Chapter 391

"Hurry up, big brother! Word is the imperial envoy has arrived to reward the troops!"

Ning Zhongtian's face glowed with excitement.

"Fourth brother, guard against pride and impatience."

Li Rui calmly adjusted his collar.

The purple tiger-and-leopard embroidered robe suited him perfectly, radiating an aura of authority that ordinary folk could hardly withstand.

At this moment, Li Rui's temples bore a few streaks of black hair.

He looked considerably younger.

Yang Yong often mocked him, saying it was a sign of reversing aging.

Li Rui straightened his attire.

Only then did he step outside.

At this time, the Annan Garrison camp was packed to capacity.

Countless soldiers stood in formation, their presence imposing, the black-and-gold tiger-pattern banners snapping fiercely in the wind.

When Li Rui reached the raised dais.

Familiar faces appeared before him.

"Brother Li."

"Lord Li."

The Annan Garrison officers all stepped forward to greet Li Rui, and he responded to each in turn.

Who didn't know Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong had broken through? The two were as close to Li Rui as if they shared one pair of trousers.

From now on, Li Rui could walk sideways through Qinghe.

They naturally had to cultivate good relations—at the very least, avoid enmity.

In Annan Garrison, there were few who dared provoke Li Rui.

Li Rui had gradually been surrounded, but through subtle, unobtrusive movement, he skillfully slipped free.

Then Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong appeared.

And the encirclement was fully broken.

Today, besides Zhou Dinghai and Xue Gui, the imperial envoy was also coming—if he were to accuse Li Rui of forming cliques and word reached the capital, it would be a truly undeserved disaster.

Li Rui would never commit such a mistake.

He stood quietly among the officials.

Completely unremarkable.

About a quarter-hour passed.

Then they saw Provincial Military Commander Zhou Dinghai and Regional Commander Xue Gui, smiling, leading an elderly man with snow-white hair up the dais.

Seeing the old man,

everyone's expression brightened.

Minister of War, Chai Yan!

The Purple Gold Palace battle concerned the nation's fate—a major event. Normally, imperial envoys were third-rank officials bearing the Censorate's commission; for the Minister of War himself to travel thousands of miles from the capital, as here, was exceedingly rare.

Chai Yan gazed at the orderly Annan Garrison.

He nodded in satisfaction: "No wonder they're the elite of Great Yu."

The Purple Gold Palace battle directly elevated Annan Garrison to the status of a key army of Yu—this was precisely why Chai Yan had come, to signal the court's high regard for Annan Garrison.

Zhou Dinghai and Chai Yan arrived at the center.

The entire parade ground echoed with the Minister of War Chai Yan's powerful voice:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I, bearing Heaven's mandate, nurture all under heaven. I now bestow imperial treasury funds to reward the troops. You soldiers have labored loyally for the state, defeated enemies, and secured victory—your merit serves the realm!"

"Each soldier shall receive three spirit elixirs; each guard battalion shall receive three additional months' pay."

The phrase "rewarding the three armies"

was an ancient term referring to rewards for the vanguard, center, and rearguard.

Later, it came to mean rewards for all meritorious troops.

A reward for everyone.

Of course, soldiers with exceptional merit received individual honors as well.

"Hu! Hu! Hu!"

What is mountain-shouting?

At this moment, the Annan Garrison's roar truly had the force of mountains and seas colliding.

Morale reached its peak.

Every face flushed red.

After risking their lives with their heads tied to their belts, they had finally received their rewards.

How could they not be moved?

Seeing this, Chai Yan was even more satisfied.

The Emperor's reward to the troops was meant to set an example and inspire other garrisons.

Today's effect had been achieved.

Then came the lengthy award ceremony.

Company commanders from each guard battalion called out names; soldiers responded, then ascended the dais to receive their rewards.

Of course,

only those with outstanding military merit could come forward.

After this, dusk had fallen.

The soldiers on the parade ground dispersed.

Zhou Dinghai had, of course, already prepared a banquet in his residence to entertain the imperial envoy Chai Yan.

