Longevity Candle

Chapter 110 What a Peaceful and Prosperous Era Should Have

Nestled in the mountains, a stream flows by, and two wooden houses stand.

Qin Yu and Li Qingchen sat outside the door, with a pretty young girl standing beside Qin Yu.

"This is my granddaughter, Qin Yuqing. Back then, when the Taiping Dao was chasing us, her parents died protecting us."

Over the years, we've been hiding from Taiping Dao (a Taoist priesthood), moving to a different location every so often.

Qin Yu explained.

"Escape from the Taiping Dao's pursuit? Why are they pursuing you?" Li Qingchen frowned.

"Do you know about the elixir of immortality?" Qin Yu asked with a complicated expression. "Emperor Sheng wants the elixir of immortality, to live forever."

"I only know he was looking for peaches of immortality, I don't know anything about elixirs of life," Li Qingchen shook his head.

"With the war of that year, the blood of the mountain and sea spirits and immortal masters flowed into the mortal world, creating countless wonders."

In the beginning, while searching for these things, the flowers and plants that came into contact with the immortals were transformed into spiritual medicines that could enhance magical power…

The earliest Taiping Dao (Way of Peace) studied these supernatural uses.

After all, there was Yue Wu before, who fully proved that mortals can accept divine power, let alone Qi cultivators.

Through the diligent research of many Qi cultivators in the Taiping Dao, they successfully refined some pills, known as Qi Refining Pills, which can enhance magical power and assist in cultivation.

However, with the ascension of Emperor Sheng, he also wanted to become a Qi cultivator.

The nation's destiny is inherently averse to the path of immortality. Even if he is the emperor, he cannot cultivate magical power and can only practice martial arts and true qi.

Emperor Sheng was unwilling to give up and searched through the Taiping Secret Scrolls, hoping to find a way to embark on the path to immortality.

With no solution in sight, he turned to the idea of ​​prolonging his life, and the peaches of immortality were just one of his options.

Whether it was the left side or the martial artists of the Taiping Dao, most of the strange objects and spiritual essences they sought had been handed over.

Some were divided up by the Qi cultivators of the Taiping Dao, while others were made into medicine for Emperor Sheng to strengthen his body and use in his cultivation.

Upon hearing this secret, Li Qingchen and Qin Yuqing both widened their eyes in disbelief.

The one who actually did such a thing was actually His Majesty the Emperor?

"Back then, thirteen elders of our Taiping Dao jointly protested, and the result was that we received an imperial edict and were imprisoned..."

Qin Yu's face was gloomy, filled with hatred and helplessness.

It was his son and daughter-in-law, along with the forces he had cultivated for many years, who managed to rescue them.

But only five people were rescued; the other eight all surrendered to Emperor Sheng.

Emperor Sheng has never given up his pursuit of them, and now, it is unknown whether the other four are still alive.

"He was too eager for immortality, using all living things as medicine to replenish himself. The Way of Peace has gone astray; they also pursue longevity and the enhancement of magical power."

Qin Yu's face was full of shame: "I failed to protect the Way of Peace. When I go to the Underworld, I will have no face to see the Lord of the Way."

"The pursuit of immortality is something that no living being can avoid."

The tabby cat spoke up, saying calmly, "This was created by you mortals yourselves. Sheng Kingdom is ultimately inferior to Ning Kingdom."

"When the founding emperor established the nation, he was full of ambition and wanted to create a peaceful and prosperous world that far surpassed that of Ningguo," Qin Yu said bitterly.

Looking back now, it's just a joke.

Far surpassing Ningguo?

Today, Ningguo is a behemoth. Among the dynasties they know of, Ningguo is the strongest, far surpassing all previous dynasties.

In terms of initial territory and population, Shengguo and Ningguo were roughly the same.

But now Ningguo has occupied most of the grasslands and has also marched westward. Its territory is unprecedentedly vast, and it can truly be described as a land of great size and abundant resources.

If Ningguo hadn't already been fighting on two fronts, they would have already marched south.

"Then why didn't Ning Kingdom attack us?" Qin Yuqing asked, puzzled. "They launched a war with impunity and could have taken us down in one fell swoop. Why did they stop now?"

"Ningguo has already made its move," Qin Yu said with a wry smile.

"When? I haven't heard of any war in the north?" Li Qingchen asked in surprise.

The tabby cat frowned as well: "Although Ningguo is strong, it doesn't have the capacity to fight on three fronts, does it? How many troops would that require?"

"Ningguo did not choose to take up the butcher's knife again in relation to Shengguo."

Qin Yu shook his head and said, "It took me a long time to understand. Back then, when Ning Kingdom invaded, it forged an irreconcilable blood feud with Yunmeng. Ning Kingdom was powerful, but under this blood feud and the crisis of extinction, Yunmeng's resistance would be unprecedented."

