Chapter 268: This Life Can Be Considered Growing Old Together (A Combined Double Chapter)

Yusu wore a long, bright red dress, which made her appear even more noble and cold.

She glanced at Lin Chao indifferently: "You haven't left yet?"

Ever since the previous Holy Emperor passed away, Weiyang Palace had become desolate.

These martial scholars, seeing no future for themselves in Weiyang Palace, had all left to take up posts in other departments.

Only three people remained in Weiyang Palace.

"There are many martial arts in Weiyang Palace; this is what I have sought my whole life," Lin Chao said humbly.

A place as leisurely for practicing martial arts as Weiyang Palace was hard to find.

Moreover, there was no shortage of food and drink here, and with so many martial arts to study, Lin Chao was living quite well.

Yusu was slightly stunned, as if she had thought of some past events: "Everyone, perhaps, has their own pursuits."

"Your Majesty is right," Lin Chao replied softly.

Among the masses, every living being has something they seek.

Farmers hope for a good harvest, and bandits hope to rob a wealthy family.

At this moment, a hesitant expression appeared on Yusu's face.

She suddenly spoke: "Tell me, if I were to block someone's path in Martial Arts for the sake of the world, would that person blame me?"

Lin Chao was slightly stunned.

He did not understand what Yusu meant.

He answered truthfully: "Perhaps they would."

Yusu fell silent, not knowing what she was pondering.

At this time, Lin Chao spoke again: "Perhaps that person would understand Your Majesty's good intentions and, on the contrary, be happy to see Your Majesty take this action."

"People are all selfish, and I am no exception," Yusu said, her voice tinged with a faint smile, though this smile was quite helpless.

Lin Chao stood to the side without speaking.

This world is not clearly divided into black and white, nor is everything right or wrong; it is merely a matter of one's position.

"Organize all the research materials in Weiyang Palace and deliver them to me."

Yusu commanded.

"As you command," Lin Chao agreed.

In truth, he did not know Yusu's intention for wanting these research materials.

But this did not affect his actions, and he did not ask about it.

The next day, a raging Fire broke out inside the Palace.

All the materials were burned to ashes by Yusu.

At this moment, Yusu watched the fire, her eyes cold.

Just then, Xu Xiaojing, clad in red armor, entered the Palace.

"Greetings, Holy Emperor."

Yusu's gaze softened: "Between the two of us, why must we be so formal?"

The serious expression on Xu Xiaojing's face could no longer be maintained, and she revealed a cunning smile: "If you were to become my aunt, it would probably be even more formal."

Yusu sighed inwardly and asked as she usually did: "Have you found your uncle?"

"Not yet," Xu Xiaojing said, a look of disappointment appearing in her eyes. "The news from the Jinyi Division this time still hasn't yielded any discovery of my uncle."

Xu Xiaojing not only managed the Huochong Battalion but also the Jinyi Division.

The Jinyi Division was the eyes of the Holy Emperor, patrolling the world on the Holy Emperor's behalf.

Among its duties, there had always been one mission: to find Xu Ling.

"What a pity, I never had the chance to see him," Yusu sighed, her voice lingering.

"I suspect that old fellow, my uncle, is feeling inferior!" Xu Xiaojing smiled. "He's probably still at the Refining Strength stage, and knowing that you, Sister Yusu, are an Innate Expert, he can't save face."

Yusu also laughed: "Only when your uncle isn't around do you dare to talk about him like that."

Xu Xiaojing patted her waist: "I am in charge of the Huochong Battalion and the Jinyi Division now; if my uncle ran into me, he would have to call me 'My Lord'."

The two chatted for a while.

Before long, the leisure on Yusu's face vanished: "How is the contact with the people from the Foreign Lands going?"

Xu Xiaojing also turned serious: "It has already been arranged."

However, thinking of something, Xu Xiaojing's face showed an expression of anger: "According to my Jinyi Division informants, the Taiyi Sect is also colluding with the Foreign Lands."

Yusu chuckled: "Doesn't that go exactly as I intended?"

"This Taiyi Sect has always been ambitious," Xu Xiaojing said, her anger deepening.

Since Yusu had newly ascended as Holy Emperor, the greatest difficulties she encountered were the Taiyi Sect and several Innate Experts from the old Daxing Dynasty.

These Innate Experts had been restricting Yusu.

