Chapter 155: Your Majesty, Your Son Is Dead

Li Guanyi thought he would fall when he stepped onto the second platform.

But he did not.

Li Guanyi's second step was equally steady.

Step by step upward, the white clouds before him layered and parted, swirling and rolling; beside his ears he heard the bronze ding's resonant howl. Li Guanyi did not know how far he had walked—looking down, all was blurred, only clouds and rosy mist; looking up, the jade steps and the throne at their summit remained distant.

Li Guanyi simply walked slowly upward.

Until he saw a blank, flat expanse ahead.

The steps here ended.

But Li Guanyi saw that directly opposite him on this flat ground, jade steps continued climbing upward—the clouds and mist parted, and as he stepped here, he clearly recognized what this place was.

Similar to the place where he had first stepped up.

But here, the four spirit statues were gone; in their place stood four, no, five stone pillars, each carved with the patterns of dragon, tiger, phoenix, tortoise, and Fire Qilin—exquisitely ornate, lifelike and animated, as if they would leap free at any moment.

Suddenly, the stone pillar bearing the Bai Hu pattern shook violently.

Hummm!

"This is…"

A flicker of instinct rose in Li Guanyi's mind.

He reached out and slowly pressed his palm against the stone pillar bearing the Bai Hu pattern—the pillar bore inscriptions in Chinese characters; Li Guanyi read them slowly, syllable by syllable:

"West, Geng Xin metal, hexagram Dui."

The large seal script on the pillar suddenly shattered.

Stone fragments flew; golden light emerged from the characters.

Finally forming a line of golden large seal script, then the gold split open in all directions, slowly collapsing—the boy's voice was calm:

"It is an evil deity of the year, dwelling always in the four pillars after the year."

"Its name: Bai Hu."

Boom!!!

The stone pillar collapsed completely; alongside the roar of a tiger, a pure golden pillar appeared before Li Guanyi—empty within, yet Li Guanyi seemed to understand something—he narrowed his eyes, and his consciousness returned to his physical body.

He exhaled, then stepped quickly into the chamber.

In the most hidden corner, he gazed at the all-dark-gold Tiger Roaring Heaven Battle Spear.

The bronze ding's hum continued unceasingly.

"Could it be…"

Li Guanyi reached out, his five fingers closing around the divine weapon.

The golden pillar on the second level of his bronze ding shimmered and shifted, spreading from his palm to swiftly envelop the divine weapon—next instant, the weapon, so heavy, so sharp, so enormous, impossible to conceal, vanished before Li Guanyi's eyes.

In the second level of Li Guanyi's bronze ding.

Where the golden pillar had been, the divine weapon now appeared.

Hovering slowly, the roar of Bai Hu never ceased.

Li Guanyi's consciousness returned to this flat ground, gazing at the divine weapon beneath the pillar, his eyes widening slightly: "This is…"

"A divine weapon of the Bai Hu line, can be absorbed into the bronze ding?"

"And can be nurtured within the ding?"

Li Guanyi immediately grasped the utility of this new ability.

He spent an hour understanding the bronze ding's transformation—it could contain divine weapons, such as the Tiger Roaring Heaven Battle Spear, which had no place to hide, now could be absorbed directly into the ding for nurturing.

And when needed, the weapon appeared instantly in his hand.

Originally, he would punch, then flip his wrist.

The spear would manifest directly, lashing out with explosive power.

Moreover, even while nurtured within the bronze ding, the divine weapon was not inert—Li Guanyi gripped a bamboo stick, and from within the ding, the divine weapon howled; threads of icy killing aura coiled around the bamboo stick.

Li Guanyi flicked his wrist and thrust—the bamboo rod, though nothing more, carried the roar of a tiger's killing aura.

It could even bear internal qi infusion without immediately shattering.

Though it could not match the many strange abilities of Li Guanyi's Han Shuang Ji.

But this was already absurd.

Li Guanyi gripped his Han Shuang Ji and shook it sharply—the weapon now bore faint ink-black killing aura, growing heavier by a fraction, acquiring a trace of the Tiger Roaring Heaven Battle Spear's traits—its center of gravity and length now better suited Li Guanyi's current state.

Holding this superior-grade weapon, Li Guanyi felt as if he held a divine weapon.

"Bai Hu Jian Bing…"

"So this is why it has such ability?"

Li Guanyi had wanted to test whether other objects could be absorbed.

