice in the chamber, he leaned back in the main seat, closing his eyes in contemplation.

After an unknown length of time, his breathing gradually steadied. A glimmer of silver light leaped from his glabella, connecting with a brilliant star, shining luminously.

The imperial palace stood majestic, its deep halls serene.

"This is Great Song."

Lin Chensheng, dressed in white robes, felt a complex mix of emotions.

Even though he had learned much within the monastery, as he walked through the Great Song palace at this moment, a wave of confusion still swept over him like the wind, making him feel as if he were dreaming.

He quietly traversed the palace corridors. After a short while, he saw a woman waiting in the path, head bowed, hands clasped, in a humble posture. Lin Chensheng only recognized her upon reaching her, and he spoke hoarsely:

"Ziyu!"

Kan Ziyu and Lin Chensheng were old acquaintances, having grown up together with a certain affection, and even trained together in the Grotto-heaven. Yet, looking at her now, the person before him bore little resemblance to the once vibrant yet gentle Kan Ziyu.

True Master Wenqing then looked up at him, her eyes flickering for a moment, and replied:

"Ah, True Master Chensheng has arrived... Please follow me!"

Lin Chensheng immediately composed his expression, a bitter feeling in his heart:

"I, a prodigy of the Solar Daoist lineage, am now reduced to merely playing the part of a guide!"

He walked silently with his head bowed, all the way to the deepest part of the palace complex, only then lowering his head in a bow. He heard the hushed whispers of the officials around him, faintly catching something... "King Wei..."

Lin Chensheng whispered:

"Is it a great victory, then?"

True Master Wenqing nodded. Though she appeared devoid of emotional fluctuation, she spoke quite a lot. She replied:

"Indeed, it is King Wei's great victory. This King Wei is named Li Zhouwei, a kinsman of Li Xuanfeng. Li Xuanfeng... Brother Chensheng, do you remember him?"

Lin Chensheng immediately pictured the man holding the golden bow in the Grotto-heaven back then. He nodded. He had met him once and vaguely felt that this formidable man possessed something his own Daoist lineage lacked, which left him with a deep impression.

True Master Wenqing added:

"King Wei... must have been born when you and I were at our peak. Now he commands three divine abilities."

Lin Chensheng was silent for a moment, then replied:

"Chi Wei committed many wicked deeds; otherwise... he ought to have been a disciple of my Solar sect..."

But Wenqing countered:

"It means the Solar lineage's destiny has run its course."

True Master Wenqing had emerged from seclusion several years before him. She had personally witnessed the collapse of the Solar Daoist lineage's final hope and had seen its many years of rise and fall. She spoke of this with great serenity.

As they spoke, they arrived in the deep palace, where Grand General Yang Ruiyi stood. Beside him, a woman in a green robe, quite beautiful, waited discreetly.

Lin Chensheng bowed respectfully. Yang Ruiyi, smiling, quickly stepped forward to help him up, chuckling:

"Chensheng has emerged from seclusion... I've gained another formidable general, and I feel even more confident!"

While calling him a "formidable general" might have been a formality, the confidence was genuine. No matter how much the Grand Xiukui Monastery had declined, it was still no ordinary Daoist lineage. What a single Lin Chensheng could bring was far beyond the capabilities of an ordinary Purple Mansion cultivator!

The affair between Sword Immortal Lou Xing and the Linggu family had caused quite a stir at the time. However, in reality, apart from acquiring some spiritual artifacts and resources, Linggu Lanying possessed only two spiritual tools, one of which even conflicted with her Daoist lineage. Lou Xing's foundation on Mount Huyi remained utterly untouched!

The loss of the Grand He Kui Bronze Sword was inconsequential; they still possessed the Xuxuan Dujing Furnace, the Chongyang Jiaxing Treasure Plate, the former Perfect Elixir Marvel Treasure, and the later sealed Indestructible Stone. More importantly, the Heavenly Xiu remained at Huyi!

In Yang Ruiyi's view, Lou Xing was one of the most discerning individuals within the Solar Daoist lineage. His stance and actions back then had minimized the losses of the Grand Xiukui Monastery and also ensured that the northern powers remained unconcerned.

