In the first year of Kangping, November ca as it had for the past two years; Shengjing was already covered in snow, entering the severe cold of midwinter. The harsh weather had significantly reduced the number of pedestrians on the streets.
Qin Liuxi held a large sesa-covered flatbread and said, "It’s too dry eating this in the cold; you need a bowl of hot lamb soup to go with it."
Feng Xiu dismissed, "You’re able to fast without eating or drinking until death with True Monarch cultivation. Can you aspire to more than just earthly indulgences?"
After that celestial tribulation, it wasn’t just the Divine Artifact Array Plate that erged but also a True Monarch at the threshold of Ascension. Ascending to the heavens was just a step away; breaking through the barrier, attaining the Dao and ascending, would be the first in a millennium.
But will there ever be such a day?
"You don’t get it; what most comforts a mortal heart are the scents and sounds of the mortal world. Fasting can never compare to the joy of eating and drinking; this is the mortal realm..." Qin Liuxi trailed off as if a hand clutched his throat, quickly reaching out to Feng Xiu.
Feng Xiu rolled his eyes, handed over a flask of wine.
Qin Liuxi took a hearty swig, swallowing the dry bread, coughed a few tis, "You almost witnessed a historic scene where the first True Monarch nearly choked to death on a piece of flatbread."
"Yes, you’d be quite the spectacle," Feng Xiu glanced at the surrounding people watching them.
Their remarkable appearances were captivating, each with an ethereal presence like exiled immortals. Several young won blushed, eyes sparkling with pink bubbles.
They seed unfamiliar, as if from elsewhere. Lately, many officials have been reassigned back to the capital, bringing families along with them, but no one knows who these two are part of.
A bold playboy intended to approach them but was intimidated by Feng Xiu’s warning gaze, leaving his legs feeling shackled, unable to take another step.
Suddenly, commotion arose ahead; armored guards were leading the way, and Qin Liuxi’s brow raised as he identified the leading guard as Ying Nan, mories flooding back.
Upon seeing her, Ying Nan blushed slightly. He halted several steps away, dismounted his horse, and knelt on one knee before her.
In his youthful ignorance and arrogance, he had doubted the Master as a God Stick, bringing him great sha.
After passing him, Qin Liuxi looked behind, anticipating the presence of his close guard, Qi Qian.
Indeed, a luxurious carriage ca into view, prompting Feng Xiu to scoff, "He’s good at appearances."
The carriage stopped before them; Qi Qian in his five-clawed golden dragon attire dismounted and rushed forward upon recognizing Qin Liuxi, his eyes bright with joy, "Upon receiving news of your appearance in the city, I ca imdiately to welco you."
Qin Liuxi scrutinized him, "You’ve indeed beco a person of the Emperor, carrying the Emperor’s majesty. However, a gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall; you are a ruler of the nation. As the one steering this world, you cannot act on your whims, leaving the Palace casually. If not you, then whom would an assassin target?"
Qi Qian laughed, "Since ascending the throne, this is my first outing."
For the sake of you.
Qin Liuxi nodded, "In that case, let’s enter the Palace; we might as well call on Lin Xiang, Elder Yu, and others."
Qi Qian paused, glanced at the attendant by his side, who then stepped back to send word.
Upon learning that Qin Liuxi, long without news, had entered the Palace, Lin Xiang first felt joy, but it faded quickly as his smile vanished, replaced by gravity, his heart tightened.
You don’t visit Zhongqin Palace without cause; could it be for what she once ntioned?
Lin Xiang looked up at the sky, montarily stupefied.
"Why is the Pri Minister standing here and not entering?" Yu Miao approached, slightly puzzled.
Lin Xiang replied, "Look at the sky."
Yu Miao looked up, her brow jumped, "This..."
The sky, previously clear, suddenly gathered ominous clouds above, the shape akin to a terrifying, clawed beast. Its massive mouth seed poised to swallow sothing.
In that direction, the Imperial Palace?
The two exchanged glances.
"Could this be a coincidence?" Yu Miao asked dryly.
Lin Xiang glanced down, "I feel an ominous premonition."
Yu Miao’s heart skipped a beat; trying to utter sothing reassuring seed futile, so she said, "When soldiers co, block; when water arrives, cover with earth. No matter the ordeal, we’ll overco it, though the hardships may increase."
Lin Xiang smirked wryly; what if it brings demonic destruction?
Never mind, perhaps no need to burden others with such anxiety.
Within Zhongqin Palace, Qin Liuxi was conversing with Qi Qian as they both paused instinctively, adjusting their sleeves. Picking up on the gesture, they exchanged glances, cleared their throats, and casually advanced.
Strange, why are they so solemn?
After greeting each other and exchanging pleasantries for a short while, Qin Liuxi got straight to the point, outlining the recent disasters in Da Feng over the past couple of years and their causes.
Though Lin Xiang already knew of the terrifying evil, hearing this left him pale, even with his experience in high positions, his body breaking into cold sweat.
Qi Qian and Yu Miao felt the sa; so Da Feng’s consecutive disasters over the years are not just natural calamities, but man-made, or rather, the havoc of sinister forces.
They all raised their teacups in unison.
A little calm was needed.
Before the shock settled, Qin Liuxi’s following words splashed so tea from their cups.
More disasters like before are coming, even greater?
Destructive wrath.
Lin Xiang’s hand trembled slightly, placing down his teacup, clutching his palm fiercely.
Qi Qian looked at Qin Liuxi, offering a bitter smile, "You once said what might co my way isn’t vast riches, but a ss. Was that what you ant?"
Qin Liuxi smiled, "Afraid?"
Sweeping her gaze at Lin Xiang and the others, they all shook their heads with a wry smile. Fearlessness is feigned; ordinary mortals, even in top positions, have never witnessed such calamity transcending race and realm boundaries.
Indeed, Da Feng already seems to echo twilight’s haze. The new Emperor calmly steered past, but in these years, Da Feng has been drawn into a mire by repeated disasters; the national treasury empties, and the legs haven’t been pulled out yet, only to step even deeper. Who wouldn’t fear?
But, fear aside, since they are the Emperor, the people’s guardian, even if the sky’s falling, they must stand before the citizens.
"We understand your ssage; what do you want us to do?" Qi Qian asked her.
"Govern your station," Qin Liuxi smiled, "I rely inform you to prepare." That fox, stop eating. The opportunity to save everyone has arrived."
Feng Xiu stared at the rose cake in his hand, suddenly finding it unappetizing, looked at Qi Qian, "Give an IOU then."
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