Chapter 1111: Emperor

“Proceed.”

The Song Emperor smiled and stepped forward. Light and shadow intertwined in the grand hall as scorching water and fire began to flow down the steps. In a few strides, he exited the hall, and immediately, a magnificent canopy appeared, swaying gently, surrounded by vibrant purple and white mist, creating a dazzling spectacle.

The Zhengxing Palace was already a deeply secluded part of the imperial complex. It was separated from the Song Emperor's bed-chamber, the Taijia Palace, only by the Xuanwei Hall. It was frequently used for summoning Chi Xuan, and ordinary officials had no access whatsoever.

On either side of this palace were paved paths, known as 'Dragon's Tail.' In the center stood a Bright Hall, three hundred feet square, with golden iron phoenixes piercing through it from top to bottom. As the Song Emperor passed through, there were sounds of water extinguishing fire and the resonant clang of golden plates.

Only after exiting this hall did Imperial Concubine Yang Ruiyi slightly raise her head. She saw a man in a black robe standing by the pavilion, with Li Jiangliang attending silently beside him, eyes lowered. On the other side stood another man with dark, sinister brows.

Yang Zhuo's eyes, which had always been as placid as water, finally lifted.

Inside the hall lay a beast, resembling neither a tiger nor a wolf. Two jade-like white horns, extremely sharp, adorned its head. Its body was stretched, subtly revealing the agile shape of its spine beneath sections of scales. One of its eyes, turned towards them, held somber golden rings interlaced within, and scales overlapped beneath its eyelids, as if marked by tears of regret.

The Great Song Emperor stared for a moment. The indifference and wariness coiled within him gradually dissipated, and his expression became obscure and unreadable.

Li Zhouwei's golden eyes gazed from afar, observing meticulously.

In front of the hall, a magnificent canopy glittered, surrounded by high-ranking officials. The majestic imperial robe hung empty in mid-air, its thick collar devoid of a wearer, save for a single helmet suspended above it.

A bluish-purple feather adorned this helmet, with golden patterns on its sides. Beneath the imperial robe, there was no Song Emperor Yang Zhuo, only a suit of armor.

A long summoning call echoed in their ears:“Proclaim! The Prince of Wei seeks an audience!”

The sound was clear and melodious, like a jade vase shattering and golden pearls rolling. The Emperor and the Prince simultaneously averted their gaze. The coiled exotic beast vanished, and a form appeared beneath the Emperor's crown. The invisible anomaly that had enveloped the space between heaven and earth momentarily dissipated.

As the sun set from the horizon, the Prince of Wei stood sideways, facing the Bright Hall, at the intersection of light and shadow. Streaks of golden-red sunset pierced through his dark hair, stretching eastward, causing Yang Ruiyi's eyes to flicker.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!”The crimson light fell upon the slowly illuminating dark green imperial robe in the shadows. The Song Emperor paced down from the Bright Hall, nodding as he said:“Prince of Wei, your great victory at Baixiang brings great comfort to my heart!”“It is merely the grace of the Sacred Dynasty and the protection of martial cultivation.”

The two moved into the high pavilion, and the assembled crowd retreated to its base. Only Li Jiangliang accompanied them, taking a jade pot and pouring wine for both. Yang Zhuo raised his chin slightly.

In an instant, six differently colored streams of water and fire emerged from his eyes. Everything around them seemed to stop moving. The Song Emperor said coldly:“You may withdraw.”

Li Jiangliang, with lowered brows and eyes, noticed nothing. The words seemed to have filtered past his ears. Only Li Zhouwei narrowed his eyes slightly, remaining silent.

The coldness in the Song Emperor's pupils grew more intense. He said faintly:“I said, withdraw.”

The clouds in the sky trembled. An invisible, pitch-black shroud enveloped the area. At this moment, heavy shadows seemed to bore out from the pavilion, coiling beneath the steps, waiting silently.

The Song Emperor's expression softened slightly. He glanced at the man before him and asked:“Prince of Wei, your slaying of Guangchan was not merely an act of martial prowess, but a feat of great courage and immense immortal power. Though I reside deep within the palace, I am nonetheless greatly inspired by it.”

The Emperor, elegant and composed, raised his cup:“This cup is to celebrate your decisive victory over the general!”

Li Zhouwei raised his cup and drank with him, a hint of a smile in his eyes:“Had it not been for the matters of cultivation, Tingzhou could not have been secured. How then could we have this day?”