For example, gold and silver.

Stolen goods.

For example, steamed buns.

But the bronze ding was picky.

It seemed to accept only divine-grade objects bearing the imprint of its corresponding spirit form.

Superior-grade weapons elicited no response.

Steamed buns shattered outright, as if offended.

Li Guanyi gazed at the divine weapon slowly floating within the Bai Hu pillar, then turned to the other four pillars, thoughtful: "Could it be that five divine weapons can be contained later? Bai Hu corresponds to the Tiger Roaring Heaven Battle Spear and Po Yun Zhen Tian Bow."

"What of Chi Long?"

"And Xuan Gui—is it in the Yin Yang Sect?"

These five light pillars form a formation—could it be that I must activate all five to proceed to the next level?

But now, only the Bai Hu pillar responds. Is it because my realm is insufficient? Or because the Bai Hu manifestation has evolved the most? Or perhaps, since I lack divine weapons corresponding to the other manifestations, these stone pillars remain unresponsive?

Li Guanyi pondered deeply.

He saw the steps over there floating, unstable.

There was a beauty to it—like stepping on them would kill you.

So he withdrew his gaze.

Li Guanyi stared at the light pillar before him and the divine weapon nurtured within, his heart filled with both shock and joy.

The new ability unlocked by the bronze cauldron nearly elevated his stealth and ambush capabilities another tier—like when ambushing Chen Yuyun, he no longer needed to unleash his full limit; he could wait until the moment fists and feet met, then summon the divine weapon.

Stab them dead in one strike.

Li Guanyi wielding the divine weapon, the Tiger Roaring Heaven Halberd, unleashing all its power.

Compared to Li Guanyi in unarmed state, his destructive and lethal power were on entirely different levels.

Even a master of sword Dao who could condense Qi into blades.

Having a divine weapon in hand, and not having one—these are two entirely different matters.

If Simu Deqing held that divine weapon, the Shadow-Carrying Sword, Li Guanyi's ultimate move, the Overlord's Final Cut, fueled by Fire Qilin's full power, might not have severed him in one strike. The Shadow-Carrying Sword, even if it was a divine weapon, could not be cleaved through by the halberd in a battle of this caliber.

But walking out into a pitch-black rainy night, carrying such a massive halberd.

He'd likely be stopped by Yamen Runners after just a few steps.

Such a long heavy weapon is contraband.

Heroes of the Jianghu carry only swords and knives, at most a staff.

Why not use halberds? Is it because they dislike them?

Of course, all the states are watching.

By the time the states are helpless, they rarely need the advantages of long weapons.

Later, when traveling the world, he could carry the divine weapon with him without being noticed.

But where would he find the remaining divine weapons?

Li Guanyi stared at the remaining stone pillars and felt his purse emit a mournful cry of being drained dry; then he glanced at the floating Bai Yu steps, clenched his teeth, stepped into the Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Step Method, instantly accelerated, and leapt upward.

Li Guanyi stepped onto the Bai Yu steps.

The Bai Yu steps scattered.

Li Guanyi fell.

The boy rubbed his forehead, opened his eyes, and found himself back in the Xue family. He muttered, "Of course it's unstable," yet felt no frustration or resentment; he opened his palm, golden light flowed, his hand grew heavy, and the Tiger Roaring Heaven Halberd fell into his grasp.

Then, with a flick of his wrist, the halberd vanished.

Li Guanyi mused—this could become a Wu Gong, a surprise attack technique.

Like the Buddhist monk's cassock art, for instance.

Make the opponent unaware of how or where you'll strike.

To achieve victory over the enemy.

Li Guanyi finally stored away the divine weapon. After returning from the Seven Kings' banquet, he visited the Xue family again to discuss the Western Trade Guild with Xue Lao—this matter was no longer a secret in the Ducheng of Chen, and Chen and the Tujue were currently in a peace period, which the Chen Emperor welcomed.

Li Guanyi tossed all the stolen goods—including the crossbow—directly to Po Jun.

Po Jun casually took them and said, "Master, rest assured."

"These things you picked up—leave them to me to handle."

The young man smiled, handsome and gentle: "It'll be clean."

Li Guanyi nodded.

He realized Po Jun was an all-rounder reserve talent—aside from not being particularly strong in combat, he could do anything.

