Chapter 1848: Imperial Monarch (II)
Chapter 1848: Imperial Monarch (II)
Footsteps rang out below the pavilion. Someone stepped out of the night and brought in a tray, its white base covered with crimson cloth. Li Jiangliang received it and respectfully presented it before them.
The Song Emperor declared, "Take a look, King of Wei."
Li Jiangliang lifted the crimson cloth, revealing a brown urn. Inside lay a handful of dark gemstones shaped like grains of rice, gleaming in the night.
Yang Zhuo introduced, "This is an ancient treasure called the [Heavenly Nurturing Urn]. It belongs to the legendary [Preserving Wood] Dao lineage, which is now extinct."
"[Preserving Wood] is the Dao of storing and nurturing within Wood. The [Heavenly Nurturing Urn] is one of its spirit treasures. Although the fate of its Dao lineage has impaired it somewhat, its abilities remain extraordinary."
Li Zhouwei raised his brows and said, "[Preserving Wood]? I have scarcely heard of it."
The Song Emperor offered a rare smile. "This Dao lineage bore another name in ancient times. A supreme being of divine ability attained its Dao and subsequently severed it. Much sordid business then followed, all but erasing the Dao. [Preserving Wood] is a name bestowed by later generations. You will not find it in ancient texts, so naturally it is little known.
"But this treasure has its uses. At a critical moment, it can preserve your life, and it is especially effective against Buddhist cultivators."
As a reincarnated Metallic Essence elevated through the full efforts of the Underworld's judiciary, Yang Zhuo had offered a spirit treasure at the outset! How could Li Zhouwei ever have too many spirit treasures? Especially one that could suppress Buddhist cultivators!
"Your subject gratefully accepts this gracious gift!"
The mention of a supreme divine ability, however, prompted Yang Zhuo to glance at Li Zhouwei with a smile. "I hear your clan has produced a sword immortal!"
Li Zhouwei nodded and replied, "Our clan has long held that inheritance. At last, one of our juniors has been able to take up its Sword Dao."
Yang Zhuo looked at him and smiled. "As it happens, my two older sons both favor the Sword Dao. The eldest is rather less accomplished, but the second has already attained Sword Essence. Though my third son is still young, he too is fond of the sovereign of all weapons...
"Since he routed the enemy army, I should grant him a title as well."
Li Zhouwei fell briefly silent, understanding Yang Zhuo's intention.
A Profound Holder.
Indeed, in the Song Emperor's eyes, Li Jiangchun, who possessed Sword Intent, was an ideal candidate to become a Profound Holder! Empowered by one of the nation's highest offices, he might frighten the northern Merciful Ones into retreat. Even a Maha would have to think twice!
But how could Li Zhouwei bear to give him up?
Besides... he bears a talisman seed. Once the power of a Profound Holder takes effect, who knows what anomalies might arise?
Li Zhouwei merely replied, "Your subject has five sons. Jianglong, Jiangxia, and Jiangliang all serve the Celestial Dynasty, obeying its commands even unto death. My eldest, Jiangqian, is somewhat older and has already embarked upon his pursuit of the Dao.
“With some modest ability to manage our affairs, he remains with the clan... Should he succeed, he too can expand Great Song's borders. Only my youngest shows little promise. He has gone to the outer-sea in the hope of living out his days in peace.
"Our clan has fought year after year, losing young and old alike amid constant upheaval. The clan elders have placed all their hopes on this child. He is unruly and headstrong by nature, ill-suited to receiving True Essence. Moreover, as a cultivator of the Sword Dao, he cannot bend his heart against its convictions. I ask your majesty to understand."
Li Zhouwei had spoken in earnest. Yang Zhuo understood his refusal and, after a slight pause, made a concession. "My Dao cultivates True Essence, and Sword Intent embodies utter perfection and truth. I hope your clan's sword prodigy can visit the capital and offer some instruction, bringing Great Song's martial virtue to its fullest expression. As for the rest, it shall be as you wish."
He smiled. "In Simin Prefecture, no one will be able to harm him."
This was already a courteous assurance, and also the limit of Yang Zhuo's concessions. After a moment's consideration, Li Zhouwei nodded, thinking, In any case, seclusion can serve as an excuse to put him off. This matter still needs careful consideration.
The emperor and king rose from their seats. Carrying the jade tray, Li Jiangliang followed them out of the pavilion and handed it to Chen Yang, who came forward to receive it.