Yang Zhuo's expression remained unchanged as he replied:“King Qi once herded horses, subjugated by common soldiers. Emperor Liang once guarded the frontiers, confined to a desolate and bitter land. For one to be an emperor, there is a transformation of rise and obscurity. When obscure, even martial cultivation cannot illuminate; when rising, even great heroes cannot restrain. Thus, to attain the Dao and seek the Golden Position, one must not remain under the shelter of wings.”

He spoke with a smile, without any reserve:“Prince of Wei, what you seek is the position of Emperor, is that not so?”

At these words, Li Jiangliang, standing nearby, should have broken out in a cold sweat and been too terrified to speak, yet he remained utterly unaware, standing blankly in place. Li Zhouwei set down his cup and smiled, saying:“Though the world is vast, there is no land where Wuguang does not descend. The Central Lands are broad, yet there is no netherworld that does not claim its people. While your subject certainly seeks the Dao, even a Wei Emperor would not dare claim to be beyond concealment. Your Majesty speaks too gravely.”

Yang Zhuo sipped his wine without speaking, then after a long silence, said:“At the very least, Prince of Wei, you have the chance to part a wisp of mist and behold the clear sky.”

As he finished speaking, the setting sun had already dipped below the horizon. A pale purple darkness began to envelop the sky, and soft moonlight spilled down, covering the entire palace complex.

The Prince of Wei seemed not to have heard these words, merely staring into the wine in his cup.

The Song Emperor stood up, quietly pacing within the pavilion, and said:“Tianwu received the Mandate of Heaven from Wei, conquering Jianghuai. All immortals submitted and bowed without bloodshed, establishing order. He greatly promoted immortal sects, allowing a hundred schools of thought to flourish. He used the foundation of the Jianghuai King's enterprise to establish the Great Ning dynasty, yet he did not claim the title of Emperor – Tianwu sought truth to become emperor, not sought emperorship to achieve truth.”

“Prince of Wei, you need not worry. Great Song has no ambition to conquer the entire world. Beyond Jianghuai, all can be Wei territory. Unless I, Yang Zhuo, perish before attaining the Dao, Great Song – no one will obstruct the Prince of Wei from seeking the Dao.”

He turned his head, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, and repeated:“It is seeking the Dao, not assaulting the Golden Position.”

The Prince of Wei raised an eyebrow to look at him, his golden eye appearing bright in the night. He watched as the Song Emperor quietly raised his cup, the moonlight making the Emperor's face exceptionally luminous.

The Song Emperor said:“Ning was granted the Wei legacy; I return the Wei legacy.”

Li Zhouwei stood up, neither bowing nor saluting, but likewise raised his cup, a genuine smile appearing on his face:“Many thanks, fellow Daoist.”

Yang Zhuo burst into laughter, all coldness and solemnity vanishing from his eyes and brows. He praised:“What a fine fellow Daoist!”

This single address of 'fellow Daoist' seemed to be the highest praise, making him more delighted than being called 'Sovereign of all under Heaven.' Yang Zhuo's lips curved into a smile that he could not suppress.

His laughter gradually subsided, quickly falling silent. He stared at the moonlight in the sky for a long time, the imperial dignity slowly returning to his face. The Song Emperor said:“Though Jianghuai is small, occupying two prefectures, and Shanji is narrow, they are like festering sores in the south. If pacified, they could yield two military governors and several immortal sects. Prince of Wei, do you have a plan?”

Li Zhouwei's tone was calm as he replied:“During the Great Zhao dynasty, power fell by the wayside. Prominent families harbored many concerns, and the Northern Buddhist sects were mutually suspicious. The various sects in Jianghuai have long harbored rebellious intentions; their only fear is Chi Xuan. If we can incite one or two of his subordinates and win over those like Baiye and Chengyun, enticing them with martial cultivation, we can conquer Baihai, break Shanji, and pursue and kill Lanyan. Then Jianghuai will be settled by mere proclamation.”

“The Qing Clan of Western Shu, lacking benevolence towards their subordinates, though fortified by natural barriers, considers themselves noble immortals and does not treat divine abilities well. Although their retainers dare not rebel, they harbor inclinations towards the Sacred Dynasty. When the general situation changes, if their concerns are alleviated, they too can surrender to Song.”

The Prince of Wei paused slightly, then said:“The Heavenly Dynasty favors the immortal path, yet divine abilities are scarce. Jianghuai and Shu are not suitable for slaughter; they must be subdued through surrender and widespread benevolence. When your subject crosses Xuanzhen and passes Bianyan, stations troops below Luoyang, and campaigns in the Buddhist lands, then there will be killing without surrender, demonstrating great might and virtue, to show the boundless benevolence and power of our Heavenly Dynasty.”

