Daoqi Huangcheng

Chapter 66, Section 65: Two Imperial Edicts, One Dragon Aura (3.3K words - Please Subscribe)
In just one day, Song Chen grasped a trace of the [True Meaning of Taibai].

He did not use extra wisdom to fully comprehend it, nor did he cut corners. Instead, he controlled the level of his understanding to what he considered a reasonable level.

A day passed, and Song Chen opened his eyes, his eyes sparkling with undisguised joy.

Jiu Lingzi asked, "How is it?"

Song Chen said, "This disciple has already comprehended it."

Jiu Lingzi bowed to the sky, and the image in the sky disappeared.

Jiu Lingzi led Song Chen out of the Peach Tree Secret Realm, adopting the demeanor of a wise teacher, and gently encouraged him, "Let me see."

Song Chen clenched his fists slightly, activating the [Ghost Claw] divine power. In an instant, a sinister, yin-energy claw suddenly emerged from the ground. This claw bound the soul; although its execution was somewhat slow, once it was used effectively, the target would have nowhere to hide. Thus, the target could only be bound in place, and could only escape by breaking the claw, which required completely surpassing the caster's power.

But this time, his ghostly claws had an extra layer of sharpness that was hard to describe. If before it was just about pulling at people's souls, now it had an extra layer of "cutting" on top of that "pulling".

If I had possessed even a trace of the "True Meaning of Taibai" when I faced that old crane, that old crane would probably have collapsed on the spot.
The genuine "Taibai Diagram" allows one to comprehend the "True Meaning of Taibai," which is omnipresent, applicable everywhere, and usable in everything. It is about forgetting the form of the sword and remembering its intent. In contrast, the fake is merely the sword intent, which rejects all other intents. Without the sword, it is useless.

After Song Chen finished performing the technique, he excitedly asked, "Master, how was it?"

Jiu Lingzi remained expressionless, mentally assessing the situation. He felt that the boy's comprehension speed was much faster than he had previously displayed, but still not as fast as his own. Looking at the boy's current excited state, he felt the boy's comprehension was even more genuine. At least with this level of understanding, selling it to the person on the Turtle Platform wouldn't be a loss; otherwise, he might have to go back to the person on the Turtle Platform and complain, demanding she make up the "price difference."

And if this kid is hiding his true abilities, then he won't lose out. Anyway, after he gets this "dual cultivation of body and mind" garment, he will leave Dayong. If this kid has a problem afterward and causes a backlash, then it will be the people on the Turtle Platform who suffer the backlash, right? And he would be quite happy to see that happen.

He only paid a few spirit stones used in the Qi Gathering Realm and one opportunity to comprehend the subject that was given out every year, and he packaged this goods. Moreover, the goods helped him do a lot of things, so he really made a big profit.

Thinking of this, Jiu Lingzi revealed the gentle smile of a Grand Scholar and nodded, saying, "Indeed, this should be the method you used to kill that old crane, right? Now that you have obtained this trace of the [True Meaning of Taibai], you have indeed reached a higher level. But you must guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and not be carried away by your success."

Song Chen quickly suppressed his deliberately displayed excitement and said with shame, "Master's teachings are correct, and this disciple will certainly keep them in mind."

Jiu Lingzi didn't continue on that topic and said directly, "Get ready and go to the Yellow Springs in the northern suburbs. The next few days won't be peaceful, but you already have some skills, plus the Mountain-Covering Pearl given to you by the people on the Turtle Platform, and this trace of [Tai Bai True Meaning], you should be fine."

Before you leave, come with me to see the Emperor one last time, so that you won't be unable to recognize him later.

"I'll take this opportunity to find you a task, which will also make it easier for you to enter and leave the palace and support the next chosen one. Speaking of which, you probably haven't met the Emperor yet, have you?"

At the end of the month, Song Chen arrived at the palace again. This time, he did not come secretly, but was led by an eunuch and followed closely by the Grand Secretary, hurrying to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where the emperor performed his daily duties.

The intertwined candlesticks shone with a soft yellow light.

