Chapter 935: Sunbathing Together

The reverberations of the altar lecture lingered long, and the news that Qingming now commanded twenty thousand Foundation Establishment cultivators spread instantly, leaving surrounding nations utterly stunned.

The morale boost from the Dharma assembly for Qingming surpassed all expectations; countless commoners saw their own futures reflected in the unprecedented number of Foundation Establishment cultivators, and Wei Yuan gradually gained another million or so strands of fortune energy.

Only half a month had passed since the altar lecture, and Wei Yuan was watching with Yu Zhizhuo as a massive teleportation array was completed. They watched as the final ten-thousand-jin array stone, carried by over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators, was carefully placed at the array’s center.

As the array activated, a faint glow appeared at its center, radiating a familiar, intense energy. Yu Zhizhuo finally exhaled in relief. Wei Yuan, inhaling the scent, perked up and said, “Correct! This is the Wasteland Realm!”

Yu Zhizhuo, however, remained uneasy. “Shouldn’t we confirm the landing point? What if we appear right beside the Heavenly Witch?”

Wei Yuan replied, “That wouldn’t be a problem—as long as we’re in the Wasteland Realm. A single Heavenly Witch is unlikely to dare confront me now.”

“Still, be careful. What if they panic and lash out?”

Wei Yuan nodded readily. “I’ll bring the Yin Bomb.”

Yu Zhizhuo understood the importance of opening the passage to the Wasteland Realm and ceased his objections, merely urging Wei Yuan to carry as many powerful magic treasures as possible.

As they discussed this, a servant flew in at full speed, calling from afar: “Lord of the Realm! The Western Jin imperial decree has arrived!”

Western Jin imperial decree?

Wei Yuan, puzzled, flew to the border city where the imperial envoy waited. Moments later, he entered the inn and saw an old acquaintance: Zhao Tong.

The powerful eunuch was plump and pale-skinned, his complexion so smooth he looked years younger. Upon seeing Wei Yuan, he scurried forward with tiny steps and bowed deeply to the ground. “Congratulations, Lord Wei! Heartfelt felicitations, Lord Wei!”

Wei Yuan laughed heartily and slipped a thick stack of Qingyuan silver into Zhao Tong’s sleeve, then asked, “What’s the occasion?”

Zhao Tong gestured to two young eunuchs with rosy lips and white teeth, took the imperial decree from their hands, and said, “This—this is the good news.”

Zhao Tong then unfurled the decree and announced, “Wei Yuan, receive the decree!”

Wei Yuan merely bowed, not kneeling, and replied, “Your servant is present.”

The two young eunuchs kept their eyes lowered, staring at their noses, then their hearts, refusing to glance anywhere else.

Zhao Tong ignored Wei Yuan entirely and read aloud: “...Wei Yuan has long guarded the frontier, repeatedly repelling foreign tribes and upholding the glory of Great Jin!... Hence, by imperial decree, Wei Yuan is hereby elevated to Prince of Wei, granted the Nine Honors, and permitted to wear his sword and shoes in court, and to be addressed without his name...”

Even Wei Yuan’s composure faltered. He quickly asked, “But isn’t the title Prince of Wei already held? By that prince—the one with the ‘Ji’ in his name?”

Zhao Tong smiled. “He’s been renamed Prince of Chen.”

Wei Yuan hurriedly said, “I cannot accept a princely title—it’s an overreach! A marquisate would be more than enough. I’ve accomplished nothing; how could I deserve a noble title?”

Zhao Tong squeezed the thickness of the Qingyuan silver in his sleeve and gave the two young eunuchs a glance. They immediately stepped outside and closed the door with thoughtful care.

Zhao Tong whispered, “The Sacred King’s meaning is this: though his lifespan has been extended, his end still draws near. When that time comes, the fate of Western Jin will rest on you as its anchor. When the moment is right, you must come to the capital—the matter of the crown prince still requires your counsel.”

Wei Yuan was stunned again. “I am merely an outsider. How could I possibly meddle in the succession struggle?”

Zhao Tong smiled. “Times have changed! In this situation, without your presence, no heir can be chosen.”

Wei Yuan stared, speechless. How had they invited him into the succession struggle? This was absurd!

Wei Yuan firmly refused again.

Zhao Tong beamed like a blooming flower. “I knew you’d understand the ritual of thrice declining, thrice yielding. Very well—I’ll make several more trips.”

Wei Yuan slipped another stack of Qingyuan silver into Zhao Tong’s sleeve. “No need to come again—I truly cannot accept this! Besides, Prince Ying and Prince Cheng are already managing affairs. Why me?”

Zhao Tong pushed the silver back. “Those earlier gifts were already too much. I took them intending to distribute them in the palace, so everyone remembers your kindness and owes you favor. But these? Far too much. I am not a greedy man—I cannot accept them.”

Wei Yuan tried to press the silver on him several more times, but Zhao Tong steadfastly refused. Wei Yuan finally gave up.

Zhao Tong’s expression turned solemn. He cleared his throat. “There is another message for you.”