Chapter 71: Can

The Patriarch of the Heaven’s Evolution Divine Sect, Lord Top Heaven, announced that he and his spiritual partner, Immortal Lady Youlan, would enter seclusion to forge an unparalleled magic treasure.

During his seclusion, the sect’s Grand Elder would act on his behalf.

As soon as this news spread, it caused a massive uproar in the central cultivation circles of the TianCe Dynasty—what kind of treasure could compel both of them to enter seclusion together?

In truth, this was merely a smoke screen, deliberately leaked to make everyone believe Lord Top Heaven and Immortal Lady Youlan were forging a treasure to aid Li Xian against Li Chen.

In reality, they had already quietly departed for the imperial capital.

To launch a surprise attack on Li Chen and ensure their beloved disciple seized the throne, they had concealed their identities.

Yet troubles followed swiftly: to avoid exposure, their attire was plain, and their mounts were unremarkable.

Along the journey to the imperial capital, Immortal Lady Youlan felt countless men cast lewd glances at her.

Her voluptuous figure was the object of countless passersby’s fantasies.

Had it not been for Lord Top Heaven guarding her side, those men would likely have rushed forward and stripped her bare.

There was no help for it—her figure was too alluring; any male who saw her found it nearly impossible to look away.

Even when she did nothing but walk, her sway carried endless temptation.

During a single meal at an inn, Lord Top Heaven had to intervene several times to drive off those attempting to approach her.

Lord Top Heaven relied primarily on intimidation; if he killed anyone, the TianCe Dynasty’s security forces would investigate.

Especially since those who made lewd remarks were mostly aristocratic brats with considerable backing.

Killing them outright would be a nightmare.

Two Saint Realm experts, reduced to such humiliation on the road.

Had Lord Top Heaven not constantly urged Immortal Lady Youlan to endure it, the road would have been littered with corpses for miles.

How could a celestial sect immortal, so exalted, endure such indignities?

While they suffered through their arduous journey, the Second Imperial Prince, Li Xian, had already arrived at Yunlu Academy.

Li Xian remembered visiting here several times; each time, the scholars had been unusually energetic.

On the path to the Star-Gazing Tower, he would always encounter students loudly reciting the classics.

But this time was different—the entire academy’s atmosphere was far less lively.

The number of students had also dwindled considerably.

Li Xian had come in disguise, and no one recognized him.

His subordinates had already alerted Master Yu, so Li Xian went straight to the Star-Gazing Tower and ascended to the floor where Master Yu resided, familiar with the route.

At the door, he saw Master Yu dozing inside.

To avoid disturbing him, Li Xian waited outside for a long time.

In his view, Master Yu was surely testing him.

To earn the trust of Master Yu, this Saint Realm Confucian sage, Li Xian was willing to wait at the door.

As a noble Second Imperial Prince, Li Xian grew increasingly impatient as he waited.

He thought: This old man only dares to bully me because my cultivation is low—if my Saint Realm younger brother came here, I’d just kick him awake.

If Li Chen knew he thought that, he’d say: Your vision is too narrow. If he knew I was coming, would he dare sleep? Just let me crush him with a single critique.

There was no choice—when you need someone’s help, you endure it. Even if Li Xian was furious, he had to wait until Master Yu woke up.

Master Yu left him cooling his heels for half an hour before feigning awakening.

Li Xian still had to approach with a look of honor, greet Master Yu, call himself a student, and express his utmost respect.

Master Yu was in good spirits today; the anger he’d suffered at Li Chen’s hands was slightly assuaged by Li Xian’s submission.

Master Yu smiled faintly and said, “What brings the Second Imperial Prince to my humble little academy?”

As he spoke, he gently stroked his beard, studying Li Xian. The remark carried a sarcastic tone—if even the largest academy in the capital was called “humble,” then weren’t all others mere thatched huts?

Li Xian was no fool; if Master Yu belittled his own academy, Li Xian would lavish praise until Master Yu was pleased.

He bowed deeply and said, “Master Yu, your words are mistaken. Yunlu Academy is the jewel of the capital, a temple of learning—how could it be compared to mediocrity? To call it a ‘humble little academy’ is a grave insult to Yunlu Academy.”

Upon hearing this, Master Yu’s lips curled slightly, but he said nothing, merely listening as Li Xian continued his flattery.

You humiliated me with your Saint Realm brother? I’ll humiliate you the same way.

Today you’ve come to me willingly, offering me a chance to feel superior—how could I pass it up?

Li Xian, seeing this, continued: “Master Yu, your erudition is profound, your virtue exalted—you are the model of our generation. You not only master poetry, books, and rites, but also possess unique insights into military strategy and martial arts. You are truly the pillar of our nation. Under your leadership, Yunlu Academy has nurtured countless pillars of the state—you have contributed immensely to the prosperity of our dynasty.”

It was blatant flattery, but Master Yu loved to hear it.

Others’ praise had grown stale to him—he preferred to hear it from a prince.

“Hahaha, Second Imperial Prince, you overstate things. What brings you here today?”

!

Now that Master Yu was pleased, Li Xian could begin speaking normally.

“Today I come to pay my respects, hoping for your guidance and cultivation, so I may walk further along the path of imperial princes.”

His meaning was clear: he wanted to become emperor, and he was asking whether Master Yu supported him.

Walking far along the path of imperial princes meant becoming emperor.

Even though Li Xian knew Master Yu hated Li Chen, he still needed to first confirm Master Yu’s stance before proceeding further.

He couldn’t just open with: I want to rebel—let’s form a rebellion team.

That would be too direct.

Master Yu had already guessed Li Xian’s purpose.

Both the Second and Third Imperial Princes openly sought rebellion; their envoys came precisely for this reason.

“Second Imperial Prince, you are exceptionally gifted and guided by a great master—why would you need a mere Confucian scholar like me?”

Master Yu’s words were probing for Li Xian’s true cards.

Isn’t your master supposed to help you? If you couldn’t sway your master, are you asking me to deal with Li Chen?

Then you overestimate me—if I had such power, I wouldn’t have been kneeling on the ground back then.

“Master, the more great masters, the better. To receive guidance from a master like you would make my path far more secure.”

Li Xian was telling him: My master will act; adding you makes it even safer.

“I’ve heard your master is the leader of the Nine Abyss Holy Domain—I’ve long wished to discuss matters with him.”

Master Yu wouldn’t swallow empty promises—he needed to see Li Xian’s true cards first; otherwise, how could he know he wasn’t being deceived?

“Of course. When my master arrives in the capital, I will certainly invite him to meet you—I hope you will grace us with your presence.”

“Very well. When your master comes, remember to inform this old man. I’m feeling drowsy—go about your business, don’t trouble yourself with me.”

As he spoke, Master Yu yawned and returned to his nap.

Li Xian was seething—after all I’ve said, are you still hesitating?

Master Yu remained unmoved.

Of course—he was a prince come begging to me; the Third Imperial Prince would come too.

I must first see which of you two is stronger before deciding whom to back.

I, Master Yu, only fight on the winning side.

Scholars must learn to adapt.

(End of Chapter)