[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign":3,"chapter-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-172":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Eternal Green Immortal Sovereign",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2270180,4432,"Chapter 172: Celestial Observatory","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-172",172,"\u003Cp>Taking a disciple is a major matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single misstep can bring disaster upon the sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He had stayed by Li Rui’s side long enough, endured trials, and thus could easily become his disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others had no such privilege.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui was not a careless man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was no longer new to mentoring; after the Ma Yang incident, he had given his all to teach, yet such devotion did not always earn gratitude—sometimes it bred resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So of course he wouldn’t foolishly spread the Changchun Art across the land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Randomly transmitting techniques would surely invite calamity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teaching Qi cultivation must be done, but step by step, with no room for future hazards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To walk steadily, one must see each step clearly before placing the foot—slowness doesn’t matter, as long as you don’t fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He moved into Li Rui’s residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui, already a patrol officer of the Tiger Riding Guard, simply made Liang He his personal bodyguard, exempting him from all future training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made Tang Hai and the others intensely envious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They dragged Liang He out for drinking, got him thoroughly drunk, and only then let him go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cultivation knows no time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before they knew it, the plums turned yellow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He’s realm advanced steadily; thanks to the nourishment of Xuanqing Qi, he was nearly equal to disciples of major sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had quietly inquired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His current realm was now scarcely different from Liu Tong’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Plum wine is best with green plums, sweetened with rock sugar and honey—delicious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming raised his cup, sipping and savoring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He seized the chance to refill Wei’s cup at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui specially invited Ning Zhongtian, Wei Ming, Ge Hong, and Tan Hu for a small gathering at his home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such gatherings happened every few days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang He had long grown accustomed to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu glared with his ox-like eyes: “Wei, why do you insist on drinking that girly stuff? Burned knife liquor suits me better—too bad Yunzhou doesn’t have it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming knew he was talking to a wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Hu came from the northwest frontier army, where burned knife liquor was the local brew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t good wine, just brutally strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming had never tried it and had no intention to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a drink for the poor to stir their spirits—burned the throat, and he was born to hate hardship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian propped one leg up, leaning against the soft couch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled silently, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ghost Ming  Sect had grown quiet, Cao Wei had ceased his moves—during such idle times, lying down was the most comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Wei Ming and Tan Hu, two fools, about to bicker again,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he sighed and tapped the couch arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp tapping sounds quickly drew everyone’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian, seeing all eyes on him, spoke:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard the Celestial Observatory has a new Director, appointed personally by His Majesty. Can you guess who?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Observatory!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At those three words, Li Rui and the others perked up; Tan Hu and Wei Ming forgot their quarrel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian deliberately dragged it out, seeing their eager stares, and smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one, young or old, male or female, could resist gossip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially gossip about the Celestial Observatory, so mysterious to outsiders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Observatory followed the old dynasty’s system, but unlike before, Yu Kingdom placed greater emphasis on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, it stemmed from the ancient emperors’ pursuit of immortality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous dynasty sought immortality too, but favored demon-feeding arts and demonic rituals; Yu Kingdom preferred seeking immortals and the Dao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, the Celestial Observatory’s duty was only to observe celestial phenomena and set the calendar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with successive Yu emperors’ strong support, it had become a colossal institution overseeing demonic beasts, hidden sects, and selecting Daoist talents—even rivaling the Ministry of Rites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, its officials were mostly Daoists, radiating deep mysticism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All these were secondary duties of the Director.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Director’s sole primary duty was to seek immortality for the Dragon Throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Legend says an ancient empire’s founding emperor ordered all Daoists to seek the elixir of immortality, even sending a great Daoist with three thousand boys and girls across the Eastern Sea to find it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui remained noncommittal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one pill could grant immortality, what need was there for cultivation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Celestial Observatory’s power was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, the emperor met the Director more often than the Grand Secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As always:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power isn’t measured by rank, but by proximity to the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this view, the Director held immense power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ning Boss, who is it? Stop teasing us—you’ll choke us to death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming couldn’t hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian’s smile widened; having drawn out the suspense, he revealed: “The Master of the Ask-Immortal Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Li Rui after speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing the name, Li Rui’s brow twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He silently sighed—he should have kept Yao Xue longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A demon heart lingering for ten years was common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve heard the Master of the Ask-Immortal Tower has visited the capital many times to meet His Majesty—never imagined he’d leap straight to Director!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When one man attains enlightenment, even his dogs and chickens rise in status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Master of the Ask-Immortal Tower entering the world, the tower was no longer a hidden sect; its elders and disciples would surely rise in prestige, and connections would naturally form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui pondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Ask-Immortal Tower lost a disciple, Jiang Lin reacted so strongly—looking back, he clearly had known in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subordinates think their superiors overreact because they lack information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only by shifting perspective can one grasp the deeper meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoa, Director!” Wei Ming, Ge Hong, and Tan Hu all drew sharp breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had all been involved in the Qu Chengfeng case, so they knew of the Ask-Immortal Tower as a hidden sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once merely prestigious, it was now a truly honored major sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know the Minister of War?