Yang Zhuo's eyes brightened slightly upon hearing this. He nodded and raised his cup, saying:“With the Prince of Wei campaigning in the north, I have no worries!”

Li Zhouwei drank his wine, listening as the Song Emperor said:“Attendant!”

This command, like rolling thunder, shattered the solidified silence. Outside the courtyard, the wind began to howl again, rustling through the kudzu leaves covering the wall.

Then, footsteps were heard below the pavilion. One person emerged from the crowd, holding a tray, and brought it into the pavilion. On a white base, covered by a crimson cloth, Li Jiangliang received it and respectfully presented it before them. The Song Emperor said:“Prince of Wei, please have a look.”

Li Jiangliang lifted the crimson cloth, revealing a brown urn. Inside lay a handful of dark, grain-like gems, gleaming in the night. Yang Zhuo said:“This is an ancient artifact, called the Heaven-Nourishing Urn. It belongs to the legendary Baimu Dao tradition, which is now extinct.”

“Baimu is the Dao of nurturing within wood, and the Heaven-Nourishing Urn is one of its spiritual treasures. Although the tradition has suffered some setbacks, it remains exceedingly wondrous.”

Li Zhouwei raised an eyebrow and said:“Baimu? I have rarely heard of it.”

The Song Emperor rarely smiled, saying:“This tradition was not called by this name in ancient times. It was affirmed and then severed by a supreme divine ability user. Later, it went through many sordid events, largely obliterating its path. The name Baimu was given by later generations and cannot be found in ancient records, which naturally explains its rarity.”

“However, this item has certain uses. At critical moments, it can preserve one's life, and it is especially effective against Buddhist cultivators.”

As expected of the reincarnated Golden Nature fully supported by the Underworld Ministry! The moment Yang Zhuo made his move, it was a spiritual treasure! How could Li Zhouwei ever have enough spiritual treasures of his own? Especially one that could suppress Buddhist cultivators!“Your subject accepts this grace!”

However, bringing up this supreme divine ability, Yang Zhuo smiled and glanced at Li Zhouwei, saying:“I heard that a Sword Immortal has emerged from your esteemed clan!”

Li Zhouwei nodded, saying:“Our clan has always had a legacy; it is rare to have a junior who has managed to pick up the way of the sword...”

Yang Zhuo looked at him and smiled:“Coincidentally, both of my two sons are fond of the sword Dao. My elder son is somewhat clumsy, but my second son has already achieved Sword Essence. Although my third son is young, he also has a great fondness for the lord of all weapons...”

“He decisively defeated the enemy army; I shall grant him a title.”

Li Zhouwei fell silent for a moment, understanding Yang Zhuo's intention.‘Chi Xuan.’

Indeed, Li Jiangchun, possessing sword intent, was in the Song Emperor's eyes absolutely the best candidate for Chi Xuan! If he were to be blessed with a high national position, it might even deter the northern Lianmin and make Maha reconsider!

But how could Li Zhouwei bear to part with him?‘Moreover... he possesses a Talisman Seed. Once he serves as Chi Xuan, who knows what abnormalities might arise?’

Li Zhouwei merely replied:“Your subject has five sons. Long, Xia, and Liang are all serving the Heavenly Dynasty, ready to lay down their lives. My eldest son, Qian, is older and has already begun seeking the Dao, and possesses some cleverness for managing the family, so he remains within the clan... If he succeeds, he too can expand the territory for Great Song. Only my youngest son, Buqi, is unsuited for official life and has gone overseas, seeking peace for the rest of his days.”

“Our clan faces constant warfare year after year, with elders and youngsters perishing together, and much unrest. The elders of the clan are only concerned about this child. He is by nature wild and eccentric, incapable of embodying truth, and practices the way of the sword, unable to bend his heart. I implore Your Majesty for your understanding.”

Li Zhouwei's tone was heavy. Yang Zhuo understood his refusal. After a slight pause, he also conceded a step.

“My Dao of cultivation teaches that sword intent is the essence of ultimate purity and truth. I hope that your esteemed clan's sword Dao genius might come to the capital to offer some guidance, perfecting Great Song's martial virtue. It shall be as you wish.”

He smiled and said:“In Simin, no one can harm him.”

These words were already very courteous and marked Yang Zhuo's bottom line. Li Zhouwei merely pondered for a moment before nodding, musing to himself:‘At any rate, there's always the option of feigning seclusion to put him off. This matter still requires careful consideration.’

The Emperor and the Prince then rose from the pavilion. Li Jiangliang, holding the jade tray, followed behind them out of the pavilion and handed the tray to Chen Yang, who came to meet them.

