Volume One, Chapter Two: Enduring in Silence for Eighteen Years, a Single Thought Reaches Grandmaster Realm
At this moment, within the State Preceptor’s Mansion of the Great Qian Kingdom.
In a side chamber, fragrant incense wafted gently like delicate threads in the air.
An elderly man with pure white hair sat quietly, nurturing his spirit. He wore a simple dark gray robe of ancient style, his face lean and gaunt, hair tied high in a bun.
This man was none other than the State Preceptor of Great Qian, renowned for his mastery of celestial divination learned from Mount Qingcheng.
Yet now, observing the rise and fall of his chest, one could see his heartbeat was irregular, as if troubled by some worry.
At that moment, a middle-aged man donned in an official’s hat strode into the room. His splendid robe was as black as night, embroidered with vivid tiger and cloud patterns that shimmered subtly in the light.
This man was Sima Yun, the Chancellor of the Great Qian Kingdom.
The State Preceptor suddenly opened his eyes and hurriedly asked, “Chancellor, what news of the matter?”
Sima Yun’s expression was calm as he slowly took a seat and poured himself some tea, showing no trace of panic.
“Preceptor, there’s no need for alarm. I have already bribed some of the old ministers of Liyang to set an ambush, deployed several hundred White Tiger troops, and sent two captains of the fifth rank to pursue the target.”
“With a pincer attack like this, where can that insignificant traitor possibly escape?”
Hearing this, the State Preceptor finally exhaled in relief. “Let us hope so.”
“Back when the ministers of Liyang entered the city, I observed the stars at night and saw a strange star suddenly appear. Its eerie light and trajectory pointed directly at our dynasty. This star radiated ominous energy, signaling chaos and disaster.”
“Using the ancient methods of divination, I saw that this star flickered on and off, warning that a great calamity is imminent for our realm. Among those people, one will bring about the downfall of Great Qian!”
“His Majesty not only ignored this but hastily granted the Liyang heir the title of Prince. Our kingdom is in peril!”
Upon hearing this, Sima Yun’s face darkened.
For eighteen years, under the pressure of the sovereign, he had carefully plotted with this old man, eliminating wave after wave of enemies.
His position as Chancellor was nearly lost, and in the end, only a weak prince remained.
And now the Preceptor tells him the disaster star is still not removed?
He suspected the old man was either mocking him or nursing a grudge—perhaps once enamored with the Liyang princess, now frustrated that his schemes failed.
Liyang had once been a strong nation, its vast lands and fierce people never fully subdued by Great Qian.
The monarch of Great Qian wished to avoid widespread slaughter and spared Gu Changfeng’s life so he could help reclaim Liyang completely.
In Sima Yun’s eyes, the State Preceptor was shortsighted, narrow-minded, unable to see the grand future of Great Qian or the lofty ambitions of the ruler.
He himself was the one trusted by the sovereign, destined to elevate Great Qian to unprecedented heights. What were a mere five kingdoms?
Of course, removing Gu Changfeng was also part of his plan.
Sima Yun already had his candidate for the Liyang prince, a piece firmly in his grasp for years.
Once Gu Changfeng died and the State Preceptor took the blame, that candidate could ascend directly. With the person gone, the ruler of Great Qian would have no objections.
He would achieve a win-win outcome effortlessly.
“Preceptor, please stop dwelling on this!”
“I’ve heard it hundreds of times. Because of these words, our actions have embarrassed His Majesty and provoked his wrath.”
“His Majesty has long decreed that any state that surrenders voluntarily will have their traitors and hostages treated with kindness. How have we acted otherwise?”
“A difference of a single word, but the consequences are vast.”
“Weren’t you placed under house arrest because of these same words?”
Facing Sima Yun’s gentle admonition, the State Preceptor sneered coldly.
“Chancellor, tell me, which is more important—the face of a ruler or the fate of the nation?”
Sima Yun chuckled, inwardly cursing the old man’s stubbornness.