The files inside the hall were neatly arranged.

Song Chen had indeed never seen the emperor.

But after learning the truth about the emperor, in his mind, whether it was the emperor or the royal family, they were all "high-level leeks"—puppet masters with little independent thought, or good-for-nothings who had guessed a little of the truth but "indulged in pleasure internally, maintained a respectable facade externally, and were just waiting to die."

However, after he actually saw the emperor, a strange feeling arose in his heart.

It seems that his initial stereotypes were inaccurate.

The emperor, with a calm demeanor and extraordinary bearing, was engrossed in reviewing memorials while wrapped in a golden dragon-embroidered cotton robe. His expression was extremely serious, and his gaze seemed to be completely absorbed in the words of the memorials. Even though he coughed occasionally due to the cold weather, he never looked away.

Upon hearing footsteps and recognizing the approaching figure, the emperor did not rise but instead sighed and said, "The people suffer when the dynasty prospers, and the people suffer when the dynasty falls. This time, the great victory in the north has left countless bones, yet only I am considered wise. How laughable."

Teacher, please look at this memorial. Beigu City, the largest city in the north, is now almost becoming a lonely city in the north.

Refugees and orphans are everywhere. The previous wars had already depleted most of the country's food supplies. Now, the new rice hasn't even sprouted, and the national treasury is empty. How can I possibly save these people?

At this very moment, Master has already become a Grand Scholar.

The elderly man with slightly white hair and beard slowly stepped forward, bowed, and stood beside the emperor. Looking at the memorial, he said, "Your Majesty, this war is inevitable. Although it will be costly and exhausting for the people, General Que has ultimately lived up to the emperor's favor and won at least thirty years of peace for the north."

Thirty years is enough for Beigu City to become prosperous again, even more prosperous than before. At that time, even if the Northern Witches invade again, they will surely not be able to return. This is a long-term plan.

"The predecessors planted the trees so that the successors could enjoy their shade. The brave soldiers who died in battle ultimately hoped for a peaceful and prosperous era. Their heroic spirits are still buried in foreign lands. Is Your Majesty's ascent of Golden Peach Mountain not precisely to offer sacrifices and summon back the heroic souls who gave their lives for the country?"

The emperor paused for a moment, looked up from the memorial, and said, "I have learned a great deal."

The Grand Secretary said, "Your Majesty's benevolence and righteousness are a blessing to the Great Yong Dynasty."

The emperor smiled faintly and said, "Teacher, my health seems to be deteriorating day by day. Do you have an answer to the question I asked you before?"

The Grand Scholar said, "My memory is deteriorating year by year. I wonder which question Your Majesty is referring to?"

The Emperor asked, "Among the many princes and princesses in the Wenqu Palace, and among the many sons and daughters of my Li family, is there even one who is capable of cultivating immortality?"

The Grand Scholar shook his head and said, "I contacted the Imperial City Temple long ago to investigate all members of the royal family, but to no avail. Heaven does not allow emperors to reign for a hundred generations, and the royal family cannot cultivate; it is fate."

The emperor suddenly looked up and stubbornly said, "I have an illegitimate child outside the palace."

The Grand Secretary continued to shake his head, saying, "Your Majesty, one should not speak of impropriety."

The emperor's expression froze on his face, and he suddenly asked, "Teacher, if I were to pass away, who would be able to succeed me?"

The Grand Secretary said, "The Crown Prince will suffice."

The emperor closed his eyes slightly.

Doesn't he know what kind of temper the Crown Prince has?

He appeared humble and intelligent, but it was all an act; if he were to become emperor, the consequences would be unimaginable. However, his desire to depose the crown prince was met with a joint opposition from all the officials, and even the empress dowager vehemently opposed it.

He nodded slightly, ceasing his resistance, and then slowly turned his gaze to the black-robed man who was still standing quietly in the main hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, asking, "Is this Minister Song?"

Song Chen bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

The Grand Scholar said, "The reason I have come here is to recommend this young man to His Majesty. I am getting old and should retire to my hometown. There will be cultivators to accompany me on my trip to Golden Peach Mountain, so I will not go."

