Longevity Candle

Chapter 115 The Crazy for Immortality, Pity, and Charity

With the news of Emperor Ning's successful extension of his lifespan, the entire Ning Kingdom fell into a state of frenzy.

Seeking immortality!
A wave of longevity swept across the country from top to bottom.

In the mountains and forests, all sorts of figures appeared, from high-ranking officials and nobles to ordinary peddlers and laborers, all dreaming of prolonging their lives.

To be able to live another life and return to one's youth is the dream of every mortal.

This wave also spread to the prosperous land, the grasslands, and the west.

Li Qingchen and Zhang Youwei were cultivating two kinds of things in Peach Blossom Spring, their faces revealing their unconcealed worries.

“The poison of immortality has already been planted.” Zhang Youwei said gravely.

“The trend is set and cannot be changed,” Li Qingchen said, shaking his head.

No one can change the fact that the massive machine of Ningguo has been forced to change course because of Changsheng.

"So, destroying a powerful nation is this simple," Zhang Youwei said bitterly.

His face was full of regret. So many years of effort, so many sacrifices, all for the sake of immortality, would all be in vain.

Although Ningguo is still at its zenith, he can already foresee the desolation that will follow its decline.

In the second year of Emperor Ning's longevity, someone in the mountains received the blessing of a celestial master, embarked on the path of immortality, and returned to his youth.

In the third year of his longevity, General Ningguo conquered a secret realm of spirits, obtained immortal techniques, bathed in immortal blood, and successfully extended his lifespan.

Miraculous news spread throughout Ningguo, and the path of immortality completely entered the mortal world.

The lofty spirits of mountains and seas, immortal masters and Taoists, no longer hid themselves, all lowering their gazes to the mortal world, leading them into the path of immortality and the pursuit of longevity.

At the same time, the new emperor of Sheng Kingdom ascended the throne and once again sent troops into Yunmengze.

This time, Yun Mengze did not resist. It is said that he brought out an unparalleled beauty who entered the palace as a concubine.

As the sun, moon, and stars moved, various Qi cultivators appeared throughout Ningguo.

They are not from the Way of Peace, but were trained by elves and immortal masters, each with their own methods.

The traditional martial arts battles have turned into contests between Qi cultivators.

The spirits of mountains and seas and the immortal masters and Taoists don't care about the lives or deaths of these Qi cultivators; they are only responsible for bringing the immortal path into the mortal world.

As for whether they live or die, we're not concerned about that for now.

What they need to do is take this opportunity to drag Ningguo into a quagmire.

They set up secret realms in various places, leaving clues for each other to explore and pursue.

Moreover, some elves deliberately select those with impure thoughts and who are unruly to become Qi cultivators.

The candlelight flickered, and I awoke once again.

Jiang Zhu looked at the bountiful rice fields: "The rice seeds you've cultivated are quite good, and they even have a trace of unique energy that can nourish the body."

"It's all thanks to Tao Ling. If the plant spirits could help, it would be even better," Li Qingchen said.

“You can go to the West and ask Tian She Nu for advice. He loves peace and will definitely be willing to help you,” Jiang Zhu said gently.

"I'll go if I have the chance," Li Qingchen grinned. "By the way, Yuqing is pregnant."

"Good news." Jiang Zhu sensed it for a moment and said, "It's a good child. Perhaps it's due to the influence of the Yunmeng Sword, as the Yin energy is quite strong."

"Will there be any negative consequences?" Li Qingchen asked nervously.

He is not yet able to master the Cloud Dream Sword; he can only draw out a little sword energy.

"It's not a big deal. I placed a small Netherworld within her body to lock in the power of Yin and slowly nurture her body so that she can develop her natural talent for immortality."

Jiang Zhu flicked his finger, and a sliver of moonlight crossed the void and entered Qin Yuqing's body.

"Thank you, Ancestor. By the way, Ning Kingdom is in chaos now. Although it is still relatively strong, the Qi cultivators in various places are acting arrogantly and pursuing the tide of immortality, which has surpassed everything else."

Li Qingchen sighed, "The glory days are coming to an end."

"This is not something you can change. New nations will rise in the future, and the aspirations for peace and prosperity at that time may be even more brilliant."

Jiang Zhu comforted him.

He could only offer words of comfort, saying that it was difficult to say for sure whether future generations could achieve such a nation.

There may never be another peaceful country like Ningguo, or there may be a country that surpasses Ningguo.

He looked up and saw that the once-glorious national fortune had ceased to grow.

Although the number of Qi cultivators increased and the path of immortality flourished, it affected the population and peaceful situation of Ningguo.

Those Qi cultivators almost all practice complete methods, without relying on the power of heaven and earth. They kill as martial artists, and their karma has no effect.

The world is in chaos!
The Emperor Ning was already immersed in his dream of immortality. Although he wasn't completely oblivious, he didn't pay much attention either.

The armies of Ningguo are all pursuing immortality.

"It seems I really have to go to the West," Li Qingchen sighed.