Yang Zhuo glanced over, his gaze lingering on Chen Yang's face for a moment, and said aloud:“I intend to seek truth, uplift immortals, and cultivate martial arts. Which is truth? Which is immortal? Which is martial? None can be absent.”

The Emperor's expression was somewhat ethereal as he said faintly:“However... falsehood and hiddenness are Yin; truth and manifestation are Yang. Tianwu resides in Yang. Therefore, matters of martial cultivation should fall to the Prince of Wei. From now on, you will have to exert yourself more.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”Li Zhouwei replied:“Your subject takes his leave.”

He then stepped back a few paces before exiting the pavilion. The Song Emperor, without any lingering glance, passed through the Bright Hall and vanished into the deep, obscure darkness.

Li Zhouwei straightened up, silent, and exited the palace under Li Jiangliang's escort. Once outside the palace gates, his son spoke:“Father... at this moment...”

Li Zhouwei replied unhurriedly:“Return to Wangyue.”

Li Jiangliang fell silent for a moment, then heard his father say:“Do you have any descendants?”

Li Jiangliang silently shook his head and replied:“Both Tianyou and I are Foundation Establishment cultivators, which is already quite rare...”

Whether it's Li Jianglong or Li Jiangxia, both of these Wei descendants who cultivate Bright Yang have many wives and concubines, making it easier for them. However, Li Jiangliang and Yang Tianyou are very devoted to each other, a perfectly matched couple, so it is naturally difficult for them to have offspring.

But upon hearing this, Li Zhouwei's gaze flickered for a moment. He looked at him gently and said:“When you have leisure, come visit the lake often.”

Li Jiangliang felt as if a great mountain weighed on his heart. He said hoarsely:“Your son will certainly...”

The two arrived at the palace gate. On both sides, cultivators knelt on the ground, none daring to lift their heads, their respectful greetings rising and falling. Only when a dark palanquin arrived before them did a man in golden robes and splendid dark attire hastily descend from it, exuding great presence!

But the man rushed forward, completely disregarding any sense of dignity, and said respectfully:“Greetings, Elder Brother!”“Zhou Luo is here.”

After a long separation, Li Zhouwei looked his clan brother up and down and smiled:“Your cultivation has advanced remarkably quickly now!”

Li Zhouluo forced a smile, looking worried and standing restlessly. He naturally held awe for his elder brother—indeed, few in the entire Li clan did not fear him. Now, with the Prince of Wei standing before him, his apprehension was further amplified.

Thus, not a single word of his prepared speech escaped his lips. He accompanied Li Zhouwei with a forced smile for a short distance, but Li Zhouwei stopped and said gravely:“The old patriarch's health is worsening. Find some time to go back and visit him often. He misses you.”

Li Zhouluo's eyes immediately reddened, and he choked out:“Your clan brother understands. This time on my southern journey, I specifically visited the south a few times to invite that young grand-uncle... but he just lost his wife and is completely overwhelmed, so it has been constantly delayed...”

Li Zhouwei's heart sank. He asked:“How is the old man now?”

Li Zhouluo shook his head heavily and said:“No one dares to neglect him, but he has now reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment. I have discussed with him several times about adopting a junior to him, and he agreed, saying he wants to wait until he returns to the lake... to choose then.”

Li Zhouwei nodded, but Li Zhouluo hesitated for a moment and said:“However... a few years ago, the young grand-uncle took in an adopted son named Ning Fuchao. He changed his surname and is now called Li Fuchao. His talent is quite high...”

Li Zhouwei waved his hand and said:“It's fine. If he is of good character, he can return with you, and his name can be recorded in the branch lineage register.”

Having said that, Li Zhouwei, who now seemed to glow faintly, uncharacteristically patted his brother's shoulder, his golden eyes serious as he instructed:“You must serve effectively. Do not worry about matters at home. Among all your brothers, only you...”

The Prince of Wei paused, leaned close to his ear, and whispered with a smile:“Only you have a chance at the Purple Mansion. Do not get involved in trivial matters; cultivate well. These nephews of yours will all follow me. Should I guard the north in the future and be unable to return promptly... through all ups and downs, look after them for your elder brother!”

“Your clan brother will certainly look after clan matters! I will not fail...”

Li Zhouluo dutifully agreed, watching Li Zhouwei step into the Great Void. Just before the dark Great Void closed, his elder brother turned back, smiling, and interrupted:“You need not worry too much. The old patriarch is very pleased; no one in the clan blames you!”

Li Zhouluo's secret worry was exposed with a single sentence. His face flushed slightly. He stood blankly in place for a while, as if relieved, before finally hurrying into his dark palanquin and saying:“To Master Li's residence, quickly!”