Primordial Era: Mistakenly Taking Emperor Xin as Father, Nuwa is Destroyed at the Start

Outside Chaoge City

yard.

Su Daji came to greet us right after we finished eating, her face showing a mixture of hesitation and anticipation.

"Young master..." she said softly, her fingers twisting the hem of her dress, "I...I want to write a letter home to let them know I'm safe...Is that alright? I'm afraid they'll worry about me..."

After she finished speaking, she looked at Li Xuan nervously.

"Sure, why not?" Li Xuan readily agreed.

He understood Daji's feelings; it was normal for her family to be worried.

"Really? Thank you, young master!"

Daji's eyes lit up; she hadn't expected Li Xuan to agree so readily. Overwhelmed with joy, she instantly lost all composure.

Almost instinctively, she tiptoed and quickly kissed Li Xuan on the cheek.

"Young master, you are so kind!"

Only after kissing her did he realize what he had done, and his cheeks instantly turned bright red, like a ripe shrimp.

"Ah!" she exclaimed, covering her face and turning to run away, quickly hiding in her room and slamming the door shut.

Li Xuan froze on the spot.

He felt as if a soft, warm touch still lingered on the spot on his face where he had been kissed.

He subconsciously raised his hand and touched that spot, a little bewildered.

I stood there for a while before my mind slowly came to its senses.

This girl... is she overly excited? Her reaction is a bit too much.

He shook his head, feeling a little helpless, yet also a little amused.

Oh well, let's just assume it was just a moment of excitement on their part.

Thinking about it, he was preparing to go back to his room to relax, mainly to take a nap or something.

Suddenly, a system notification popped up in front of me.

[Ding! Congratulations on successfully receiving gratitude from your loved ones! You have been awarded 3 chances to win a prize!]

Family? Gratitude?

Li Xuan paused, even more bewildered.

Where did this gratitude come from? It came from Su Yu'er reporting that she was safe.

Or... my cheapskate father?

After thinking it over, he could only come up with these two possibilities.

However, the system did not provide a definite answer as to which one it was.

"Forget it, if I can't figure it out, I might as well not think about it anymore."

Li Xuan gave up his dilemma.

Anyway, the system gave me a chance to win a prize, which is a real benefit. Who cares who's grateful? Getting a reward is always a good thing.

"lottery!"

Li Xuan silently recited it in his heart.

The system interface immediately began scrolling and flashing lights.

A few seconds later, the lottery results were displayed.

[Congratulations, host! You have obtained: 1 replica of the torture instrument of branding, 1 complete novel of the same name, and 1 unlimited supply of Iced Coke.]

Li Xuan stared at the three things floating in the system space, utterly speechless.

A grotesque bronze pillar (a replica of the torture instrument of branding), and a thick stack of books with the title "Tomb of the Gods" on the cover.

"What is all this nonsense...?"

Li Xuan couldn't help but complain.

Li Xuan glanced at the three things in the system space and curled his lip.

A torture device for branding? A replica? Just hearing about it makes me shudder, and it takes up so much space.

With a thought, he flung the unsettling bronze pillar out of his system space with a clang and tossed it into the corner of the courtyard wall next to a pile of firewood, out of sight, out of mind.

As for that thick stack of "Tomb of the Gods" novels?

He randomly picked up a book and flipped through it; it was filled with densely packed words.

To relieve boredom? All he wants to do right now is lie down.

So he casually tossed the stack of books over, and they landed crookedly on the torture device, serving as a cover for the unlucky thing.

If I had to say what I'm most satisfied with...

That's what this chilled cola is all about.

Even a small amount of food is still food. Something is better than nothing.

He muttered something to himself, his gaze falling on the bottle of chilled cola.

This thing looks somewhat more pleasing to the eye.

He unscrewed the bottle cap, tilted his head back, and took a big gulp. The icy, stimulating liquid slid down his throat, bringing a familiar, slightly industrial sweetness that instantly dispelled the speechless silence caused by the little incident earlier.

"belch--"

He let out a satisfied burp, feeling completely refreshed.

He carried the bottle, swayed unsteadily to the deck chair in the yard, and threw himself into it.

The afternoon sun shone warmly on his body, and the cool Coca-Cola in his hand made Li Xuan squint his eyes, completely relaxing and enjoying this rare moment of comfort.

He had long since forgotten about the pile of "garbage" in the corner of the courtyard.

Meanwhile, outside the simple wooden door of the courtyard.

Di Xin and Huang Feihu stood side by side, both with a deep, unyielding sorrow on their faces.

"Your Majesty, Feng Yi, relying on the Heavenly Court's appointment, is so unscrupulous in harming the people. This matter... is truly thorny."

Huang Feihu lowered his voice, his brows furrowed.

Di Xin took a deep breath, and instead patted Huang Feihu on the shoulder, speaking calmly:

"King Wu Cheng, worrying won't help. We're already at the door; we should at least hear his opinion."