While calculating in his mind, he outwardly appeared quite saddened and sighed:

"Fellow Daoist Houfo... truly a paragon for our generation!"

Houfo had died silently, a fact that should have remained unknown, but matters of life and death could naturally not be concealed from the Underworld. Lin Chensheng, with lowered brows, said:

"My uncle died at the hands of the Northern cultivators; I, Chensheng, will surely avenge him!"

Regardless of his true thoughts, these words pleased Yang Ruiyi immensely. He simply helped Lin Chensheng to his feet, then brought Linggu Lanying forward and introduced her:

"This is Yingjia, Linggu Lanying."

Lin Chensheng subtly turned his head and nodded. Linggu Lanying immediately took a step back and said respectfully:

"Greetings, Benefactor!"

"True Master, you are too kind!"

Even though Linggu Lanying was a King enfeoffed by Great Song, at this moment, she dared not act presumptuous in front of Lin Chensheng. Even with the Solar Daoist lineage's decline, it remained a Golden Elixir legacy. There was no need to compare their standing in the Yang family's eyes. Moreover, who in the entire Song kingdom was unaware of the Linggu family's humble origins?

Unless some future pretext emerged, she would always be a step below Lin Chensheng!

Yang Ruiyi appeared completely unconcerned, merely smiling as he looked at Lin Chensheng and said:

"Now that you've emerged from seclusion, I have a need for you... I'll have to trouble you to undertake a journey to the North."

Lin Chensheng nodded. Yang Ruiyi drew him closer, whispered a few words, then produced a pitch-black token and placed it in his hand, before silently seeing the three off.

The Grand General, as if just recalling something, asked seemingly casually:

"In Qize, there is a certain Dingyangzi, who has close ties with your Daoist lineage..."

Lin Chensheng promptly replied:

"The acquaintance between our predecessors, it has been such a long time... I still need to return and inquire... and meet him to be sure."

Yang Ruiyi nodded with a smile, watching the three depart. Only then did he drop his smile, turn, and enter, slowly making his way deeper into the imperial chambers.

The place was utterly devoid of human presence, bone-chillingly cold, with faint shadows cast upon the ground. Yang Ruiyi humbly knelt, bowing low and whispering:

"Your Majesty, someone from Xiukui has arrived."

The Great Song Emperor stood in the hall, holding a three-inch long copper hairpin, quietly teasing the bird in the cage before him. After a long silence, he said:

"Houfo possessed integrity."

It seemed the surrender of the Grand Xiukui Monastery brought little joy to the Emperor. Instead, it was the death of True Master Houfo that stirred his emotions, prompting him to recall another individual:

"Is Lingmei undergoing the Purple Illumination tribulation?"

Yang Ruiyi's expression darkened, and he nodded:

"Yes... it has been some time. The events of that year also greatly affected him. In truth... if the Cheng family hadn't continually suppressed him and withheld his destined divine ability... with his talent, he should have already passed the Purple Illumination tribulation."

The Song Emperor remained noncommittal, saying:

"What he is cultivating now is..."

Yang Ruiyi replied:

"He originally cultivated Duijin. Now that he lacks the destined divine ability of Duijin to follow Fu, he naturally seeks to compensate with Gengjin. He is employing the method of 'going from present to past,' and Duijin's frequent shifts mean it's not considered an inferior path."

Yang Chen took a step, his thoughts already elsewhere, and said indifferently:

"The Cheng clan no longer has any use for him, so let him cultivate. The current great trend of the world perfectly aligns with his destined divine ability; he will most likely succeed. Once he passes the Purple Illumination tribulation, the old capital will undergo a significant transformation."

The Cheng clan's territory was once the capital of the Yue Kingdom, which is why the Emperor referred to it as the "old capital." Yang Ruiyi, on the other side, nodded and replied:

"His destiny also aligns with his divine ability. Your subordinate will certainly seize this opportunity..."

He was cut off by the grim-faced Song Emperor, who stated:

"Lingmei is a successor of the Sword Gate; Great Song will not disturb him. But does the Cheng clan truly deserve to be called the Sword Gate? For now, we will grant a measure of deference for Lingmei's sake, but once this matter is settled, Wan Yu must also align with Song's destiny."