“Preceptor, we only speak straightforwardly and offer counsel. How His Majesty commands is beyond our concern.”
“I believe, compared to face or nation, life is even more important!”
“Hmph! Such narrow-mindedness. I’m too tired to argue. If you succeed, the nation will be stable for a hundred years; if not, then we might as well start looking for a good grave for ourselves!” The State Preceptor closed his eyes, indifferent.
“Preceptor, we shall await victory here. That spoiled brat cannot escape my grasp!”
Sima Yun calmly sipped his tea, full of confidence.
The sun dipped slowly, and night fell.
Gu Changfeng’s convoy gradually approached Blackstone City. From afar, armored soldiers holding torches stood watch upon the walls.
In these times, few could afford carriages—only nobles or wealthy merchants.
“Whose convoy is that?”
“Who knows! It’s so dark, I’m no clairvoyant!”
“Nonsense! Who asked if you can see clearly? If you don’t recognize them, then go inform the commander!”
At the front of the carriage, Gu Changfeng climbed out, clutching the carriage frame, his heart pounding.
Finally!
He had arrived!
The boundary marker of Blackstone City stood less than a hundred feet away.
“Your Highness!”
“Your Highness!”
The guards called out as they saw him emerge.
Gu Changfeng took a deep breath and revealed a long-lost smile.
Having crossed into this world, this was the first time he felt clarity within body and spirit.
“Everyone, we are home!”
“Your Highness, you should enter.”
“Yes, Your Highness, please take care of your health; Liyang still needs you.”
Most of these guards were former generals or civil officials, now reduced to only a few dozen.
Among the famed Four Great Generals, only Zhao Ruo remained, his power diminished, with no hope of recovery without a miracle.
Tragic and lamentable, their journey had been one of disaster relief.
Now, Liyang Commandery was desolate.
Children barely in their teens and young men alike were forcibly conscripted by the Great Qian Empire, doomed as cannon fodder.
Everywhere in Liyang showed signs of hardship; despair and grief hung like a dark cloud.
The laughter and joy of old had vanished from the streets, replaced by the helpless sighs and cries of women, children, and the elderly. The fields lay barren and ignored.
A leader was desperately needed to guide Liyang out of this gloom.
“The Glazed Empress, the monarch of Great Qian—you both have chosen the path to your demise!” Gu Changfeng thought bitterly.
The grudges of the former dynasty were not his concern, but if not for the old ministers’ machinations back then…
He would have long ago met his end under the State Preceptor’s schemes.
What one can endure from a woman, one cannot from an uncle!
He vowed to make the Glazed Empress suffer the humiliation of slavery.
After all, she was the root of all calamity. Had the Heavenly Suppression Army not intervened, Great Qian might have devoured Liyang outright, or at least stripped it bare.
These two nations were centuries-old rivals, though Great Qian was far stronger.
Though the advantage was clearly his, the current ruler of Great Qian suffered defeat after defeat.
Hence his cruel treatment of the Liyang royal family, to satisfy his own bitterness.
[Blackstone City reached. Host, please confirm sign-in!]
The carriage still jolted as a system voice suddenly rang out, pulling him from his thoughts.
Having passed the stone marker engraved with “Blackstone City,” Gu Changfeng quietly said, “Sign in!”
[Host sign-in successful. Reward: Nine Yang Divine Skill, Grandmaster cultivation level!]
Instantly, a vast and mighty force surged through Gu Changfeng’s body, filling every limb and bone with endless energy.
He clenched his fist slightly, feeling the very air around him tremble from his power.
So, this is true energy!
The true energy only a Grandmaster could possess!
The coachman shuddered, as if a great terror was staring him down.
He looked around but saw nothing—only Gu Changfeng standing quietly behind him.
Was he seeing ghosts?
The coachman’s body tensed, sweat prickling his skin.
At this moment, Gu Changfeng had already concealed all his true energy, undetectable to others.
Though outwardly composed, inside he was already bursting with excitement.