Jiang Zhu was about to speak when he suddenly looked up: "Why is Jingwei here?"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than the Jingwei bird flew in from the east, calling out in a wronged tone, "Jiang Zhu, Jiang Zhu."

"How did you come?"

Jiang Zhu asked curiously, raising his arm to let her down.

The Jingwei bird was furious: "The Ning Kingdom's army went to the East Sea and destroyed my home. They destroyed my home and threw it into the sea. It took me decades to rebuild it."

"Ningguo, they destroyed your homeland?" Jiang Zhu was taken aback: "How could they have gone to your home?"

Instead of properly searching for clues to immortality, the Ningguo army went off to raid bird nests for no reason.
"They say my family has a divine destiny that can extend lifespan by a thousand years. Do you think I wouldn't know?" the Jingwei bird said angrily. "We're friends with Li Qingping, aren't we? Is this how the kingdom he left behind treats us?"

She harbored resentment.

“The elves have entered the mortal world and brought immortality to Ning Kingdom. Perhaps, some elves and immortal masters deliberately leaked your information.” Jiang Zhu pondered.

The Jingwei bird is rarely at home, and Ningguo didn't know anything about it. He went directly to the house, convinced that there was a divine connection there, and that someone must have given him the information.

The Jingwei bird's round eyes darted around: "It must be the path to immortality and the path to following the will of Heaven."

“Ning Kingdom has entered a state of chaos. If it is not handled properly, it may perish,” Jiang Zhu said.

"Extinction?" The Jingwei bird's eyes widened. "Aren't you going to do anything about it?"

Although their home was destroyed, the Jingwei bird still did not want Ningguo to perish.

"Do you like Ningguo?" Jiang Zhu asked.

"After all, it is a kingdom established by Li Qingping. Over the years, I have not pursued elves and immortal masters, and my life has been very peaceful. It was only this time that an accident occurred."

The Jingwei Bird Path.

The peaceful and prosperous Ningguo did not pursue immortality or seek eternal life, so it had no impact on her.

But now, the world has changed.

“Go to the West. You should be safe and sound around Tian She Nu,” Jiang Zhu said. “Ning Kingdom may collapse, and it won’t be peaceful for a while.”

"Then will you go?" Jingwei bird said, "We'll go to the west together and come back when things are peaceful."

"I won't go," Jiang Zhu said, shaking his head.

To get to the West, one must first cross the Western Kunlun Mountains. If he goes west, the tabby cat will definitely follow closely behind.

“Then I’ll call Bai Shuang and the others, and we’ll go to the West together,” said the Jingwei bird.

She took flight and soared into the sky, arriving and departing in haste. "Are they trying to use Ning Kingdom to strike at the elves of yesteryear?" Li Qingchen frowned.

“It should be.” Jiang Zhu pondered, “I invited them here to let them avoid me. I, Jiang Zhu, invite the Nine-Tailed Immortal Fox, the White Crane Couple, the Immortal Fox Hu Ling, and the Qingjiang Spirit to come and meet me.”

The power of Yin spread out, crossed the void, and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

About fifteen minutes later, illusory figures appeared in the void.

"Jiang Zhu, why did you call us here?" Bai Shuang asked, puzzled.

Nine-Tailed Fox swayed its nine tails, its eyes shining brightly: "But what happened?"

“The Jingwei bird’s home has been destroyed. The mountain and sea spirits and immortal masters may take this opportunity to lure Ningguo to your location. Be prepared,” Jiang Zhu said.

"If that's the case, then we really need to avoid it. The national fortune of Ning Kingdom is too powerful," the Nine-Tailed Immortal Fox said solemnly.

“The Jingwei bird has already gone to the west, you can go there to take refuge. It’s still peaceful over there in Tianshe Nu,” Jiang Zhu said.

“Well, that’s good. After sleeping for so long, it’s time to go out for a walk,” Bai Shuang said.

Nine-Tailed Fox looked at Hu Ling: "Are you going to the West?"

"I will follow Your Majesty's arrangements," Hu Ling said respectfully. After a pause, she said, "Something has happened in Sheng Kingdom, and I don't know whether I should inform Xiao Qingchen."

"What happened? Is it related to me?" Li Qingchen asked.

"Jiang Chenxi from Yunmengze has been made a concubine by the Emperor of Sheng Kingdom, and he even wants to make her Empress," Hu Ling said.

"What?" Li Qingchen exclaimed in surprise, "The Nine-Colored Deer didn't care about her?"

Hu Ling said, "She asked me to keep it a secret willingly, but after thinking about it, I decided to tell you anyway, because she calls your name every night when it's late."

“She definitely didn’t do it willingly. She’s terrified of the outside world. How could she possibly become a concubine?” Li Qingchen said urgently. “I have to go find her.”

"Jiang Zhu, we'll meet again someday." Bai Shuang and her husband nodded slightly and left first.

The Qingjiang spirit said, "I'm going to the East Sea now. Come find me when you have the chance."