Yang Ruiyi quickly nodded and said:

"That True Master of the Cheng clan has always enjoyed both prestige and practical benefits. He emerges when there are profits to be gained and retreats from the world when responsibility is due. With Cheng Gao's death, there's even less of anyone capable of stepping forward..."

Yang Mei glanced at him, and Yang Ruiyi immediately fell silent, standing beside him without a word.

"Clink..."

As Yang Chen plucked, the crisp sound of metal echoed through the grand hall. The caged bird, just woken, drowsily fixated on the copper hairpin in his hand.

Soon, hurried footsteps were heard as several people rushed into the hall. Then, a small boy trotted in, bowed before him, and said in a childish voice:

"Father Emperor!"

Upon hearing these words, a hint of warmth finally appeared in Yang Mei's cold, almost inhuman pupils. He lowered his gaze to the boy and smiled:

"Jiao'er."

This child was none other than his third son, Yang Jiao.

Instantly, the cold imperial palace warmed, gaining a touch of human warmth. Even Yang Ruiyi smiled, looking at him with considerable satisfaction.

Emperor Yang Dian's harem was sparse; his only true imperial descendant after ascending the throne was Yang Jiao. This child, though young, was exceptionally intelligent!

Yang Ruiyi, however, knew even more:

This prince was now studying the ancient Daoist lineage's "Taiyi Xuanzhen Art," embarking on the path of "Qi Absorption and Tempering Nature" rather than the "Purple Mansion Golden Elixir" path!

Not only that, Yang Jiao's talent was astonishingly high, once even disturbing the Underworld.

"If he achieves Dao through True Qi... this prince's future is not only bright, but a place among the most exalted ranks is also within reach!"

This entirely changed the significance... Even the Underworld would certainly not object to gaining another True Lord!

For Yang Ruiyi himself, seeing this Third Prince was not merely seeing a descendant who could revitalize the Yang clan, but potentially a future supreme figure!

"Greetings, Grand General!"

The prince saluted both men, then happily took a stone sparrow from his sleeve, holding it in his palm, and said:

"Father, please look!"

The small sparrow carving was remarkably lifelike, with two tail feathers, pitch-black claws, red eyes, and a green beak—an exact likeness of the caged bird, Danzhen, beside Yang Zhuo!

"Remarkable."

The Song Emperor glanced at it with interest and offered a word of praise. The young prince, however, felt a little put out and whispered:

"But it doesn't move like Father Emperor's."

Yang Zhuo chuckled softly twice. With a gentle flick of the copper hairpin in his hand, he opened the cage door beside him, casually took out the spirit bird, and handed it to the child.

The spirit bird's eyes were lively, yet it did not flap its wings to fly away, but instead quietly stared at the young prince.

Yang Jiao's eyes were filled with delight, yet he did not take the bird. Instead, he clasped his hands and replied:

"Father Emperor cherishes this Danzhen the most..."

Emperor Yang Dian smiled, gently shook his head, picked up the stone sparrow, and softly blew on it.

In an instant, a flurry of wings beating filled the air, and a white shadow flickered. This stone sparrow, crafted from ordinary jade, astonishingly came to life, hopping and flitting about vividly. It then adjusted its posture and stood quietly on his finger.

The Song Emperor placed the bird from his finger back into the cage, then patted his son's shoulder and said:

"Go and play!"

Yang Jiao thanked him, his eyes filled with adoration, then skipped away.

A group of people swiftly accompanied the prince as he departed. Yang Ruiyi's pupils widened slightly.

Danzhen was a precious, rare gift procured by the Underworld for Yang Chen, possessing unique value. Though small and confined to a cage, if it were to truly manifest, even an ordinary Purple Mansion cultivator would struggle to subdue it. Furthermore, it followed the path of True Qi, which inherently shatters all deception!

Yet, the individual before him merely exhaled a breath, and the bird transformed, its suppressed divine abilities and surging primal void unmistakably revealing the caged bird's true nature!

"To what extent has Your Majesty's divine skill progressed... A reincarnation of the Heavenly Martial Golden Nature, forged by the full might of the Underworld, truly an existence far superior to those 'children of destiny'..."

He remained silent for a long time, until he heard someone finally approach the front of the hall, bow, and announce:

"Your Majesty... King Wei has arrived at Zhengxing Palace!"