This was a private banquet.

Naturally, few could attend—only those of the highest status, such as Xue Gui, Nie Siming, and Yuan Xiong.

Just as Li Rui was preparing to return home to further contemplate the Divine Soul Scripture, Xue Gui called out to him: "Li Rui, come along with us."

Li Rui blinked.

He clearly understood Xue Gui meant he was invited to the banquet.

Watching Li Rui follow Xue Gui into the Provincial Military Commander's residence, the deputy commanders nearly drooled.

What is a "man of the inner circle"?

Li Rui was one.

The Provincial Military Commander's residence was extravagantly lavish; beneath towering pavilions, enough space accommodated dozens.

Before them lay a pond with artificial hills.

In the center stood a raised platform, where over a dozen stunning women danced gracefully, while lutes and zithers played harmoniously nearby.

Looking at those seated:

Provincial Military Commander Zhou Dinghai, Minister of War Chai Yan, Regional Commander Xue Gui, Provincial Governor Tao Feng, who had come specially from Yunzhou, as well as Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong.

That was all.

Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong had both broken through the Qi Refining barrier and were adopted sons of Yuan Dingting; becoming third-rank officials was merely a matter of time.

They stood on equal footing with Regional Commanders.

Thus, the most conspicuous figure here was undoubtedly Li Rui.

Li Rui, fully aware of his position, sat quietly at the very end, sipping his wine in small sips.

Occasionally, he exchanged a few words with Nie Siming beside him.

Chai Yan was erudite, his remarks often brilliant, and the atmosphere grew lively.

After three rounds of wine,

Chai Yan suddenly spoke: "Is that Li Rui, Lord Li?"

"That's him," Xue Gui replied.

Hearing his name, Li Rui rose automatically and bowed respectfully toward Chai Yan from afar.

"Your servant Li Rui, pays his respects to Minister Chai."

Chai Yan stroked his beard and laughed warmly: "The Emperor often speaks of you. Today, seeing you in person, I see you truly are extraordinary."

Chai Yan stroked his beard and laughed loudly: "His Majesty often speaks of you to me; today, seeing you in person, you truly are extraordinary."

everyone's expressions varied.

Especially Provincial Governor Tao Feng of Yunzhou, who couldn't help studying Li Rui more closely.

To be mentioned by the Emperor himself was a tremendous imperial grace.

And imperial grace most often meant promotion and noble titles.

Li Rui: "The Emperor's grace is boundless; I, Rui, am deeply grateful."

Chai Yan then took a wooden box from one of his attendants.

He chuckled and said: "Li Rui of Qinghe, you have achieved an unparalleled feat. I hereby bestow upon you the Flying Fish Robe. Today's reward is not merely to honor your merit, but to encourage your unwavering loyalty to the state and eternal defense of the frontier!"

He chuckled and said: "Li Rui of Qinghe, you have achieved a feat of unparalleled merit; hereby granted the flying-fish robe. Today's reward is not merely to honor your achievement, but to expect your unwavering loyalty to the state, forever securing the border!"

he opened the box.

He opened the box.

A neatly folded, bright red flying-fish robe appeared before them.

This fish is not that fish.

It resembled a python, with four legs and four claws, no wings, and a fish tail.

The men beneath the pavilion, upon seeing the flying-fish robe, grew even more subdued.

The flying-fish robe is known to most people because of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but in truth, only a few leaders within the Guard are granted the right to wear it.

This robe is also often bestowed upon meritorious ministers, typically those of second-rank status.

Li Rui is merely fourth-rank.

How could they not be astonished that he received such a reward?

A supreme honor!!

Even Xue Gui cast a look of envy.

Above the flying-fish robe lies the famed python robe!

Few in the world possess it.

The flying-fish robe is not merely a symbol of the Emperor's favor—it is a mark of status.

Though Li Rui, having received the flying-fish robe, cannot wield the authority of a second-rank official, he may henceforth be treated as equal to any such official.