"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, we'll know once we find out."

After saying that, Di Xin no longer hesitated and raised his hand to knock on the door.

Soon, the door creaked open a crack, revealing Su Daji's face, which was filled with surprise and still flushed.

Seeing that it was Di Xin and Huang Feihu, she quickly opened the door wider and respectfully bowed: "Your Majesty, Steward Huang."

"Hmm." Di Xin responded casually, his gaze quickly sweeping past her into the courtyard. "Where's Li Xuan?"

He was genuinely worried that his precious son wasn't home again.

Su Daji stepped aside and pointed to a corner of the courtyard:

"Young master... he's sunbathing over there."

Di Xin and Huang Feihu looked in the direction she pointed.

They saw Li Xuan lying sprawled on a dilapidated bamboo recliner, his eyes half-closed, holding a black bottle they had never seen before, the bottle's mouth facing his mouth, looking so comfortable he was about to fall asleep.

The warm afternoon sun shone on him, creating a stark contrast with the gloomy and dejected atmosphere on the two of them outside the courtyard wall.

Seeing this scene, Di Xin felt that pent-up frustration surge up again.

He was so busy with this trivial matter concerning the Shang Dynasty that he was constantly on his feet, completely overwhelmed. And look at this kid...

This is what a truly heavenly life is like, isn't it?

For a moment, Di Xin felt both angry and amused.

"cough!"

Di Xin coughed heavily.

Li Xuan lazily opened his eyes from the recliner. When he saw that it was them, he slowly sat up, stretched out his arms, and his joints made a slight "crack" sound.

"Oh, you're here, Dad."

"What's wrong? You two are all in such a hurry, but your faces are all long and sour."

Di Xin opened his mouth, about to speak about the River God, but Li Xuan waved his hand to interrupt him.

"Don't rush, don't rush. No matter how important the matter is, let's try this good stuff first."

"Yu'er, go and get three clean cups."

Su Daji responded and trotted off to get the cup.

Di Xin and Huang Feihu exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness and confusion in each other's eyes.

Good stuff? This dark, bubbly thing?

Soon, Li Xuan came out with the black bottle, and Su Daji also brought out three ceramic cups.

Without saying a word, Li Xuan poured the bubbling black liquid into all three glasses and pushed them in front of them: "Here, have a taste, ice-cold cola, I guarantee you've never had anything like it."

Di Xin, Huang Feihu, and Su Daji looked at the dark, bubbling liquid in the cup, their faces showing obvious hesitation and resistance.

This thing doesn't look like anything legitimate.

Su Daji looked at Li Xuan's encouraging gaze, then at the cup. After hesitating for a moment, she mustered her courage, carefully picked up the cup, brought it to her lips, and took a small sip.

"Hmm!"

The moment the liquid entered her mouth, Su Daji's eyes widened instantly, and she let out a short gasp.

"How is it?" Li Xuan asked with a smile.

"This is...this is so strange!"

Su Daji licked her lips. "It's icy cold, with lots of little bubbles dancing in my mouth. It's sweet and a little... pungent? But... but it's delicious!"

Seeing Su Daji's reaction,

Di Xin frowned, picked up his cup, and took a small sip with a look of scrutiny and wariness.

"hiss……"

Di Xin couldn't help but take a breath.

"This...this taste...is really strange! But...it doesn't seem bad?"

Seeing that both Emperor Xin and Su Daji had drunk the wine and reacted strangely, Huang Feihu no longer hesitated. As a military general, he was more direct in his actions, and he picked up the cup and gulped down a large mouthful.

"Pfft...cough cough!"

But after he coughed, his eyes lit up with disbelief:

"This...this water bites?! It's so cold and pungent! But...drinking it...it feels so good! So refreshing!"

"Of course!"

Li Xuan raised his chin slightly, his face revealing undisguised smugness. "This thing, in this world, is absolutely a rare delicacy that even gods would find hard to come by!"

"How is it? Want some more?"

"No, no!"

Upon hearing this, Di Xin quickly put down the ceramic cup, which still contained about half a cup of cola.

At this moment, his mind was full of important matters, and even the magic water could not suppress the anxiety in his heart.

"Um?"

Li Xuan was somewhat surprised by his reaction.

He then nodded knowingly, with an "I understand" expression.

"I understand. Did you run into trouble with your efforts to promote the waterwheel and open channel? Is someone unhappy and trying to sabotage it?"

"That's perfectly normal. If we look at the timeline, the one in Chaoge City right now, following the 'script,' should be completely bewitched by the 'Daji' possessed by the nine-tailed fox, and have become a complete tyrant, right? It's perfectly normal that he won't listen to good advice and good policies can't be implemented."

"..."

As soon as Li Xuan finished speaking, the courtyard became eerily quiet.

Su Daji stood to the side, her expression somewhat resentful.

Huang Feihu was trying not to laugh.

