Am I going to be controlled by the players too?

After reading it, Ji Yushen stared intently at Tong Chuxue for a long time, and finally, without saying a word, handed the manuscript to the Royal Publishing House, demanding that it be printed immediately.

The response... well, it was just okay.

After all, the war had lasted for more than four months, and ordinary people across the country were starting to lack even basic supplies and were constantly struggling to make a living. How could they have the mood to read paper books?

Many wealthy people have read it, but most of them hold high positions and find it difficult to empathize with the tragic soldiers in the story. Giving the book a high score is just a way to curry favor with Tong Chuxue.

Perhaps after the war, many people will feel the same way about this book.

After all, this semi-autobiographical novel by Erich Maria Remarque is widely recognized on Earth as the "pinnacle of anti-war literature." Although Cheng Cheng felt it was inferior to "The Primordial God," he was relieved to consider that "The Primordial God" was currently being presented as a game rather than a novel.

After all, Tong Chuxue was just a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, nothing more than a lousy writer, what did she know about games?

Unfortunately, the original novel of "Yuanshen" can no longer be found.

It's important to know that the original novel of *Yuanshen* is considered one of the "Five Great Classical Novels," alongside *Journey to the West*, *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, *Dream of the Red Chamber*, and *Water Margin*. Although the specific author is unknown, scholars of the Yuan Dynasty believe that the author lived during the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties.

Q: Why is "The Primordial Spirit" so great?

Think about it, in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, this novel contains allusions and research on major civilizations around the world—for example, there is the Chinese style of Liyue, the European style of Mondstadt and Fontaine, the Indian style of Sumeru, the Japanese style of Inazuma, and even the African style of Nata—what does this mean?

This means that the author of "The Primordial Spirit" was a pioneer of the Age of Exploration!

In addition, given the slow update speed of the main storyline of "Yuan Shen," we can try to deduce the author's identity: late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, traveled all over the world, eunuch, and involved in the Age of Exploration...

That's right, it's the eunuch Zheng He!

He combined his own experience of seven voyages to the Western Ocean to write the great work "Yuanshen" to allude to and hint at the changes in various parts of the world at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. As can be seen from the title of the novel, although Zheng He was an official of the Ming Dynasty, he still had the Yuan Dynasty in his heart. He was "physically present in the Ming Dynasty, but his heart was in the Yuan Dynasty."

Unfortunately, this novel was burned by the civil officials during the Tumu Crisis, leaving only a copy in the Yongle Encyclopedia, which was also lost in the long course of history... It is said that the Yongle Encyclopedia later fell into the West, and it was after reading the copy of the novel that countries such as England and France began their industrial revolution by referring to the steam engine technology in it.

Otherwise, why would the King of France build Fontainebleau Palace? Doesn't the name of this palace sound similar to Fontaine in the novel "The Soul"?

It's all in commemoration of "Yuanshen"!

As for how "Genshin Impact" later ended up in Japan, and how Sakata Gintoki, Takasugi Shinsuke, Sakamoto Tatsuma, and Katsura were deeply inspired after reading the "Inazuma Arc," thus initiating the anti-shogunate movement; and how Aonuma Eiji plagiarized "Genshin Impact" to create "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" a hundred years later, that's another story.

If it weren't for Brother Dawei's efforts in adapting the novel into a game, who knows how many more years this masterpiece would have remained dormant.

Praise be to God of Rice.

Having not felt any passion in so long, Cheng Cheng indulged in it all in one go before unplugging the newly connected brain-computer interface and looking at Tong Chuxue.

At this moment, Tong Chuxue had just carefully reviewed her newly written manuscript. After confirming that there were no errors, she raised her hand to straighten her official robes and prepared to get up and leave.

Just then, a clean and cool white-purple figure slowly walked into the restaurant through the open wooden door.

The moment Tong Chuxue looked up, her breath hitched, and her pupils widened sharply.

Why...was it him?

In Tong Chuxue's memory, this adult would never come to a place like a restaurant!

Because the visitor was neither an elf, nor a human, orc, nor goblin, nor even a carbon-based life form that needed to eat—he was an omnic.

The only omnic in the entire empire, and indeed the entire world.

He was ranked among the Nine Ministers, the Minister of Rites of the Empire, or, as he preferred to be called, "Official of Divine Rites," Demyoge.

Even though Tong Chuxue frequently visited the palace and participated in court meetings, she could count on one hand the number of times she had seen this official. He rarely appeared even on grand occasions such as the imperial examinations, when all the officials were present. It was only at the New Year's grand court assembly last month that she first caught a glimpse of this official on the high platform and remembered his unique appearance.

With its cold, white-purple metallic exterior, slow and deliberate steps, and polite manners, it stood out starkly from the noisy environment of the surrounding restaurant.

Before Tong Chuxue's astonished gaze, the official walked straight to the girl's table, his posture upright and ramrod straight. His cameras, which served as human eyes, lowered slightly, facing the Hanlin Academy compiler whose rank was far lower than his own, and he bowed slightly, performing a standard and elegant official salute:

Good evening, Ms. Tong.