"There have been rumors in the capital that the Holy Emperor fears the Foreign Lands; I suspect these messages were spread by the Taiyi Sect!" Xu Xiaojing continued.

In the current Holy Dynasty, such messages had been circulating.

They claimed that Yusu had only joined the Holy Light Sect a short time ago and had contributed little to the fall of Daxing.

Yusu chuckled: "Perfect. Since the capital has been spreading rumors hoping I would lead the army in person, this time I will crush their arrogance."

In an ordinary dynasty, an emperor cannot easily leave the capital for fear of a major upheaval.

In this world, where the Innate are supreme, Yusu did not have so many concerns.

Inside the Palace, her senior sister was still there to hold the fort.

"I'm going too!" Xu Xiaojing said hurriedly.

"Good."

Yusu smiled.

Watching Xu Xiaojing leave, Yusu entered the depths of the Palace.

The depths of the Palace were heavily guarded; no one could enter here except Yusu.

Yusu's expression became respectful: "Master."

The curtain was drawn back, and an old person with white hair, looking like withered grass, appeared.

This old person was, shockingly, the original Holy Emperor.

However, at this moment, her condition was Very Poor, as if she were hanging on by a single breath.

Once this breath was used up, she would die.

"How is the plan prepared?" Sheng Guang Laozu spoke, her voice hoarse.

"Everything is as usual." A cold, stern look appeared on Yusu's face.

"Hmm." Sheng Guang Laozu nodded, but having thought of something, a look of sorrow appeared on her face, "It is just... it is hard on you, my disciple."

After all, according to the original trajectory, Yusu would inevitably have been a generation of Holy Emperor, leading the Holy Dynasty to greatness and subsequently leaving a name in history.

Now, by following her in this plan, she would very likely face failure.

Yusu was calm: "This is what I should do."

"The mortals of our world suffer deeply from the Innate God, lacking Immortal Fate, unable to step onto the Immortal Path.

The Innate God is like a parasite, sucking our Spirituality, severing our Immortal Fate; it is the great scourge of this world.

Our Holy Light Sect, having received the legacy of the Primordial, should do something for this world."

A sharp look appeared on the aged face of Sheng Guang Laozu.

Unfortunately, the connection between the Innate God and this world was too deep.

Their actions were going against Heaven and Earth, and even more so against the people of the world; they could not be understood.

Even the comrades ahead would betray them halfway.

Yusu stood in the Palace, and she suddenly thought of Xu Ling.

Xu Ye, I am sorry.

The things she was doing would ultimately hinder Xu Ling from climbing to the peak of Martial Arts.

……

Seven days later, Lin Chao drank plum wine while circulating the Qi and blood technique within his body.

Recently, he had finally gained some insight into the kind of Qi and blood he was parasitic upon.

That technique required the fusion of all martial arts and all methods of activating Qi and blood to be deduced.

"Women from Foreign Lands are truly... moist." Lao Huangtou walked over, a look of reminiscence on his face.

Lin Chao glanced at Lao Huangtou: "Yesterday, I heard Old Li say that an old man with a missing front tooth in Kyoto went to a brothel, entered the room of a girl from Foreign Lands, and came out in less than half a stick of incense. Could it be you?"

Lao Huangtou was indeed missing a front tooth.

"What are you saying! I, Old Huang, am still as sharp as ever!" Lao Huangtou spoke, his expression appearing somewhat anxious.

Lin Chao smiled.

This topic ended there.

"By the way, have you heard? The Holy Emperor will lead the imperial expedition in person to sweep through the Foreign Lands," Lao Huangtou said.

Lin Chao was slightly stunned.

He did not expect that Yusu would actually lead the imperial expedition in person.

Was the situation in the Palace that bad?

"Lao Huangtou, I remember I have saved quite a lot of annual leave, probably forty or fifty days?" Lin Chao said casually.

"Hehe, I knew it. You have feelings for the Holy Emperor. Are you worried that the Holy Emperor will encounter danger during the imperial expedition and are preparing to follow her to the Nan'er Sea?

Hahaha, it's a pity your strength is too weak. Dealing with one or two is no problem for me, but in front of the Holy Emperor, you are as weak as an ant."

Lao Huangtou laughed loudly.

"For the Holy Emperor to be so peerlessly elegant, it is no problem for us to admire her.