Yang Zhuo glanced over, his gaze lingering briefly on Chen Yang's face as he said, "I intend to seek Truth, elevate the immortals, and cultivate martial virtue. Who shall embody Truth? Who shall stand for the immortals? Who shall uphold martial virtue? None can be lacking."
The emperor's expression grew distant as he continued evenly, "Yet... falsehood and concealment are Yin; truth and manifestation are Yang. Tianwu stands in Yang, and the task of cultivating martial virtue falls to you, King of Wei. I shall rely on your efforts henceforth."
Li Zhouwei acquiesced, "Yes, your majesty! Your subject takes his leave."
He stepped backward several paces before withdrawing from the pavilion. The Song Emperor departed without lingering, passing through the ceremonial hall and vanishing into the deep, murky darkness.
Li Zhouwei straightened and left the palace in silence, escorted by Li Jiangliang. Only once they were outside did his son speak. "Father... now..."
Li Zhouwei replied unhurriedly, "Back to Moongaze Lake."
Li Jiangliang fell briefly silent, then Li Zhouwei asked, "Have you had any children?"
Li Jiangliang shook his head quietly and replied, "Tianyou and I are both Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators. That already makes it much harder..."
Li Jianglong and Li Jiangxia, both descendants of Wei who cultivated Bright Yang, had many wives and concubines, making it somewhat easier to have children. Li Jiangliang and Yang Tianyou, however, were deeply devoted to one another, a match made in heaven. With only the two of them, offspring were naturally harder to come by.
Li Zhouwei's gaze flickered briefly. He looked at his son gently and said, "When you have time, come back to the lake more often."
Li Jiangliang felt as though a mountain was weighing upon his heart. He answered in a strained voice, "I certainly will..."
When they reached the palace gates, cultivators knelt along both sides, none daring to raise their heads. Respectful greetings rang out one after another. A dark carriage drew up before them, and a man hurried out, resplendent in formal robes of black and gold!
Yet he rushed over without the slightest concern for his dignity and said respectfully, "Greetings, elder brother!"
"Zhouluo, you are here." Reunited after a long separation, Li Zhouwei looked his younger clansman up and down and smiled. "Your cultivation has been advancing rapidly!"
Li Zhouluo forced a smile, visibly troubled and uneasy. He had always feared his elder brother, as did almost everyone in the Li Family. Facing him now as the King of Wei only deepened that fear.
Unable to voice any of the many things he had prepared to say, he merely smiled and accompanied him for a while.
Then Li Zhouwei stopped and said earnestly, "The old elder's health is growing worse. Find time to return more often and visit him. He misses you."
Li Zhouluo's eyes reddened at once, and he said tearfully, "I understand. On this journey south, I made several trips farther south specifically to invite our younger granduncle back... But he has just lost his wife and has been overwhelmed with matters to attend to, so it has kept being delayed..."
Li Zhouwei's heart sank. He asked, "How is he now?"
Li Zhouluo shook his head gravely and said, "No one dares neglect him, and he has now reached the late stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. I have spoken with him several times about having one of our juniors adopted into his line. He agreed, saying he would wait until he returned to the lake... and choose then."
Li Zhouwei nodded. After some hesitation, Li Zhouluo continued, "However... some years ago, our younger granduncle took in an adopted son named Ning Fuchao. He changed his surname and is now called Li Fuchao. He is quite talented..."
Li Zhouwei waved a hand and said, "That is no issue. If he is of good character, let him return with the others. We can enter his name in the branch genealogy."
As he spoke, Li Zhouwei summoned light to carry him away. In a rare gesture, he patted his clansman's shoulder, his golden eyes solemn as he instructed, "Serve diligently, and do not worry about home. Among my brothers, you alone..."
The King of Wei paused, leaned close to his ear, and said with a smile, "You alone have a chance of reaching the Purple Mansion Realm. Stay out of these entanglements and focus on your cultivation. These nephews of yours will all be following me. If I am stationed in the north one day and cannot return in time... through every rise and fall, watch over the clan for your elder brother!"
"I will certainly look after the clan's affairs! I will not disappoint..."
Li Zhouluo assented deferentially and watched Li Zhouwei step into the great void. Before the dark opening closed, his elder brother looked back and said with a warm smile, "Do not worry. The old elder is very pleased, and no one in the clan blames you!"
With his hidden worry exposed in a single sentence, Li Zhouluo flushed slightly. He stood dazedly for a while, then let out a sigh of relief, as though a burden had been lifted. At last, he hurried into the dark carriage and said, "Quickly, to Lord Li's residence!"