Chapter 461

Within the Nine Provinces Cauldron, qi surged and roared, heavy as gold; the jade nectar had somehow gathered to fullness, then erupted forth.

In the past, Li Guanyi had drawn upon this jade nectar's power, refining it into his own body to break through his cultivation and realm.

In days past, the jade nectar had been clear as radiant light, ethereal as a celestial treasure.

But this time, the change differed from before—the jade nectar was no longer the clear brilliance born of absorbing powerful beings, but thick, vast, immense; the divine aura of the cauldron's body was no longer the regal majesty of an emperor, but instead brimmed with profound weight, grandeur, and boundless depth.

As if the stars and constellations aligned, the mountains and rivers in all their myriad forms—could one foresee that if, at this moment, one drew in this immense tide, absorbed this divine aura, and swallowed whole the spirit of countless lives across ten thousand li of land?

It would be enough to take another step forward!

Having just reached the peak of the Ninth Heaven, one could now leap forward another great stride!

One could even, on the peak path of the Ninth Heaven, match the six decades of arduous cultivation of other Grand Masters.

Yet at this moment, Li Guanyi did not lower his gaze to inwardly observe his heart, nor did he subjectively control or guide the Nine Provinces Cauldron's transformation with his will.

He merely gazed straight ahead, quietly observing.

He let the Nine Provinces Cauldron change naturally amid this vast, overwhelming tide of fortune, as the blazing divine aura that had surged skyward now crashed back down.

Across the vast ten-thousand-li realm, a million armored soldiers, alongside countless cities and common people, chanted in unison—their human fortune coalesced into a roaring flame that clustered around the Nine Provinces Cauldron.

In the past, Li Guanyi had always drawn feedback from the Nine Provinces Cauldron—but now, the Nine Provinces Cauldron drew its transformation from him, from his deeds.

The once dimmed, ancient, weathered Nine Provinces Cauldron, having endured too many long years, gradually transformed in this process.

It was infused with new possibilities by a heart's resolve far exceeding that of emperors and generals.

Heaven and earth are a forge.

My heart is fire.

Cast off the old, forge the new!

Cast anew—the Nine Provinces Cauldron!

BOOM!!!

Upon the Nine Provinces Cauldron, divine light shifted and transformed, growing ever more magnificent; after the distant legend, someone had finally reforged the Nine Provinces Cauldron once more.

The king, clad in black robes, hair bound with a jade pin, set down his wine bowl.

This enfeoffment ceremony ended in a way that stirred the four directions—the restless morale of the Fire Qilin Army, stirred by consecutive victories, was calmed; the carefully plotted schemes of the Chen and Ying envoys—to corrupt Qin Wang as they had corrupted countless heroes—were utterly severed by the most decisive and most tyrannical means.

How could heroes of the world be bound by such methods?

The Changfeng Lady spread word of all that had transpired today throughout the world.

General Fan Qing placed great weight on this—

The power of public opinion and momentum was immense.

If the Fire Qilin Army did not control this power itself, it would surely be seized by Chen and Ying, then turned against the Fire Qilin Army.

Thus, across the vast world, in an instant, public opinion erupted: within Qin Wang's domain, soldiers and civilians were united, naturally holding him in profound reverence; but within Chen and Ying, they spared no effort to smear Qin Wang, shaping his image as one who disdained education, defied ritual law, and acted with utter caprice.

Yet all heroes of the world knew Qin Wang's terror, Qin Wang's candor.

Precisely because they knew, they had to do this.

Nan Hanwen had carried this matter in his heart almost immediately after the enfeoffment ceremony; he sprinted back to the Chen envoy's quarters, tripped over the threshold in his haste, his scholar's headpiece askew, yet still staggered forward, delivering the news to Chen at the highest urgency and speed, writing in his secret letter to Chen Dingye with trembling strokes:

【You must, you must control Qin Wang's image among the people and state.】

【His deeds, his words, must not, should not, cannot be known by the people—at least not fully known.】

【Otherwise…】

Nan Hanwen thought of what he had seen today—Qin Wang's bearing and demeanor—he was not a man who blended with the world, not one who won everyone's favor.

Some hated him; some revered him.

The aged and corrupt of the world would despise Qin Wang as they despised their father's killer; but the young of the world—or at least those whose hearts still remained young, whose blood still burned—upon hearing this, seeing this, how could they not be stirred to passion, rushing forward like moths to flame?

Nan Hanwen held his brush, ink-saturated tip pressed to the paper; black ink bloomed across the white sheet—but here, he could write no further.

Qin Wang's words echoed again in his ears.

Has it always been this way since ancient times—does that make it right?

Mr. Nan Hanwen, do you not wish to open a new precedent for the world?

Mr. Nan Hanwen…

Tap-tap-tap!

Nan Hanwen seemed to wrench himself free from a nightmare, stepping back two paces, gasping for breath, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead unawares; these words, when first heard, meant nothing—but now their weight grew heavier, fiercer, especially after witnessing Qin Wang's enfeoffment ceremony, his three vows, three arrows offered to heaven and earth, his declaration that old rites and laws must die—those words' weight grew ever greater, ever brighter, nearly shattering his decades of life.

It was Nan Hanwen's last shred of reason that made him finish the letter, writing the final line.