The emperor remained silent for a long time before smiling faintly and saying, "Granted."

Then he looked at Song Chen and said, "Then let Song Qing inherit the position of teacher and continue to teach my royal descendants, is that alright?"

The Grand Secretary said, "Very good."

Song Chen was stunned for a moment.

Through their conversation, he could vaguely sense something.

The emperor seemed to have guessed what awaited him on this trip to Golden Peach Mountain, but instead of refusing or resisting, he accepted it passively and faced it calmly. At this moment, he did his best to secure a chance for the royal family to cultivate.

A moment later, the emperor had drafted the imperial edict, and then took out the imperial seal and stamped it heavily at the end of the edict.

As the mark was placed, Song Chen suddenly felt a faint, wonderful feeling welling up in his heart, as if he, too, had been blessed by heaven in some way.

Clearly, dragon energy is not ethereal or illusory, but rather possesses profound and mysterious properties.

Just when Song Chen thought it was over, the emperor suddenly lowered his head and began to draft a second imperial edict.

This time, even Jiu Lingzi was somewhat surprised.

This was clearly something the emperor had done that was beyond his expectations.

At this time, he was a Grand Secretary, and the Emperor did not know that the Grand Secretary was Jiu Lingzi. The Emperor did not even know who Jiu Lingzi was.

He did not go to see it.

Soon, the second imperial edict was completed.

The emperor once again affixed his imperial seal.

Song Chen immediately felt that feeling of being "favored by heaven" deepen.

The two sensations merged into one, transforming into a wisp of intense golden energy.

Is this a trace of dragon energy?
The Emperor said, "All my learning comes from the teachings of my revered teacher. I still vividly remember how foolish I was in my youth; without him, I would not be where I am today. Therefore, I also wish to find a good teacher for my son. This imperial edict does not originate from an emperor's command, but from a father's request."

He held up the imperial edict, looked at Song Chen with a complex gaze, and slowly said in a peculiar tone, "Minister Song, from today onwards, you are the Crown Prince's tutor. The next time Minister Song comes to the palace, the Crown Prince will perform the ceremony of formally becoming his student."

Jiu Lingzi remained silent.

Song Chen stepped forward and respectfully said, "Your subject receives the imperial decree."

Under the moonlight, the Grand Secretary walked together with the young Crown Prince's tutor and the newly appointed Grand Secretary.

As they walked, in a secluded spot, Jiu Lingzi suddenly burst into laughter. He raised his hand to cover his forehead, suppressing an even greater laugh.

Song Chen didn't ask his master why he was laughing.

Because he knows the answer.

The answer is obvious.

Jiu Lingzi is laughing at the Emperor.

The emperor's actions were nothing more than frantically arranging his affairs after his death and showering Song Chen, who was about to succeed him as Grand Secretary, with benefits. In reality, he only hoped that Song Chen would soften his heart at a crucial moment in the future.

This act of leniency might save many royal descendants.

However, little did the emperor know that this Minister Song was also someone who couldn't make decisions at all.

This is what Jiu Lingzi is laughing at.

Jiu Lingzi was laughing, while Song Chen was looking into the depths of his mind.

The [Treasure Box of Time] in the [Treasure] section had already been almost "unsealed," but there were still some faint seals lingering on it, like tangled lotus roots, dissipating extremely slowly. If this continued, it was unknown how many years it would take to unlock it.

But today, at this very moment, as a wisp of dragon energy from the two imperial edicts entered his body, that dragon energy actually broke through the last remaining constraints.
The "Treasure Box of Time" is now usable.

Soon, the two arrived at their parting point.

Jiu Lingzi said, "The Grand Scholar is about to retire and return to his hometown. I need two days to take care of things."

Song Chen reported his whereabouts: "Then I will go to the Crane Demon Secret Realm first, and then go to the Yellow Springs in the North."

Jiu Lingzi thought the trajectory was fine and responded calmly, "Okay."

P.S.: There's another chapter I'm writing, probably around 6 PM. Please wait a little longer.

(End of this chapter)