The tabby cat is deep in thought.

Li Qingchen and Qin Yuqing were young, and they frowned and said, "That's true."

"Therefore, Ningguo chose to eliminate the blood feud," Qin Yu said.

"How can we eliminate this blood feud?" Li Qingchen asked.

Qin Yuqing was also puzzled: "It's hard to eliminate, isn't it?"

"Then do you hate Ningguo?" Qin Yu asked his granddaughter.

Qin Yuqing frowned: "You taught me the importance of peace from a young age. Although I have some hatred, I don't feel anything anymore. I want peace more than war."

"Does Ningguo intend to use its ambition for peace to erase the blood feud of the invasion from back then?" The tabby cat figured it out.

Time can erase everything, especially when combined with a peaceful and prosperous future.

"That's not all. You'll see when you go up north. There are countless Ningguo merchants there, who have already been accepted by the north."

Under the guise of a desire for peace, they proclaimed the strength and peace of Ningguo, calling themselves a peace-loving nation.

Qin Yu said, "Their people live in peace and prosperity, without worrying about making a living, and have begun to venture beyond their own borders to engage in foreign trade..."

"They're like storytellers, spreading the word about Ningguo's power, their presence in Shengguo, on the grasslands, in the western deserts, and even in the East China Sea..."

Qin Yu said wistfully, "I even want to go and see what Ningguo is like."

As a Qi cultivator of the Taiping Dao, whose responsibility was to protect the prosperous nation, he wanted to go see it, let alone ordinary people.

Li Qingchen thought of Ning Qinghan: "My aunt once said that Ningguo is wonderful, it is the origin of the Taiping Zhizhi (a state of peace and prosperity), and the Taiping light is extremely strong there. I also want to go and see it."

He had no affiliation with the Sheng Kingdom. He was born on Peach Blossom Island and was taught by Peach Blossom Spring. Having heard the stories of Peach Blossom Spring, he had long considered himself a person of Peach Blossom Spring.

When Yunmeng was destroyed by Ningguo, although the powerful and noble families were gone, some of them had already integrated their bloodlines with the people of Shengguo.

This group of people genuinely consider themselves Ningguo people and want to return to Ningguo.

After all, it was an unprecedentedly powerful nation.

“Back then, Ningguo also made a mistake. The emperor passed away, and a new emperor took over, which turned things around.” Li Qingchen sighed, “Eternal life, even knowing it’s impossible, is still pursued relentlessly.”

If immortality truly existed, why would it be the turn of mortals?

The elves and the immortal masters have already been found.

"I also want to go to Ningguo to see it," Qin Yuqing said. "I really want to see that magnificent country."

"Then you can travel together," Qin Yu chuckled.

“Grandfather, let’s go together,” Qin Yuqing said quickly.

Qin Yu shook his head and looked up at the sky: "They're here."

Two white cranes flew in from the mountains and forests, sacred and pure, exuding a mysterious and ethereal aura.

With its slender feet touching the ground, the white crane looked at the tabby cat in surprise: "You cat, how come you're with the people of Peach Blossom Spring?"

"Aren't you the same?" the tabby cat sneered.

Two white cranes stretched their necks, raised their heads high, and under their astonished gazes, transformed into human form.

Bai Shuang was handsome as jade, and Bai Ling had skin as smooth as cream; both were dressed in white robes.

“We and Qingdeng have always been good friends, but you are different,” Bai Shuang said with a smile. “Back then, it was we who attacked you.”

"Weren't you injured just like everyone else?" the tabby cat sneered. "Is it something to brag about meeting a friend who doesn't recognize his own family?"

"Sigh." Bai Shuang sighed softly and asked, "Back then, did you find any news about the true dragon?"

"What, you still want to find the real dragon?" The tabby cat narrowed its eyes: "What does the real dragon have to do with you? Birds should go and find the phoenix of yesteryear."

“The phoenix is ​​no longer here,” Bai Shuang said. “Moreover, the phoenix is ​​not comparable to a true dragon.”

"That's your ignorance. Phoenix isn't in its full form either," the tabby cat said. "According to the records of the Yin Netherworld, Phoenix's wife, Huang, is strongest when they are together, no weaker than a true dragon."

Among them, the Phoenix Venerable Zhuzhao reveres Youying, while the Phoenix Venerable Youying reveres Zhuzhao; one yin and one yang, they are the messengers of Zhuzhao and Youying.

"Isn't it said that the true dragon is the closest to the Candle Illuminating the Shadow?" Bai Ling frowned.

"If I were a celestial master under a true dragon, I would say the same thing," the tabby cat sneered. "Take the words of the dragon-blooded serpent with a grain of salt." *Buzz*

As soon as the words were spoken, golden light suddenly appeared in the void, condensing into a giant golden python with sharp horns on its head, which was none other than the Dragon Blood Serpent.