But I think, Zhuang Meng, for you to win over the Holy Emperor, it would be better to win over that General Xu of the Huochong Battalion."

"Get lost." Lin Chao kicked Lao Huangtou.

"Haha." Lao Huangtou continued to laugh loudly, seemingly excited to see Lin Chao's emotional fluctuation, "I hope that while I am still alive, I can see you win the beauty."

Lin Chao looked at Lao Huangtou; his skin was withered and yellow, dry like tree bark.

Lao Huangtou was already over sixty; in this world, that could be considered long-lived.

"Did you buy and drink the medicine from the prescription I gave you a while ago?" Lin Chao asked casually.

"I am drinking it," Lao Huangtou said, "Or how about this, Zhuang Meng, before I die, you find an opportunity to forcefully kiss the Holy Emperor, and let me feast my eyes?"

"Get lost." Lin Chao kicked Lao Huangtou again.

This time, Lao Huangtou did not dodge.

Seven days later, the Holy Emperor led the imperial expedition, and the ministers and people of the entire city saw her off.

Lin Chao also requested two months of leave, saying he was going home for a trip.

No one cared about a small person like Lin Chao; everyone's eyes were focused on the Holy Emperor leading the imperial expedition.

Taiyi Sect.

Above the high mountains.

Two middle-aged men wearing wide robes were playing a game of chess.

"This time, with the Holy Emperor leading the imperial expedition, we can judge the Holy Emperor's strength through the Foreign Lands."

"As long as she is not as strong as Sheng Guang Laozu, then the great cause can be accomplished."

The middle-aged man revealed a smile.

They were two Innates of the Taiyi Sect; even when the Great Xing was still around, they remained high above, sitting on the clouds, looking down upon the world.

"Should we write a letter to tell the others to waylay and kill... her on the way back?" one of the middle-aged men spoke up.

"Not yet." The other middle-aged man placed a piece. "This might also be a trap set for us by the Saint Emperor."

"Hmm, once we know the Saint Emperor's strength, we can then strike to kill in one blow."

"By then, the world will belong entirely to our Taiyi Sect."

Nan'er Sea.

Lin Chao sat atop a high mountain, draped in a coir raincoat.

"Three Foreign Lands powerhouses comparable to the Innate Realm?"

He had arrived at the Nan'er Sea ten days ago and had long since investigated the strength of the Foreign Lands powerhouses within the Nan'er Sea.

"Foreign Lands... they are truly not human, more like... vampires?

Are there other Supernatural paths?"

The path taken by the Foreign Lands was clearly not the Qi-Blood Martial Dao.

What they worshipped was also not an Innate God, but an Abyss Prince.

This caught Lin Chao quite by surprise.

"Innate God, Abyss Prince; the Water in this world is very deep."

Lin Chao let out a sigh.

"This time, Yusu is likely in no danger.

But why did she come to the Nan'er Sea?"

Lin Chao did not understand.

Originally, Yusu had many means to deal with the Foreign Lands.

Yet she chose to lead the imperial expedition in person; although victory would win her much popular support.

But sometimes, popular support cannot be used.

Moreover, popular support is the easiest thing to change.

In the upper echelons, if the wind direction changes slightly and public opinion is guided, a villain can become a Saint, and a Saint can become a heinous evildoer; such things are all possible.

"Perhaps she has her own plans."

Everyone has their own thoughts.

Yusu is also no longer the delicate woman she once was.

Lying on a large tree and using a homemade Telescope, Lin Chao was happy to receive the news.

A few days later, many soldiers appeared in the great mountains.

They marched quickly, and some were still saying a few things.

The general meaning was that the Saint Emperor would arrive soon.

Two days later, without warning, a sword Qi descended from the sky, and the Water on the entire surface of the Nan'er Sea churned.

Instantly, five or six iron ships sank.

The one who struck was none other than the Saint Emperor Yusu.

She was alone with her Spear and horse, appearing by herself on the surface of the Nan'er Sea.

Today's battles were a contest of high-end combat power.

As for the Ordinary soldiers, they were merely there for stability and to be responsible for clearing the battlefield.

The great battle was on the verge of breaking out.

At this moment, three Foreign Lands powerhouses comparable to the Innate Realm flew out from the iron ships, their strength incomparably formidable.

A great battle thus raised its curtain.