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He commands all troops, a second-rank official, a godlike figure in the eyes of soldiers like them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Six Ministries, he usually ranked third.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first two were the Ministries of Personnel and Rites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Observatory Director stood equal to the Minister of Rites—and even closer to the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Li Rui’s past life terms:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a rocket launch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Zhongtian grinned smugly: “I heard this from Minister Jiang—it hasn’t been announced yet. Don’t you dare spread it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Relax, Ning Boss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>=9+book_bar\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ming and the others grinned ear to ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thrill of knowing a secret before the world was intoxicating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group gloated inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rui, however, gazed thoughtfully at the Seek-Immortal Stone tied to his wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Immortal fate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ask-Immortal Tower had caught the emperor’s eye for a reason—it possessed real ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Seek-Immortal Stone in his hand might yet bring him unexpected surprises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along both sides of the avenue, pavilions and towers stood shoulder to shoulder, countless rooftops obscuring the clouds, hiding the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the center, a golden glow, impossible to avoid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the unique splendor of the imperial capital—towers linked to clouds, gold scattered everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People in the capital all call themselves “Jingye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which native of the capital hasn’t seen a third-rank official? To call oneself “ye” to outsiders from other provinces isn’t even excessive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On a bustling street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A carriage moved slowly, and passersby all stepped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quick glance revealed that the guards on either side of the carriage were Imperial Guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu State had only one Imperial Guard unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sole purpose of the Imperial Guards was to guard the Imperial Palace and protect the Zhu imperial family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever the Imperial Guards appeared, it meant a member of the imperial family was present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing through the grand and majestic Divine Dragon Avenue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carriage glided smoothly into the Imperial Palace, the highest seat of power in the world, without any obstruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the occupant inside was not of the imperial family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old Daoist sat with eyes closed, cultivating his spirit; Yao Xue and Qu Chengfeng sat on either side of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Imperial Palace is truly enormous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Xue lifted the carriage curtain and peered out like a thief, gazing at sights she had once been unable to see even on tiptoe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Chengfeng chuckled: “Sister, the Imperial Palace isn’t actually that big. I heard the old Immortal Court was truly vast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, you shouldn’t say things like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Xue quickly cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Criticizing or belittling the Imperial Palace—if overheard—was a grave crime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Chengfeng laughed carelessly, utterly unconcerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Xue sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her younger brother had survived a life-or-death trial and barely escaped back alive, yet his restless nature hadn’t changed one bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was enough to drive one mad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out of nowhere, a figure surfaced in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Rui.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to Qu Chengfeng, Li Rui was the opposite extreme—calm, steady, as if nothing in the world could stir his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Master Zhang slowly opened his eyes and stroked his beard with a long laugh:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. Your junior uncle is an old friend of the Emperor. As long as you don’t commit treason or rebellion, you’ll still be protected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Xue blinked her beautiful large eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time she’d ever heard her master speak so boldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they traveled the world with him before, he always told them to endure everything, to avoid conflict at all costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that they’d come to the capital—the deepest waters in the realm—he’d changed his tune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhang saw his disciples’ confusion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your junior uncle serves in court. As relatives, we can’t let him lose face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Xue nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhang had another reason he hadn’t told his two disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their journey to the capital was destined to be anything but smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since it was already inevitable, better to be open and bold—so at least the Holy Emperor could rest easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is Wuxian Tower powerful?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That depends on who you’re comparing it to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the true great sects of Yu State, it’s vastly inferior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even many court officials have misunderstood one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new Director of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau didn’t gain the Emperor’s favor because of Wuxian Tower—he elevated Wuxian Tower to heights it never deserved because of himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your junior uncle was once a celestial immortal cast down to the mortal world; he will surely become a great talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhang recalled his own master’s words when taking him as a disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wuxian Tower accepted no more than three disciples per generation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, three generations gathered together was already impressive; after his master died, Master Zhang still had one senior uncle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Altogether, Wuxian Tower had only six people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The senior uncle was elusive, wandering the world—no one could find him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your junior uncle needs help in court. If he won’t come, who will?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A lifetime of toil.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Zhang sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wuxian Tower entering the world seemed glorious, but in truth, it was fraught with peril—not necessarily a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serving the sovereign is like serving a tiger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One misstep, and the entire sect is wiped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This Imperial Palace appears splendid and serene, but every corner hides deadly danger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1865,"2026-06-19T22:01:09.077Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4e49138c90bcc17fc19c26abbf1c603698baf0ef547adb93f3435f230a00a191","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-173","eternal-green-immortal-sovereign-chapter-171",866,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feternal-green-immortal-sovereign-cover.jpg"]