As for Di Xin, the muscles on his face twitched almost imperceptibly, his expression as embarrassed as if he had swallowed a fly.

Being called a "tyrant" to his own son's face... this feeling is something I've never experienced before!

Unfortunately, he couldn't refute it, at least not openly.

He could only suppress the stifling feeling, forcing a serious expression, and said, "Ahem! That's not the case!"

He emphasized his words, trying to steer the conversation back on track:

"The implementation of waterwheels and open channels is beneficial to the country and its people. Although there is resistance, it is still under control. I am here today for another, more pressing matter!"

"Oh? It's not about that?" Li Xuan raised an eyebrow, showing interest. "Then what is it that's making you two come to me looking so worried?"

Di Xin took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "It's the River God! The River God of the Mengjin section of the Yellow River, Feng Yi!"

"Feng Yi?"

Li Xuan vaguely remembered the name; it seemed to refer to a water god from a certain section of the Yellow River.

"It is indeed this scoundrel!" A flicker of anger appeared in Di Xin's eyes.

"He is a deity appointed by the Heavenly Court as one of the Four Great River Gods, in charge of the Mengjin waters. Because we have dug open channels to guide floods and drain waterlogged areas, the people no longer fear the floods, which is equivalent to cutting off his way of demanding incense offerings by taking advantage of the floods!"

This god, harboring resentment, unleashed a devastating flood that drowned over three hundred innocent people from a downstream village!

"He even went so far as to declare that if the open channel project wasn't stopped, he would flood all the villages downstream!"

"Yes, a blood debt that is beyond measure."

Li Xuan nodded, his tone remaining calm.

Staring directly into Di Xin's eyes, he asked, "Then, Father, what do you plan to do?"

"I……"

Di Xin was taken aback by his question.

He came in a fit of rage, wanting to get some advice from Li Xuan, or more accurately, seeking support, a force that would help him make a decision and take responsibility for the consequences.

Caught off guard by Li Xuan's counterattack, he instinctively coughed to cover up his momentary hesitation and confusion.

"Ahem... This is precisely what I'm hesitating about. This fiend is a righteous god of the Heavenly Court; moving one of his hairs could affect the whole situation..."

"Well, you're really more anxious than the emperor is. You're not Emperor Xin, so why are you so nervous?" Li Xuan chuckled.

Di Xin coughed awkwardly, then added, "You can't say that. The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen. Xuan'er, we're just having a chat. Suppose... if you were the Emperor, how would you handle this?"

Li Xuan leaned back in the creaking bamboo chair. Upon hearing this, he tapped his fingers lightly twice on the rough back of the chair.

Then he spoke.

There was only one word, light and airy, yet it struck the frozen air like a red-hot branding iron.

"kill."

The voice wasn't loud, and it didn't even have much variation, but it carried a resolute and icy coldness.

The courtyard became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Di Xin and Huang Feihu were deeply shaken!

kill?

They considered severe punishment, suppression, and even making Feng Yi pay the price at any cost. But when Li Xuan so decisively and casually uttered the word "kill,"

It still shocked them greatly.

"Kill?" Di Xin repeated subconsciously, his brows furrowed. "Xuan'er, isn't this... a bit too extreme? He is, after all, from the Heavenly Court..."

"extreme?"

"That's why I said you weren't the Human Emperor, Dad."

Upon seeing this, Li Xuan shook his head and added, "So what if it's extreme? That's over three hundred lives!"

What a load of rubbish! This river god dares to use their lives as bargaining chips and threats just for his meager offerings!

At a time like this, are you still worried about whether he was appointed by the Heavenly Court? Are you worried that touching him will cause trouble?

Li Xuan's voice was not loud, but every word was clear, carrying a power that penetrated the heart:

"What is the Human Emperor? Is he ordained by Heaven? Bah! That's all nonsense!"

The Emperor stands with the people! He is the one whose will is with the people, and whose destiny is bestowed by them!

If you don't even dare to kill that damned river god who harms your people and shits on your head, what are you talking about protecting the people? What are you talking about the majesty of the human emperor?

What will the dead people think? What will the living people think?

What will those jackals, wolves, and tigers lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce and tear us apart, think?!

"If you're going to kill, then kill honorably! Kill with earth-shattering force! Not only kill, but kill in front of all the people! Let everyone see that those who harm humanity, whether they are gods or immortals, whatever their celestial appointment, must die!"

"Let his blood be a sacrifice to those three hundred lost souls!"

"Let his life tell everyone, and those eyes in the heavens, that the Human Emperor is not just a figurehead! Humanity is not to be trifled with!"

Li Xuan's voice echoed in the small courtyard, carrying an undeniable determination and a boiling murderous aura.

That imposing aura made it difficult for Di Xin and Huang Feihu to breathe for a moment.

Su Daji was captivated by the sight, feeling as if Li Xuan was radiating light—a powerful radiance she had never seen before.

She instinctively covered her chest, and a blush crept onto her cheeks.