No wonder Chai Yan had invited Li Rui.

In terms of status, he is no lesser than those present.

Li Rui accepted the flying-fish robe.

He could not help but feel stirred within.

This was a sign of entry into the heart of power.

Just as he sat back down.

A line of small characters appeared before him.

【Congratulations, host, on completing the intermediate plot achievement—Robe Bestowal.】

【The Emperor's bestowal of a robe is a necessary rite for a future high minister. A man born under heaven and earth must wear the python robe, stand unbowing before the Emperor, and strive for the people's welfare. Congratulations, host, on receiving the flying-fish robe. Continue your efforts.】

【Task completed: Robe Bestowal. Rewards being calculated.】

【Task rating: B.】

【Obtained 30 achievement points!】

【Name: Li Rui】

【Age: 15】

【Talents: Martial Bone, Extraordinary Comprehension, Insightful Eyes, Great Dream Immortal Travel, Demon Subjugation, Dao Seed】

【Techniques: Long Chun Technique, Dragon Soaring Through Nine Heavens, Dragon-Elephant True Qi Force, Five Spirit Body Refinement Scripture】

【Item: Spirit-Ascending Book】

【Achievements: 90/100】

Li Rui gazed at the panel, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Good fortune never comes twice?

Not possible—he has always received double blessings.

With the flying-fish robe bestowed, Provincial Governor Tao Feng, who had barely glanced at him before, rose to personally toast Li Rui.

How majestic!

Tao Feng was a true regional authority.

His power was immense, commanding an entire province.

He even overshadowed Xue Gui.

Few in Yunzhou were worthy of being toasted by Tao Feng himself!

Li Rui understood perfectly.

Tao Feng did not fear the flying-fish robe—he valued Li Rui's potential.

These powerful men excel not only at cultivating ties with those above them, but also at building broad goodwill.

Especially one whom the Holy Emperor favored.

The appearance of the flying-fish robe.

Instantly elevated the banquet's atmosphere to its peak.

It lasted until deep into the night.

Only then did they disperse.

Zhou Dinghai's wine was top-grade spiritual wine, extremely intoxicating.

Even Li Rui walked with unsteady steps.

Fortunately, the household servants had already prepared a carriage at the gate of the Provincial Military Commander's residence.

Li Rui stepped into the carriage.

He leaned his head against the cabin.

Others might assume he had won the Holy Emperor's favor during his visit to the palace—though that was true enough—but he received the flying-fish robe because of his secret agent identity.

Had he not delivered intelligence to the Annan Marquis's mansion, many would have died in that battle.

It was an extraordinary feat.

Thus, the Holy Emperor's bestowal of the flying-fish robe was entirely justified.

Yet Li Rui was not blinded by the glory before him.

He knew well that everything he gained today came from his own effort and caution.

Strength was the most important thing.

Fire burning oil, flowers adorning brocade.

News of Li Rui receiving the flying-fish robe spread, and daily visitors flooded to the Deputy Commander's residence, nearly breaking down the threshold.

Everyone wanted to see what the famed bright red flying-fish robe truly looked like.

Of course.

!

More importantly, they sought to befriend Li Rui.

The flying-fish robe was a signal.

As long as Li Rui made no missteps, a third-rank official's position was assured.

These people naturally wished to attach themselves before Li Rui rose to power.

In response,

Li Rui publicly declared he was entering seclusion.

All who came to visit were turned away.

Gradually, Li Rui gained a reputation for arrogance.

Li Rui did not care.

Nothing is more pitiful than watching a man build his tower high, then seeing it collapse.

The height of triumph is also the moment to be most cautious.

Thus, what he must do now is speak carefully, act carefully, attend to small details, and remain vigilant even in solitude.

Simply uphold his true heart.

Bearing a few slanders meant nothing.

Unlike some officials who received the flying-fish robe and immediately hung it in their main hall, Li Rui had long ordered it carefully stored away.

He sat cross-legged on a mat.