"You cat, if I hadn't come, I don't know how you would have belittled the true dragon."

The Dragonblood Serpent glanced at the tabby cat: "I've known about you for a long time."

"Should I thank you for not attacking me?" the tabby cat sneered, showing no politeness whatsoever.

Qin Yu was astonished, and Qin Yuqing covered her mouth, not expecting so many mysterious beings to come today.

"Why aren't you in the palace researching elixirs of immortality for that Emperor Sheng? What are you doing here?" Bai Shuang glanced at him, a hint of resentment in her eyes.

They came to help rescue the Dragon Blood Serpent back then, but they gained nothing and ended up getting injured.

“Let’s wake him up first,” said the Dragon Blood Serpent. “I remember all the favors I owe you, but I never expected the old crow to be so ruthless, not even sparing us.”

"If he hadn't let you go, you would all be dead by now." The tabby cat sneered, "You really think that you, a Dragon Blood Immortal Master, are stronger than those elves?"

Back then, when the Dragonblood Serpent charged ahead, countless elves perished. If the old crow had wanted to kill him, the Dragonblood Serpent would have had no chance of survival.

Li Qingchen took out the green lamp, and the Dragon Blood Serpent had already prepared the essence of the sun and moon.

As the essence of the sun and moon was poured in, the candlelight flared up, and Jiang Zhu awoke from his slumber.

He looked at his familiar friends present and nodded slightly to the white crane couple: "It's been a long time."

The abundant moonlight flew out from the two of them and merged into the Lesser Netherworld.

"Thank you." The two relaxed.

"Me too, me too," the Dragon Blood Serpent hurriedly said, as he also possessed a considerable amount of Yin energy.

"Let him die, and we'll get our share of the dragon's blood," the tabby cat said coldly.

Jiang Zhu looked at the Dragon Blood Serpent and frowned slightly: "Isn't Sheng Kingdom going to do anything about its current state?"

"I can't control it either. Although I'm integrated into the nation's destiny, I can't interfere with Emperor Sheng's thoughts," the Dragon Blood Serpent said helplessly.

"That's enough." Jiang Zhu didn't want to say anything more and withdrew the Yin energy from his body.

Is it really impossible to control the Dragon Blood Serpent?

If he lowered his eyes, he could at least protect the Taiping Dao and cultivate some Taiping warriors, so that Emperor Sheng would not take control of the Taiping Dao.

He could even influence the fate of the nation, however slightly, but this influence could become significant during a change of the throne.

But he didn't do that. To put it bluntly, he only wanted to use the nation's fortune to cultivate, and he didn't care about ordinary people.

The people of Shengguo?
In his mind, that was a matter for the emperor to consider, not for him.

Jiang Zhu didn't want to interfere too much. In essence, the Dragon Blood Serpent was no different from the other spirit immortals.

"What else is there to ask of me?" Jiang Zhu asked.

He's in a bad mood right now, or rather, he doesn't want to face the realities of life and would rather sleep a little longer.

"Emperor Sheng seeks immortality and uses the essence of all living beings as medicine to refine an elixir of immortality." The Dragon Blood Serpent said, "He has already notified the Taiping Dao to search for Li Qingchen, wanting to obtain you. The Taiping Dao is already on its way."

"Why didn't you say so earlier?" The tabby cat bristled, and the white crane couple were also somewhat annoyed.

The Way of Peace must have come carrying the nation's destiny and the dragon's aura.

"Not so fast. You have time to run," said the Dragon Blood Serpent. "My destiny is aligned with the nation's, so I can keep track of their movements at all times."

“I have no interest in worldly matters. Whether Emperor Sheng seeks immortality or not is none of my concern,” Jiang Zhu said. “As for me, I am but an ordinary wandering spirit, and I cannot grant him immortality.”

“He’s here for Li Qingchen. If he’s unwilling to join the Sheng Kingdom’s Taiping Dao, then we’ll eliminate him completely,” said the Dragon Blood Serpent.

Li Qingchen's expression turned slightly cold: "Then let's see who kills whom."

With the lamp in hand, the fate of the nation cannot suppress him; on the contrary, it can suppress the Way of Peace. He has no worries.

"Jiang Zhu, have you gone to see the Qingjiang elves and the others?" Bai Shuang asked.

“No.” Jiang Zhu shook his head and said, “I was awake for a short time, and they have already gone deep into the mountains. It’s better not to disturb them.”

"Alright, we should go back to Crane Village now." Bai Shuang nodded slightly: "I look forward to the day you come to Crane Village."

“I will visit you when I have the chance,” Jiang Zhu said.

The white crane couple did not linger; they transformed into white cranes and flew away.