Tong Chuxue's heart tightened, and she quickly stood up and stepped aside, bowing respectfully in return: "Your Excellency, you mustn't. You are the Minister of Rites, an important official in the court, while I am merely a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. I cannot accept such a grand gesture."

The priest straightened up, the camera's gaze steadily fixed on her, his tone still calm: "Only those who are not members of the Hanlin Academy can enter the cabinet. Ms. Tong, you are the top scholar, you should have been a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. Now, after all the twists and turns, you have still become a compiler. It can be seen that your destiny is extraordinary. It is only a matter of time before you enter the cabinet and become a prime minister."

Tong Chuxue gave a dry laugh.

"Besides, the ranks in the court are a secular custom," the priest continued to flatter. "But the memorial you submitted last month was sincere in every word and for the public good. It dared to speak out about the shortcomings that other officials dared not or were unwilling to speak out about—you deserve my respect based on this memorial alone."

As soon as these words were spoken, the faint noise around them seemed to fade away.

Tong Chuxue's heart stirred slightly. Suppressing her surprise, she looked up at the intelligent minister before her and asked in a deep voice, "I wonder if Your Excellency has any official business to discuss with me tonight?"

"It's not official business, it's a personal matter."

The priest nodded slightly, his tone frank: "I admire your courage and integrity, which is why I have come. Today I wish to take you to a place, as a gift from me to you."

Opportunity?

Aside from Hakimi Mambo, who else in this world has a so-called "chance" that is not fraught with pitfalls?

Tong Chuxue had many doubts, but she couldn't refuse.

The two walked out of the noisy restaurant one after the other and stepped into the oracle comet phantom at the entrance.

The long street was quiet, and the evening breeze rustled the leaves. The Oracle Comet Phantom lived up to its reputation as the fastest sports car. It was completely different from the Mazda and drove smoothly all the way. Soon it came to a stop outside a magnificent garden with high vermilion walls and glazed tile roofs.

The garden gate was tightly closed, and ancient trees towered within the walls, creating a solemn and ethereal atmosphere.

The two got out of the carriage, and the moment they took in the layout of the place, Tong Chuxue suddenly stopped, her feet rooted to the spot, her eyes instantly becoming serious and wary: "My lord, did you obtain His Majesty's permission to bring me here?"

The priest slowly turned around, his voice flat and emotionless:

"Never."

Those two short words made Tong Chuxue's heart sink. She immediately cupped her hands and solemnly refused, "I am sorry, this humble official cannot continue."

This is because this place is the supreme and sacred site of the Elven Empire—

Imperial Temple.

It is a place to worship the spirits of the emperors of the past dynasties and to carry the orthodox destiny of the empire. Without the emperor's summons or imperial edict, even the highest officials are not allowed to set foot here. Anyone who violates this rule is committing a heinous crime, which is tantamount to treason.

Entering the imperial temple without permission is a grave crime that punishes the heart.

The official in charge of rites lowered his eyes, the camera silently watching Tong Chuxue's resolute expression, his tone steady: "I am in charge of the Ministry of Rites, overseeing all sacrificial rites and laws in the land, and all imperial temple sacrifices are under my jurisdiction. I can bring specific people in without His Majesty's decree; this is a responsibility and authority that the Ministry of Rites has inherited for thousands of years, and it is in accordance with the law."

Having said that, he took half a step forward and gestured for Tong Chuxue to enter.

"As I said, this is an opportunity given to you, and also a sign of my respect for you. You can think it over carefully before deciding whether to come inside with me."

The moment the words fell, Cheng Cheng's voice echoed deep within Tong Chuxue's mind:

"Go with him. Don't worry, I'm here."

Tong Chuxue calmed herself, suppressed all her apprehension and apprehension, and nodded gently.

The priest smiled and gestured, leading Tong Chuxue toward the gate. The royal guards on both sides ignored them until the heavy vermilion gate of the imperial temple slowly opened, and a solemn and ancient atmosphere that had been accumulated for thousands of years rushed over them.

The temple was serene and quiet, the blue brick floor spotless, ancient cypress trees standing tall and strong on both sides, and incense smoke curling upwards. The priest walked ahead, unimpeded, passing directly through the side hall of the front hall and reaching the main sacrificial hall at the deepest part of the imperial temple.

In the center of the main hall stands an ancient altar.

Dozens of offerings were displayed on the platform, including fruits, incense, candles, sacrificial animals, grains, ancient jade, and bronze, to name a few. The priest raised his hand, and the gilded dragon-carved altar of the late emperor moved away slowly, revealing a smooth, dark yellow brocade cloth behind it.

He reached out and brushed away the brocade cloth, revealing a massive bronze gate engraved with ancient cloud patterns.

"Boom—"

A deep, heavy tremor echoed through the hall.