Though he claimed seclusion to the outside world, he truly was in seclusion.

Comprehending the Divine Dao Scripture was no easy task.

But more crucially, he did not trust Wu De, so he had been continuously analyzing it.

Suddenly,

Li Rui's lips curled slightly.

"Wu Dao you, I was right not to misjudge you."

Wu De had not tampered with the main text of the Divine Dao Scripture, but he had secretly added a passage.

This passage was not a mantra from the Divine Dao Scripture.

Its sole purpose:

Surveillance.

Once one practiced this modified version of the Divine Dao Scripture, Wu De could sense it from ten thousand li away.

'Wu Dao you doesn't trust me at all.'

Clearly,

Wu De was not as carefree as he appeared—he had many schemes. He still harbored doubts about Li Rui being the heir of a mysterious lineage, so he had subtly planted this trap.

Fortunately, Li Rui was cautious enough.

He had held the Divine Dao Scripture for months, yet never practiced it, instead using his extraordinary comprehension to analyze it until he uncovered the deception.

Li Rui swiftly blocked that passage.

Only after confirming there were no other issues did he...

He began cultivating the Divine Dao Scripture.

"All laws of heaven and earth, fused into one furnace, gathered within the body, to open heaven and earth—this is the Dao Embryo."

Li Rui murmured softly.

To his surprise, the Divine Dao Scripture also mentioned the Dao Embryo realm.

Compared with the Great Iron Skin, it offered much inspiration.

The Great Iron Skin emphasized the external, while the Divine Dao Scripture emphasized the internal.

The Great Dao takes different paths but leads to the same goal.

Whether internal or external cultivation, pushed to its extreme, both can forge the Dao Embryo.

So Li Rui chose to pursue both—internal and external cultivation together.

Vast streams of Immortal Xuan Qi boiled like a furnace, and he himself was the great elixir.

The first step of the Divine Dao Scripture was to cultivate oneself as the great elixir using true qi, ultimately refining a perfected primordial spirit.

Only then could one have the qualification to break through to the legendary Dao Embryo realm.

Qinghe was bustling with prosperity, crowded with carriages and horses.

On the crowded Zhuque Avenue, two Daoists walked through the crowd—one old, one young.

The elder had an immortal aura, white hair and ruddy complexion, like an ancient sage.

The younger had rosy lips and white teeth, making nearby lovestruck maidens gaze dreamily.

"Senior brother, we've arrived in Qinghe."

The old Daoist spoke.

"Then let's find Zhou Dinghai."

The youth had his hands behind his back, appearing solemn and mature—yet his slightly childish face made the sight utterly bizarre.

Indeed.

The youth was the senior brother; the old Daoist was the junior.

Passersby nearby cast strange glances at the two.

Fortunately, Qinghe was a place accustomed to seeing all manner of oddities.

Seniority among disciples is determined by entry order; the old Daoist joined the sect later, so he must call the youth senior—unusual, yes, but not unheard of.

The youth's lips curled slightly as he gazed southward:

"What a paradise of heaven and earth."

Cultivation knows no days or months.

No one expected that when Li Rui said he would enter seclusion, he truly did.

And this seclusion lasted two full years.

During this time, Li Rui refused to see anyone except a few close ones.

Time is the finest tool for making things fade.

After two years, discussions about the flying-fish robes had grown rare—only mentioned occasionally in idle tea-time chatter, and then only to praise "that Master Li" for his remarkable skill.

In the Deputy Commander's residence.

"Master, Younger Brother Xiao has sent word from Wu Country—he's now become a Spirit Beast Tamer and has made a name for himself in Wu Bei City."

Liang He pulled out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Li Rui.

Li Rui chuckled: "Xiao Zhao has truly grown up."

The letter read:

Wang Zhao could now control seventh-rank spirit beasts and had become a patron of the Spirit Beast Emporium.

His life was improving daily.

Wang Zhao sent letters at regular intervals.

At first, they mostly begged to return to Qinghe.

Later, mentions of returning grew scarce, until now they had stopped entirely.