Po Jun asked Li Guanyi his height and shoulder width; when Li Guanyi asked why, Po Jun replied nonchalantly, "I asked the Seven Kings for a gift on your behalf, but upon arriving here, I found you younger than I expected."

"This 'gift' needs minor adjustments."

"To fit properly."

Po Jun smiled and nodded. The general-grade Tie Futu armor he brought was standard-sized; although Li Guanyi's physique was powerful enough to wear it, the armor was still too large for him and required slight modifications.

General-grade armor was made of material capable of channeling internal Qi.

It didn't rely solely on the armor's inherent defense.

It was a Qi-enhancing full-body armor, bearing traces of ancient shamanic rituals from the grasslands—relatively light, not stifling in summer, not freezing in winter, capable of resisting piercing attacks and blunt-force impacts.

Even a sorcerer's Lei Ting flames or a volley of crossbow bolts struggled to penetrate.

This set of armor, even for the Seventh Prince who is currently the rising star on the grasslands.

Would make even the Seven Kings, currently dominating the grasslands, twitch an eyelid and ache for days.

Po Jun smiled: "When that time comes, Master, you'll understand the weight of this gift. While I journey to Ying, let this gift protect you." He lifted his gaze slightly, his purple-tinged ink-black eyes sweeping the corner—no Bai Mao in sight.

Po Jun felt a faint regret, a slight curl lifting his lips.

A top-tier general's heavy armor.

A Western trade route.

Capable of discussing the grand tide of the world, maneuvering with brilliance; capable of preparing assassinations, clean and efficient.

Planning strategies before killing, providing time, observing stars, forecasting rain, cleaning up, disposing of stolen goods—nothing beyond his reach.

When Master seeks to conquer, I advise; when Master kills, I hand him the blade.

Yao Guang, oh Yao Guang.

What do you have to fight me with?

What do you have, to fight me with!

Po Jun's lips curled slightly; he tilted his chin upward, hands clasped behind his back, radiant and composed as he departed.

"He seems to be in good spirits."

Li Guanyi thought, then prepared for tomorrow's contest, breathing calmly as always, setting out early with Xue Lao for the arena—today's match, open to the people, far livelier than the previous days.

Southerners, Central Plains folk, Central Asian courtesans, steppe travelers, martial artists, noble families.

Li Guanyi still carried only an ordinary weapon.

He then joined Ye Buyi, Zhou Liu, and others, his face showing no sign of unease, chatting freely about today's fight; Ye Buyi and Zhou Liu worried for Li Guanyi, for his opponent was Geshu Yin, over ten years his senior and battle-hardened—not an ordinary man.

"I wonder who will win between Yuwen Hua and Chen Yuyun."

"No need to ask—it's definitely Yuwen Hua."

"Even if Chen Yuyun has a Grandmaster as his teacher, he cannot surpass Yuwen Hua, who is twenty-three. Moreover, while Yu Jin Bing Ge Qu Zai Shi is immensely powerful, his Yin-Yang Sword-Dagger art is unmatched in the martial world; yet Yuwen Lie, the Fifth Strongest Under Heaven, who shattered cities and toppled nations, is no less formidable."

"Even Yu Jin Bing Ge Qu Zai Shi may not defeat General Yuwen's Heavy Spear and Dominant Blade."

The crowd debated passionately.

Until Ye Buyi spoke: "Chen Yuyun will win."

The crowd fell silent, all turning to Ye Buyi.

Zhou Liu said: "Are you still dreaming, Old Ye?"

"How's he going to fight Yuwen Hua with his head?"

Ye Buyi said: "He can't win—but this is Chen."

"So what if it's Chen…"

Zhou Liu seemed to realize something, his face turning ashen as if he'd swallowed a fly, and fell silent.

Ye Buyi said: "The states have just entered a period of truce; the first victory in the Grand Sacrifice must belong to one of our great Chen. Since Yuwen Hua and Chen Yuyun are the first match, and if Geshu Yin defeats Brother Li, will the final match of Chen's Grand Sacrifice be fought by a foreigner?"

"He dares not gamble on who wins the second match."

"He dares not gamble on what the Turks might do—so Yuwen Hua will definitely lose."

Ye Buyi said: "This isn't a contest—it's interstate diplomacy."

"The highest form of warfare is to outwit the enemy; the next is to break their alliances."

"This is also a battlefield."

The young Gold Guard youths fell silent.