The three Foreign Lands powerhouses of the Innate Realm, in terms of strength, were not considered strong among Innates.

However, the three of them combined were comparable to the strength of a Tiance General and an Ordinary Innate combined.

Yet, even so, Yusu fighting three Innates alone still held the absolute upper hand.

Atop the high mountain, Lin Chao watched this battle, his gaze calm.

The once delicate woman had become a peerless powerhouse.

However, even though Yusu remained in the upper hand, Lin Chao watched until the end of the battle to prevent any accidents from occurring.

In the end, the three Foreign Lands powerhouses were one dead and two injured, and the Saint Emperor Yusu won a powerful victory.

The dozens of Foreign Lands ships were all completely destroyed.

At this moment, Yusu in the air seemed to sense something, and she looked up toward the high mountain.

Lin Chao withdrew his gaze.

"Her perception is this strong?"

This made Lin Chao slightly surprised.

He sighed and vanished.

In the deep forest of the high mountain, only a few whispered words remained.

"The green mountains cannot be summoned; who pities you in your frustration?"

It was unknown who he was talking about.

On the Nan'er Sea, Xu Xiaojing had a look of joy: "Sister Yusu is truly too strong.

When will I be able to have such strength?"

Xu Xiaojing's talent for martial arts is very ordinary, one might even say poor.

Yusu smiled lightly: "Let us return to the capital."

"Very well."

……

When departing, the subjects of the entire city saw her off.

When returning, the subjects of the entire city welcomed her back.

The entire Kyoto was filled with joy and exceptionally lively.

This time, only three thousand of the Imperial Guard Battalion accompanied the Holy Emperor on the expedition.

Beneath the towering city walls, one could see fine horses walking slowly, the soldiers wearing battle armor, their faces full of majesty.

Yusu was dressed in red armor, walking at the very front; her body was straight, carrying the majesty and nobility belonging to an emperor, and deep within her eyes, there was a sense of indifference.

On both sides of the ancient road, the common people all bowed their heads.

Lin Chao looked at Yusu wearing the red armor, and a line of poetry could not help but come to his mind.

The capital is filled with crowns and carriages, yet this person alone is haggard.

He found he understood Yusu less and less now.

……

Inside the Taiyi Sect.

Two middle-aged men had smiles on their faces.

"If we join forces, we should be able to suppress the Holy Emperor by a notch."

This time, they had once again judged the Holy Emperor's strength, and they also breathed a sigh of relief.

"It is time to contact other old friends."

……

Within Kyoto, a storm was about to arrive.

Even though Lin Chao resided in Weiyang Palace, he could feel the situation in Jingcheng becoming complicated.

Winter arrived, and a heavy snowfall covered the streets of Kyoto.

The cold wind was desolate; Lao Huangtou fell ill, and once ill, he could not rise again.

Lin Chao went to visit Lao Huangtou and saw him lying on the bed, weak and powerless.

"Cough, cough..." Lao Huangtou coughed once, "People, even if they become Innate, still cannot live past a hundred years.

Why struggle so much? It is better to enjoy life while one can."

Lin Chao sighed.

Lao Huangtou's lifespan was nearing its end.

Even though he had prepared some medicinal prescriptions for Lao Huangtou, Lao Huangtou had only extended his time a little.

"This is because you went to brothels too much." Lin Chao did not spare Lao Huangtou's feelings, "Your essence and energy were consumed too much."

"Haha." Lao Huangtou laughed loudly, but as soon as he laughed, he kept coughing.

"Zhuang Meng, you wouldn't be a virgin, would you?"

"Get lost." Lin Chao subconsciously raised his foot.

It was a pity that Lao Huangtou was lying on the bed, and he could not kick him as he had in the past.

"Don't pine for the Holy Emperor; find a good girl." Lao Huangtou panted for breath.

"You don't understand." Lin Chao shook his head.

"It's a pity that before I die, I won't be able to see you win over the Holy Emperor.

In the Holy Emperor's heart, she probably doesn't have you, this busybody.

How about this, just do as I say and go forcibly kiss the Empress; perhaps... haha."

Seeming to have thought of some happy scene, Lao Huangtou kept laughing non-stop.

"You should rest your body well."

Lin Chao sighed.

"Zhuang Meng, I beg you for one thing... cough, cough."

"Lao Huang, I know; I will help your descendants."