Wang Zhao had clearly become capable of standing on his own.

Li Rui was deeply pleased.

"Xiao He, tell your Senior Brother Liu—if the Spring Wind Hall of the Wu Court still needs staff, send your younger brother there to take up a post."

Liang He's eyes brightened.

If his younger brother could achieve greater success, he, as the senior brother, was delighted.

"Alright, I'll go ask right away."

Now, Li Rui's lineage:

Was beginning to emerge.

He was the leader of the Heaven-Earth Alliance; Liu Tiezhu had inherited Tie Kuang's legacy and had become a renowned weaponsmith; Wang Zhao had firmly established himself in Wu Country.

None among them were mediocre.

In time, they would surely make a name for themselves in Yunzhou—or even in Yu Country.

And all of this began with Master Li Rui.

Liang He understood.

Without Li Rui, the fates of the three brothers would have been: a frustrated minor disciple of Tianyi Hall, a laborer beaten to death in a forge, and a lowly servant of the Zhu family.

How could this not be called "one man attains the Dao, even dogs and chickens ascend"?

Looking at those around Li Rui, all had received some measure of blessing.

Ning Zhongtian, Liu Tong, Ge Hong.

Li Rui's scattered techniques were finally beginning to bear fruit.

In terms of wealth, Li Rui now ranked among the top in Qinghe.

After giving his orders,

Li Rui returned to his room and resumed cultivation.

Sitting cross-legged, purple qi rose from his crown.

This was the sign of refining the primordial spirit with Immortal Xuan Qi.

He trained.

And another day passed.

Just as night deepened and all fell silent, Li Rui's aura suddenly surged violently.

Like a gale sweeping through, objects in the room clattered and rattled.

The night watch servants outside, watching the flickering candles, were secretly startled.

Suddenly,

The candles went out, plunging the room into darkness.

The servants panicked, whispering: "Master, Master."

Then Li Rui's voice came: "It's fine."

Inside the room,

A cold, clear moonlight fell upon Li Rui, making him appear pure and immaculate.

He looked like an immortal untouched by dust.

Li Rui suddenly opened his eyes.

At that moment, he felt a steady stream of pure spring water pouring into his crown, bringing unprecedented clarity.

The sign of a perfected primordial spirit!

He slowly exhaled the last turbid breath from his body.

In that instant, he finally achieved true unity of life and spirit, returning to primordial purity.

Every inch of his flesh shimmered with crystalline radiance; his soul became utterly transparent.

Threads of five-colored light drifted before Li Rui's eyes.

They were the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Ordinary primordial martial artists could only perceive spiritual energy after achieving a perfected primordial spirit.

After years of arduous cultivation,

He had finally broken through!

At this moment, Li Rui was virtually guaranteed to be among the upper three ranks.

With a perfected primordial spirit, one could begin drawing heaven-and-earth true qi into the body—a process lasting two to three years, until enough spiritual energy was absorbed, naturally elevating one to the upper three ranks.

Li Rui learned from Wu De:

In the immortal world, even the most basic Qi Refining cultivators could do this.

But because spiritual energy in this world was scarce, one had to reach the so-called Great Primordial state to accomplish it.

According to the Divine Dao Scripture, doing so had advantages.

Most immortal cultivators had weak physical bodies; a Great Primordial martial artist would hold overwhelming advantage against them.

Thus, Li Rui never slackened in his martial training.

With the perfected primordial spirit, he now felt boundless power—a sensation that was intoxicating.

He finally understood why the upper three ranks were called Earth Immortals.

To command the power of heaven and earth between finger and thumb—truly extraordinary.

"Hm?"

He turned his gaze inward.

Li Rui was suddenly drawn to the Immortal Court within his dantian.

He saw:

At that moment, within the dantian's Immortal Court, the peach tree had fully bloomed, radiant and colorful; beneath it lay a stone embryo.

Upon closer inspection,

it bore a striking resemblance to Li Rui as a child!

(End of Chapter)