This was a gap in vision: these young Gold Guards were brave and loyal, young officers destined to ride as warriors on the battlefield—but Ye Buyi's perspective was clearly higher; he possessed the talent of a commander.

Zhou Liu punched the wall, cursing:

"Why does everything good always fall to that sneaky bastard?"

"He's got such damn luck!"

"Damn it, didn't he know he was guaranteed to win? Why hasn't he shown up yet?"

Everyone looked—Chen Yuyun was nowhere to be seen, while Geshu Yin had already arrived and greeted Li Guanyi. Half an hour passed, and Yuwen Hua was ready to ascend the stage; the Emperor frowned slightly, feeling a trace of displeasure toward his son.

But he could not give the impression that Chen Yuyun was arrogant and haughty.

He could not let Yuwen Hua wait too long.

So he glanced at the Grand Eunuch, who nodded slightly, stepped forward, and ordered the drummers to strike—the sound thundered across the arena, silencing all murmurs. The Grand Eunuch said: "The Emperor has an edict."

All fell silent. In that instant, whether martial heroes, commoners, noble families, or foreign dignitaries, all bowed their heads in quiet. The Chen Emperor felt, in this moment, as if all things lay within his grasp.

He nodded slightly.

The Grand Eunuch spoke—he had attained the Third Heaven realm through pills, his voice carrying far: "The Emperor decrees—"

"I, bearing Heaven's Mandate, govern the state and manage affairs."

"With virtue befitting Heaven, with benevolence nurturing the people, I dare not slacken."

"Now, the Xue family has a daughter, named Shuangtao, wise since childhood, virtuous and talented, deeply cherished by me."

"As it is said: Govern the state by virtue, uphold the realm by ritual—"

After a long, elaborate eulogy, the Grand Eunuch took a breath and said: "Bestow the title of County Princess, with special additional honorific: address her as Princess, title Yunmeng."

"Princess Yunmeng, Xue Shuangtao."

All were stunned. Though no fief or stipend was granted, the title of Princess alone was immensely prestigious—though wielding no power or office, even high officials must bow to her upon meeting.

Beyond the surprised laughter of gossips, those involved wore no pleasant expressions: Consort Xue's face darkened slightly; she pressed her hand over her startled niece, smiling brightly, yet her eyes were shocked.

Dantai Xian's pupils flashed with sharpness.

The Emperor caught this change.

The Chancellor lowered his gaze. For any minister's or noble's daughter, being granted the title of Princess meant either a marriage alliance or entry into the imperial family. Dantai Xian said coolly: "Brother Xue, allow me to offer my congratulations."

Xue Daoyong smiled: "What's there to congratulate?"

Beneath Xue Daoyong's eyes, a storm churned.

He had never wanted Xue Shuangtao drawn into this chaotic world, never wanted her turned into a pawn to balance him—so after her father left, he protected her by his side. The Emperor's move had now crossed the tiger's bottom line.

For both Xue Daoyong and Dantai Xian knew the Emperor's intent.

He intended to marry Xue Shuangtao to his illegitimate son.

A wave of bitterness rose in Xue Daoyong's heart.

Otherwise, just cut him down.

Xue Shuangtao was no fool; she understood. Her face paled. Without thinking, she glanced toward the boy—Li Guanyi, gripping his halberd, raised his head and saw the fear in the Young Lady's eyes. The boy reached out and touched the ribbon tied to his shoulder.

His face showed a look that calmed Xue Shuangtao.

The girl grew still.

Yuwen Hua didn't care about any of this. He stood on the arena, gripping his Heavy Spear, and shouted: "Where is he?!"

"Why hasn't he shown up yet?"

Where did you disappear to?

The crowd began whispering; the Emperor frowned and ordered the Grand Eunuch to find him. Moments later, a murmur erupted from outside, then grew into chaos. Chen Huang frowned and said, "What kind of decorum is this?"

Let him in.

The City Commandant of Jiangzhou and the Grand Eunuch burst in.

Chen Huang sipped his tea calmly and asked, "Chen Yuyun—have you found him?"

The Grand Eunuch turned ashen and knelt, pounding his head on the ground:

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."

He wanted to say much—about the corpse, the gruesome death—but finally his lips trembled and he only said:

"Your Majesty... Chen Yuyun... is dead."

Chen Huang, mid-sip, froze instantly.

Ripples surged in the teacup.

"What?!"