Lin Chao looked at this old friend from the past, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

As a Longevity Being, one has to experience such things many times.

After all, in this world, the lifespan of ordinary people is very short.

Because of the existence of Innate Gods, their lifespans can hardly exceed a hundred years.

Innate Gods...

Indeed, Innate Gods have Imprisoned this world, preventing the living beings of this world from walking the Immortal Path, and preventing the living beings of this world from attaining great freedom.

"Thank you." Lao Huangtou received the answer and was satisfied.

No matter what, Chang Sheng Sanren was a Refining Strength expert.

And, he was still very young.

Lin Chao met Lao Huangtou's children and left the courtyard.

Heavy snow fell on his shoulders, and Lin Chao's heart was lonely.

Whether it was the time of Xiang Long or Feng Yan, he had never truly spent much time in the rolling red dust.

His old friends also mostly had lifespans of a thousand or ten thousand years; it was hard for him to feel this sense of an old friend departing to the west.

At this moment, he walked in Kyoto, looked up at the sky, and the heavy snow fell in flurries; before long, Lin Chao's hair had turned white.

Perhaps, if the Innate God were not here, this world would become different.

However... for a Longevity Being, it remains a kind of loneliness.

"At this moment, as I share the falling snow with the people of this world, it can be considered growing old together in this life."

Inside the imperial palace, heavy snow was falling; Yusu wore a long, red silk dress trailing on the ground, with a ribbon tied around her waist, accentuating her well-proportioned figure.

White snow landed on her shoulders, and also on her hair.

Before long, her head was somewhat white.

Xu Xiaojing was to the side, lost in memories: "My uncle, I reckon he died in that place."

The Jinyi Division is powerful and permeates every corner.

Finding a martial artist, logically speaking, should not be very difficult.

Regrettably, there is absolutely no trace of Xu Ling to be found.

It is as if this person has vanished.

Yusu chuckled: "Xu Ye, he is not so easy to kill.

A person as cautious as him, I reckon even if we died, he would still be alive."

Yusu is very familiar with Xu Ling, and she also understands how Xu Ling acts.

Xu Ling also preached many codes of conduct to them.

To summarize, it is one word: 'cautious', or two words: 'steady and prudent'.

"That's true." Xu Xiaojing turned to the side, "Sister Yusu, are you still not looking for a husband?

Could it be that the throne of this Holy Dynasty will really be passed to a new Sacred Maiden?"

Yusu did not speak.

She has never chosen a new Sacred Maiden.

"Let it be up to fate." Yusu replied casually.

In the current imperial court, there are quite a few voices.

Some ministers petition for Yusu to marry and give birth to an heir to inherit the Holy Dynasty.

Other ministers want Yusu to confirm a new Sacred Maiden to prevent instability in the state.

"In this Kyoto, those who admire Sister Yusu could line up from the west of the city to the east.

Among them, those more Excellent than my uncle are probably countless.

Sister Yusu, are you really not going to choose one?"

"You," Yusu laughed, "If I really chose one, you would definitely hold a grudge for your uncle and ignore me for months."

"Not at all." Xu Xiaojing began, then she thought of something, "I heard that the Chang Sheng Sanren of Weiyang Palace also admires Sister Yusu quite a bit.

A few years ago, when Sister went on a personal expedition, Chang Sheng Sanren even specifically took leave; I reckon it was out of worry for Sister.

Yet, he is merely at the Refining Strength realm, worrying about an Innate.

It is truly sigh-inducing.

There are many people who think of Sister, but few are as infatuated as this.

If my uncle had even a fraction of the goodness of Chang Sheng Sanren, then everything would be fine, and Sister Yusu wouldn't have to be alone."

Xu Xiaojing said, her voice carrying a hint of regret.

Such an infatuated person is indeed rare.

"Chang Sheng Sanren?" Yusu was slightly stunned.

She had spent some time with Chang Sheng Sanren and had not perceived any admiration from him toward her.

"Perhaps it is just a rumor." Yusu did not think about it further.

PS: This book will absolutely not have a tragic ending; just read it as a power fantasy.

The current helplessness is at most just a matter of strength.

Finally, let me reveal a bit of information: what is Spirituality?

Why do some living beings have spirit, while others do not?

Thanks to 【1030610607】 for the tip, thank you.

(End of this chapter)