Seeing that he seemed genuinely unwilling to get involved, the Dragon Blood Serpent didn't linger any longer: "They'll arrive in an hour; you should leave quickly."

After saying that, his body disappeared into the void.

His true form did not arrive; he merely manifested through the nation's destiny.

"Let's leave too," said the tabby cat.

Jiang Zhu nodded slightly and floated beside Li Qingchen.

Li Qingchen hesitated for a moment, then said, "Ancestor, should I interfere?"

"Do as you please," Jiang Zhu said. "I won't interfere with your life. As you walk through this mundane world, you should also understand what you want for yourself."

“I… I actually want to be a pure Daoist,” Li Qingchen said.

"What is a pure Daoist?" Qin Yuqing asked curiously.

“Those who seek the Dao, our ancestors sought the Dao of Great Peace. Now that the ambition for Great Peace has arisen, I wish to pursue my own Dao,” Li Qingchen said.

"Don't you want to seek peace and tranquility?" Qin Yu asked, frowning.

Li Qingchen was silent for a moment, then said, "I think there are many paths in the world besides the Way of Peace, such as martial arts, medicine, craftsmanship, and so on. These are all things that a peaceful and prosperous world should have."

The tabby cat was stunned for a moment: "What are these? They can't grant immortality. They're just mortal things."

"Mortals should have their own way. Why do they all want to live forever? Life is short. Can't we pursue what we like?" Li Qingchen said, "Why do we all insist on living forever? The ambition for peace has already blossomed. I should perfect what a peaceful and prosperous world should have."

"Practicing martial arts, medicine, winemaking, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—all kinds of ideals—so that everyone in the world can have their own pursuits. Isn't that better?"

As he spoke, his gaze gradually hardened: "I use my sword to defend peace, and they use their hobbies to interpret peace. This is the way of peace in my heart."

The tabby cat shrugged, looking down on it.

Qin Yu stared blankly into thought: "That's right. A peaceful and prosperous era shouldn't just mean the absence of nobles, but a better life where people can pursue their own interests."

"That kind of world must be wonderful." Qin Yuqing also longed for it: "I don't want to fight and kill. Just being in this mountain forest with my grandfather, having two cups of tea, and watching a wisp of smoke rise from the chimney would be wonderful."

"Then I don't want to share a couple of cups of tea with you. Your grandfather plans to leave you behind and travel all over the world to become a storyteller," Qin Yu laughed heartily.

"Grandfather, don't you want me anymore?" Qin Yuqing asked sadly.

"I'm leaving Qingchen to you this morning." Qin Yu laughed heartily, then immediately rode the clouds and headed into the distance: "This old man is going to Star Moon City to erase your traces."

"Thank you very much." Li Qingchen said, relieved that the Taiping Dao had investigated the matter.

He looked at the somewhat sad Qin Yuqing and said, "Let's set off together. First, we'll go see the demons of Yunmengze, then we'll go see the Taiping Road in Ningguo, and finally we'll come back to have a couple of cups of tea and a wisp of smoke with your grandmother. How about that?"

"Okay," Qin Yuqing replied.

Li Qingchen looked up at Jiang Zhu: "Ancestor, do you agree with my idea?"

“Your idea is excellent. I will definitely see it when such a peaceful and prosperous era arrives.” Jiang Zhu said expectantly, “The current world is far from being good enough.”

In the present-day Shengguo, although the powerful and wealthy have disappeared, the Taiping Dao has become the new elite. The common people are busy and tired all day long, so where do they have the time and money to study any hobbies?
The two, along with the green lantern and the tabby cat, left the mountains and headed towards Yunmeng Marsh.

"Ancestor, what about the matter in West Kunlun?" Li Qingchen asked in a low voice.

Jiang Zhu sighed softly, "There's no need to go. Fusheng left me with no memories, and I'm afraid he doesn't want me to go there either."

If one truly attains freedom in this fleeting life, why would one become a mere lamp in the dark?
If he doesn't leave any memories and doesn't go to see Yunmeng, it will probably end in failure.

"I want to go, I want to go!" the tabby cat cried out hurriedly, for his dream of immortality still lingered in the Western Kunlun Mountains.

"You," Jiang Zhu shook his head and sighed, "aren't you afraid that your dream will shatter again?"

The tabby cat opened its mouth, but a sudden surge of fear overwhelmed it, and it hesitated.

If the gateway to immortality were to be opened again, only to find it all gone, would I still persist?

The so-called search for the path to heaven, in the end, will probably just be another pipe dream.

“You should also take a good look at the mortal world. The path after refining essence into qi is still being relied upon by us,” Jiang Zhu said.

"I'm not working for you." The tabby cat bared its teeth, as if to say, "Are you treating me like a subordinate?"

"Master..."

"It's not something we can't consider."

(End of this chapter)