He slowly pried open the massive bronze gate, weighing tens of thousands of kilograms, with his bare hands, revealing a dark and deep passageway. A cold wind blew out from the depths of the earth, carrying an unchanging chill from ancient times.

"Come with me."

The priest was the first to step into the passageway, and Tong Chuxue composed herself before following closely behind.

The passageway was long and deep, surrounded by cold, hard black stone walls. There were no lights, but a faint glow lingered along the way. The two walked slowly downwards, and after a full incense stick's time, the dark passage finally came to an end.

suddenly see the light.

Before me lay an incredibly vast and unimaginable underground palace.

The grand hall was vast and boundless, with an endless, towering dome overhead. Countless tiny golden rays of light floated in mid-air, transforming into an inextinguishable celestial light. Everything in sight was cast from pure gold, a dazzling display of opulence, luxurious to the extreme, yet without a trace of extravagance or frivolity, only an awe-inspiring and solemn authority that suppressed eternity.

The chains, as thick as an adult's waist, extend from the golden walls and dome on all sides, intertwining and covering the entire hall.

In the very center of the main hall, a giant well leads directly to the deepest part of the earth.

The well opening was incredibly wide, pitch black and deep, with no bottom in sight. Wisps of powerful energy slowly rose from the well, and the entire space was completely silent.

The priest stood by the well, his back to the deep, ancient well, and turned to look at Tong Chuxue, who was standing beside him in shock. He slowly asked, "Commissioner Tong, you are well-versed in the classics and history and knowledgeable in the rites. Why don't you tell me, what is the most important matter for the nation?"

Tong Chuxue snapped out of her daze, bowed, and replied in a deep voice, "The most important matters of the state are sacrifice and war."

“That’s right. Rong refers to military affairs, commanding the iron cavalry for warfare, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, and solely controlled by Peng Longteng. Si refers to the orthodox rituals, safeguarding the nation's destiny, upholding the will of Heaven, and continuing the dragon vein, under the sole control of my Ministry of Rites.” The official in charge of rites nodded slightly. “Throughout history, those who hold these two fundamental positions of rites and military affairs hold the mandate of heaven for the dynasty; they are the legitimate rulers of the empire, the ‘emperors’ who sit on the throne and rule the world.”

Tong Chuxue's heart trembled slightly, and she subconsciously looked up at him, her heart filled with astonishment.

The priest's words touched upon the very essence of imperial power, and were both bold and presumptuous.

Before she could calm herself, the priest's voice rang out again, a casual remark that stirred up a storm: "But even now, does Ji Yushen still deserve to be called the 'Emperor' who holds the mandate of heaven?"

Tong Chuxue froze.

"You simply haven't noticed it closely enough." The priest's gaze swept over the crisscrossing chains in mid-air, his tone indifferent. The golden chains that once surrounded Ji Yushen had long since turned completely black—abandoned by Heaven, ordained by destiny. Now, she was being resisted and stripped away by the "Emperor" and the source essence [Glory]."

These words struck Tong Chuxue like a thunderclap. She recalled the black chains that Ji Yushen had used on her, and she believed the priest's words even more.

Himegami's destiny is already unstable!

The priest continued, "It doesn't stop there—three-quarters of Wang Zhiming's body, flesh, and soul have been completely possessed and devoured by the demons of primordial war. Do you really think that compared to the supreme concept of 'war,' Peng Longteng's mere 'chariot' can truly represent the empire's 'warfare'?"

Tong Chuxue's mind went blank, and she was deeply shocked.

Even Cheng Cheng, inside the ring, instantly lost his composure—after Ji Yushen placed chains on Tong Chuxue, he hadn't contacted Freya and the others for a long time, and his knowledge of Wang Zhiming's connection to the Demon of War was merely speculation.

Now that his guess has come true, and it's even more terrifying than he imagined, Cheng Cheng is at a loss for what to do.

"Having lost her military power, Ji Yushen is already despised by the 'Emperor'," the priest slowly raised his hand, palm facing the dark, ancient well in the center of the hall, "and the other foundation of the empire, the core of the sacrificial path—"

"Om-"

A deep, ancient dragon roar suddenly exploded from the bottom of the dark well!

The howling sound reverberated throughout the entire underground palace, powerful, domineering, and supreme, carrying an unparalleled majesty that surpassed all things, sweeping across all directions in layers. Countless golden chains trembled violently and were pulled rapidly, the clanging and roaring of the chains echoing throughout the heavens and earth!

Countless thick golden chains slowly sank and pulled, and from the depths of the dark ancient well, a huge and boundless golden figure slowly rose out.

Its five claws are outstretched, its scales are gilded, its horns resemble towering mountains, and its eyes are like the blazing sun.

It was a magnificent five-clawed golden dragon that spanned the ages and was incomparably majestic. It rose from the ancient well of the dragon vein, coiled in the center of the hall, its body radiating golden light, and its dragon might suppressing all ages!