Chapter 724

Until Zhao Kuangyin left, Zhao Xu's face finally showed signs of excitement; he gave a brief instruction and entered the meditation chamber to begin cultivation.

Half a day's time.

When Zhao Xu emerged from seclusion, his entire appearance had changed drastically—he had transformed from a middle-aged man into a youth, his youth restored.

More importantly, his cultivation had reached the True Qi realm; every movement carried immense power.

In this world, he was invincible.

"Issue an edict: summon all ministers to court!"

At his command, the court ministers gathered immediately.

Then, when the ministers saw the emperor, impossibly young, walking calmly through empty air, they were utterly stunned.

This world did indeed have Wu Gong, and also lightness arts.

But even lightness arts must obey basic laws—there was no way one could stroll slowly above empty air.

Coupled with the earlier rumors—that the emperor's daughter had received a divine blessing and descended from the heavens.

The ministers were instantly stirred.

"We thought it was false news, mere hearsay, but now it seems that rumor might be true."

"Has His Majesty also received a divine blessing?"

All eyes turned to Zhao Xu, seeking an answer.

Zhao Xu sat upon the Dragon Throne and gazed down at the ministers.

"Recently, Consort Rou returned to the capital with Princess Ningsheng from the common folk!"

"Princess Ningsheng received a divine blessing, and I, too, benefited. Now, I have several hundred years of life left; you need not worry about the succession of Jiangshan."

Upon hearing this, several ministers felt deeply awkward.

They had just secured their next patrons.

And now the emperor announced he had hundreds of years left to live.

Who among the princes could outlast him? Who among the ministers could outlast him?

"Your Majesty is truly the Son of Heaven—blessed with heavenly fortune, having received a divine blessing."

"Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!"

One after another, they began fawning, and their so-called next patrons were instantly cast into the farthest clouds.

"Ministry of Justice: investigate the matter of the Empress's past and carry out the law without mercy."

"Ministry of War: select thirty thousand virtuous youths; I shall teach them divine arts and form the Great Song Heavenly Soldiers."

As he spoke, the ministers exchanged glances.

Could even soldiers be taught divine arts?

"If you complete this task, you too shall benefit. Divine techniques and immortality are not impossible." Zhao Xu understood their thoughts perfectly; he merely glanced at them and spoke calmly.

"Your Majesty, rest assured—we shall handle this matter flawlessly."

"Dismissed."

Zhao Xu said no more; he looked toward the Eunuch, who immediately proclaimed the court dismissed.

That day, the news that the reigning Son of Heaven had reversed aging and received a divine blessing, gaining hundreds of years of life, spread throughout Bianliang—and rapidly radiated outward.

Meanwhile, more imperial edicts were issued from the palace.

With the support of Emperor Taizu and absolute power, Zhao Xu began sweeping reforms.

"What? The emperor has reversed aging!"

"He's gained hundreds of years of life? Heaven is unjust!"

"How can there be princes who live hundreds of years?"

A few days later, upon hearing the news from Bianliang, the princes of Great Song were utterly speechless.

The emperor had no Crown Prince—they had been so close to the throne.

Now—without lifting a finger, the emperor could simply outlive them all!

Zhuxian County.

Hang Tiesheng, upon hearing this, was left utterly dumbfounded.

"The emperor received a divine blessing? Mother, aren't these immortal tales just myths?"

"I used to think so too. But the emperor truly reversed his aging. Can all those ministers have been mistaken?"

"Moreover, the Imperial Guard has confirmed: when Consort Rou and Princess Ningsheng returned, they did not enter through the main gate—they descended from the heavens."

"Combined with these rumors, the truth is clear—the immortals truly exist."

"Legend says Princess Ningsheng once lived in our Zhuxian County's Guanyin Temple. Now, many have rushed here seeking divine blessings. Tie Sheng, the county is filled with strange people—chaos may come. We must be vigilant."

"Yes, Mother."

Hearing this, Hang Tiesheng sat stunned for a long time before picking up the shattered pieces of his worldview.

Chat group.

Ningsheng: "The matter is now perfectly resolved. The Empress has been deposed and imprisoned; the Crown Prince has been stripped of his title and granted a viscountcy. Too bad—he attacked Father on the spot and was imprisoned. No one knows when he'll be released."

Zhao Kuangyin: "That's difficult. Regicide is an unforgivable crime. That Zhao Xu didn't execute him on the spot already shows great mercy."

Hu Yifei: "This isn't your fault, Ningsheng. The Crown Prince was too extreme in temperament; suddenly losing his position, such an act was predictable."

Su Xiao: "In the original novel, that Crown Prince was always arrogant and as brainless as a gut."

Ningsheng: "Mm. (Wang Qian Zhao) Let's wait for now. Releasing him now might cause more trouble. Let him cool down. Losing so much at once, his emotions won't settle quickly."

Zhu Yuanzhang: "Zhao Kuangyin, have you made arrangements with the emperor over there?"

Zhao Kuangyin: "Correct. Mutual aid. Now, the Great Song Alliance gains another world. Good thing it's not Zhao Gou—otherwise, I'd have to uphold righteousness and kill my own kin."

Zhu Yuanzhang: "You're decisive in slaughter."

Zhao Kuangyin: "What else? Those bastards among the Emperors must be cleaned out. Unlike you, Zhu Youjian hasn't even been dealt with."

Zhu Youjian: "… Am I really that bad?"

Zhu Yuanzhang: "My family affairs don't need your concern, Old Zhao. Though Chongzhen is unworthy, there's no need to punish him. As for cleaning out—should we ever encounter a 'Gate-Calling Son of Heaven' or the like, Old Zhu will make sure you know the Zhu family's discipline is no less strict. The Zhu clan doesn't raise trash."

Sun Wukong: "Trouble! I think I've caused some trouble!"