The nine-tailed fox also took its leave, intending to move away with its disciples.

After they all left, Jiang Zhu looked at Li Qingchen and said, "If you want to go, you must tell Yuqing that she is pregnant."

“Yes, I will tell her. She knows Chenxi too. She’s a very timid girl,” Li Qingchen said.

Without delay, Li Qingchen immediately took the green lamp and returned to the village.

Qin Yuqing, basking in the sun under the care of Ning Qinghan and the other two, immediately rose to greet Jiang Zhu upon seeing him, saying, "Grand Ancestor..."

"Now that you're pregnant, you should rest well. Qingchen needs to see you," Jiang Zhu said.

Qin Yuqing looked at Li Qingchen: "What's the matter?"

"Hu Ling just told me that Chenxi entered the Sheng Kingdom and became a royal concubine, but she is unhappy. I want to go see her." Li Qingchen ultimately did not dare to say that Jiang Chenxi had called his name.

Qin Yuqing frowned slightly, then relaxed her grip: "Then let's go see her. She's a pitiful person."

“I will be back soon. If she is suffering, I will take her to live in Peach Blossom Village,” Li Qingchen said.

Ning Qinghan glared at him, pulled him aside, and whispered, "You kid, you better behave yourself and don't do anything to hurt Yuqing."

“I know, Auntie,” Li Qingchen quickly replied.

"Okay, go and come back quickly, and remember to bring the Ancestor with you." Ning Qinghan was finally relieved.

Qin Yuqing is now pregnant and cannot withstand the blow.

Li Qingchen, carrying the green lamp, immediately rode away on a cloud.

Sheng Guo.

The nation's fortunes have actually improved compared to before, showing an upward trend.

Fortunately, Jiang Zhu was with them, and Guo Yun simply nodded at them without making things difficult.

Jiang Chenxi sat alone in the back garden, her mind unsettled, lost in thought.

Ripples spread through the surrounding void, startling her.

Coming to her senses, she looked up and saw the figure she had been longing for day and night: "Qingchen".

She quickly got up and walked briskly to him, wanting to give him a hug after a long separation, but then seemed to feel something was wrong and stopped.

"Chenxi, how have you been these years?" Li Qingchen asked, then introduced, "This is our ancestor, Jiang Zhu."

"Greetings, Ancestor." Jiang Chenxi bowed in greeting.

"You guys talk." Jiang Zhu's body merged into the void.

Inside the garden, only the two of them remained. Just as Li Qingchen was about to extend an invitation, he noticed that Jiang Chenxi's eyes were red and brimming with tears.

"What's wrong? Did someone bully you?" Li Qingchen asked with concern. "If you're unhappy, I'll take you to Peach Blossom Village. The people there are all very nice."

"Why didn't you come sooner?"

Jiang Chenxi's eyes were blurry with tears, and she sobbed bitterly, "Why did you send your master? Why?"

She questioned him, her heart filled with deep sorrow and resentment.

"My master? What did he do? What did he say to you?" Li Qingchen asked blankly.

Looking at the bewildered Li Qingchen, Jiang Chenxi suddenly felt that nothing else mattered.

She asked in a low voice, "Sister Yuqing has a child?"

"Yes." Li Qingchen nodded: "How did you know? When the child is born, I'll ask you to be my godmother. You can't refuse, okay?"

"I'm pregnant too." Jiang Chenxi touched her lower abdomen: "The Emperor of Sheng Kingdom."

"Do you like your current life?" Li Qingchen asked calmly.

He had no particular feelings for Jiang Chenxi, only regarding her as a pitiful younger sister.

"So what if I don't like it?" Jiang Chenxi's lips curled into a self-deprecating smile.

“I can take you away to live a peaceful life in Peach Blossom Spring,” Li Qingchen said. “Yuqing misses you very much too.”

"Then what identity should I go there in?" Jiang Chenxi looked directly at him.

"Identity? You're my and Yuqing's younger sister. My parents can take you in as their goddaughter. My aunt is very nice; she can take us fishing, picking peaches, and making wine..."

He described the idyllic life, which was also the life he loved.

“I don’t like this kind of life,” Jiang Chenxi interrupted him coldly.

She realized that the person in front of her had never liked her; from beginning to end, it was only pity and charity.

"So what kind of life do you like?" Li Qingchen asked.

"I really like my life now." Jiang Chenxi smiled and gently stroked her belly. "My child will be born as a princess of the Sheng Kingdom. No one will bully her or treat her as a disaster."

Li Qingchen frowned and said, "Don't dwell on what happened back then. You've started a new life. What exactly did my master do?"

“If you stay with me tonight, I’ll tell you.” Jiang Chenxi reached out and touched his cheek.

Li Qingchen seemed startled, taking a half step back to avoid her hand, and frowned, saying, "Chenxi, how did you become like this?"

Jiang Chenxi's face was ashen, but she forced a smile: "I was just joking with you. Your master wants me to wreak havoc on the Sheng Kingdom."

"what?"

(End of this chapter)