Chapter 963

Lin'an.

"The world says immortals are blissful, but nothing beats fishing!"

A youth in blue robes strolled leisurely down the street, holding a jug of cloudy wine, utterly carefree.

"Say, Old Liu, haven't you considered returning to your world and starting a family?"

Suddenly, a youth caught up to him. "Your family has been pressing you for a long time."

Liu Yu spread his hands. "I'm nearly immortal—why bother with marriage? They say descendants are the continuation of life, but if I'm to live forever, why need marriage or offspring?"

"But your parents want you to return as an adventurer!"

Liu Yu's expression turned even more disgusted. "Adventurer? Even dogs won't do that. I serve under the Dao Lord, helping him govern the mortal realm—isn't that far better than being an adventurer? The Dao Lord hasn't shortchanged us, so what's with this strange wind you're blowing today?"

"Aren't you returning because your parents want you to?" The other man sighed. "They're worried you're suffering in this other world—they want someone to look after you."

"No, no, no!" Liu Yu recoiled. "I'm as carefree as an immortal—why would I need anyone to look after me? Didn't I tell them last time I went home? I'm doing great, eating well, sleeping well—why won't they believe me?"

"They said you're stuck in a feudal era—you won't adapt to the lifestyle."

Liu Yu smirked. "Feudal era? In no time, this ancient world will become a heavenly realm on earth. Anyway, message delivered—come drink with me."

"Fine! Honestly, we're truly like fish in water here. Under the Dao Lord's rule, everyone lives in peace and prosperity, and there are no annoying rules. If not for your mother's constant nagging, I wouldn't even be lecturing you!"

"Just nagging, but no rewards?" Liu Yu chuckled. "I know you—you don't act unless there's a rabbit in sight."

"Aren't you still got an older sister? Your mom said if you settle down, she'll betroth your sister to me."

Liu Yu fell silent. "So you want to be my brother-in-law? And Mom's still pulling that old trick—didn't she ask my sister if she agrees?"

"You tell me! If your sister disagreed, would your mom say this?" the youth laughed. "Am I not handsome enough?"

"Enough, enough." Liu Yu shook his head. "I'm not getting involved in your nonsense."

The two chatted as they walked away, leaving the townsfolk gaping in astonishment.

In the past, when officials traveled, they rode in eight-man litters, followed by long processions, their authority thunderous.

"Alright, alright." Liu Yu shook his head. "I'm too lazy to deal with you."

These officials walked on foot—no pomp, no display.

Even their efficiency in handling affairs had improved immeasurably.

In the courthouses, even the practice of the "beating stick" had been abolished.

"All these officials are upright magistrates—our good days have come!"

"Yes, my family even got dozens of mu of land. At today's tax rates, we'll have more rice than we can eat."

"It's wonderful! They say these officials were sent down by the Dao Lord from the higher realm—shouldn't we build a temple for the Dao Lord immortal?"

"Build it! Of course we should!"

Though the people still wore patched clothes, their spirits had never been higher.

A carriage rolled slowly past. Zhao Yun sat inside, alone except for his Empress, utterly desolate.

"These people—just moments ago they were my subjects, now they worship others. They've lost all respect for their sovereign and father!" Zhao Yun sighed. "Don't they miss their old ruler at all?"

The Empress dared not reply.

Since losing the throne, Zhao Yun's temper had grown far worse—if she spoke wrongly, she feared punishment.

Yet inwardly she thought: "All under heaven bustle for profit; all under heaven rush for gain. Who cares who the emperor is? As long as they're fed, does it matter who sits the throne?"

Zhao Yun didn't truly expect an answer—he was merely drowning in sorrow and helplessness.

Listening to the laughter along Changjie, he felt only emptiness, growing more agitated. "Driver, hurry. I must leave here quickly."

Yet he thought to himself: "All under heaven bustle for gain; all under heaven scramble for gain. The common folk don't care who the Emperor is—as long as they have enough to eat, who cares who sits on the throne."

The Eunuch driving the carriage quickly replied, cracked the whip several times, and the carriage sped up further.

As dusk approached, Zhao Yun's carriage left Lin'an, slowly vanishing into the night.

Listening to the laughter and chatter along Changjie, he felt an empty void in his chest, growing more irritable, and could only urge: "Driver, faster—I must leave this place as quickly as possible."

Xiao Nannan: "I broke through again—cultivating feels so easy."

Su Xiao: "Something's off—wasn't Xiao Nannan said to have terrible talent?"

Ye Hei: "But with the Dao Lord's elixirs, what realm barrier could possibly stop a sharp-witted Xiao Nannan?"

Su Xiao: "That's true."

Huang Rong: "Say, Su Xiao, the people you borrowed from me don't want to return to your world—what now?"

Su Xiao: ".!? None of them are coming back? Fine—if it were me, with the freedom to roam one world and revel in the immortal realm, why return to the mortal world, bound by endless rules?"

Hu Yifei: "Exactly. The mortal world is terrifying. At a certain age, they force you to marry; at a certain age, they force you to establish a career. For the wealthy, it might be bearable—but for ordinary people, it's a nightmare."

Xiao Yan: "Stop, stop! Now I'm remembering my past life's marriage pressure—it was terrifying!"

Huang Rong: "By the way, Su Xiao, the people you borrowed from me don't want to return to your world anymore—what should we do?"

Su Xiao: ". ！None of them are coming back? Well, if it were me, if I could roam freely in one world and revel in the Immortal Realm, I wouldn't want to return to the mortal world, bound by all sorts of rules."

Su Xiao: "Bound by all sorts of rules."

Hu Yifei: "Indeed, the mortal world is terrifying. When you reach a certain age, they force you to marry; when you reach a certain age, they force you to establish a career. For those from wealthy families, it might not seem so bad. But for ordinary people, it's practically a disaster."

Hu Yifei: "For ordinary people, it's practically a disaster."

Xiao Yan: "Stop, stop—I'm remembering my past life's forced marriage experiences again; it's absolutely terrifying!"