【Otherwise, how many of our nation's elites, how many of its talented youths, will change their hearts, betray their loyalty, turn disloyal, cease to honor the sovereign's rites and laws—and even defect to Qin Wang!!!】

【Beware! Beware!!!】

He finally wrote this line, flung the brush aside.

His deputy, who had not attended the enfeoffment ceremony but had been urgently arranging craftsmen to enter the Eighteen Southern Provinces to build a lavish, opulent "royal palace" in hopes of corrupting Qin Wang, stared in shock upon reading this letter—especially the phrase "defect to Qin Wang"—hesitated long, unable to grasp its depth, then respectfully asked Nan Hanwen:

"My lord, I recognize Qin Wang's grandeur—but can such things truly influence our nation's scholars and youth? Is that not exaggerated?"

Nan Hanwen sighed: "Not exaggerated at all."

The deputy frowned: "But how can you be so certain it will have such power?"

Nan Hanwen fell silent for a long while.

Because I am that way.

The sigh in his heart—such words could not be spoken aloud; he only said: "Caution is never wrong."

"Qin Wang gains the people's hearts through benevolence—if he wins the hearts of the world's great talents with such ambition and vow, how will he ever fight?"

Xiao Shaohui fell silent, then said: "But if Qin Wang truly possesses such boldness and grandeur, will building him a palace truly help? Can it truly corrode the heroic fire in his heart? I now fear he may merely be luring us to use our Great Chen's gold, silver, and craftsmen to build him a palace—calling it a palace, yet intending to use it for something else."

Xiao Shaohui was, after all, a young elite official entrusted with an external post.

His mind was sharp, quick to turn—he was finally beginning to grasp the implications.

Nan Hanwen was no longer guessing—he was certain. Someone who could display such grandeur at the coronation ceremony would never easily succumb to beauty and luxury. By common logic, he should have returned to Chen already; staying here was merely wasting gold, silver, time, and occupying Chen's craftsmen. Yet Nan Hanwen pondered long.

Perhaps the secret letter he had written today to Chen Dingye had stirred in this old Chen minister a faint, unwarranted sense of guilt toward the Qin Wang.

Perhaps he wished to chat with the Qin Wang again.

Perhaps because, back in Chen, the Emperor had only ever treated him as a useful pawn—his majesty solemn, inscrutable, never speaking openly of heaven and future as the Qin Wang did.

Perhaps even such an old bone, such a white-haired relic,

still wished to see that vast dream.

Nan Hanwen fell silent for a long while, then, against his conscience, said:

"But now, the world has just ceased its wars; the states are recovering. We could not defeat the Qin Wang on the battlefield. Yet the tide of fate will surely turn him into an enemy someday. In such a situation, even if corrupting him with gold and silver, building him a palace to drown him in luxury, the chance of success is slim—we must still try."

His voice paused, then added: "Even if the possibility is minuscule."

"Is it not still greater than the chance of defeating him in open battle, amidst a million troops?"

Nan Hanwen successfully persuaded Xiao Shaohui.

Xiao Shaohui thought for a moment, then praised: "Older Lord, you truly see clearly!"

Nan Hanwen said: "How about this? Build the entire imperial residence to the largest, most extravagant scale possible—make it large enough to hold five thousand, even eight thousand people, and construct a tower taller than the Star-Touching Pavilion, so that it becomes the most luxurious, most magnificent structure within the Qin Wang's domain. How could the Qin Wang refuse to reside there? Even if he dislikes luxury, as a sovereign, he will still move in."

"Once he moves in, how can we not expect him to indulge in luxury?"

"Human desire is like a boulder rolling down a mountain—once it starts, it cannot stop."

"Take ancient rulers: with ivory chopsticks, they demanded fine cuisine; with fine cuisine, they required better utensils; with such utensils and cuisine, how could they lack splendid robes and vast palaces? Step by step, they slide into ruin."

The Ministry of Works official, Xiao Shaohui, listened with eyes gleaming.

"Brilliant! Brilliant! Utterly brilliant!"

"Master Nan, you are truly a genius!"

Nan Hanwen had once served under Dan Tai Xianming for twenty years. Though never among his innermost confidants, unaware of the Chancellor's actual ties to Ying and his many schemes, he had absorbed Dan Tai Xianming's ways by osmosis. Now, as he spoke, his face remained calm. Only after Xiao Shaohui left did he realize what he had just said.

Given the Qin Wang's character, how could he possibly care whether this was the most extravagant mansion in all of Jiangnan?

He would never be so narrow-minded!

Nan Hanwen closed his eyes and murmured: "I am still a loyal minister of Great Chen. Yes, still a loyal minister of Great Chen."

"I have not favored the Qin Wang. Not at all!"

"I remain here only because… because…"

"I merely need to observe the Qin Wang a little longer."

"And because I feel a faint guilt toward His Majesty of Chen, so I wish to offer the Qin Wang a small compensation."

"Just a small one."

Nan Hanwen slowly exhaled, opened his eyes, and a righteous aura surged around him!

Nan Hanwen.

Had deceived himself again!

After the coronation ceremony ended, everyone wondered where the Qin Wang would go. But logically, one might assume he would host grand banquets, music, and dancing. Yet he surpassed all expectations: Li Guanyi did not entertain officials or scholars, nor did he indulge in luxury.

Within the Murong family compound.

The Qin Wang, who bore the titles: Mighty Wind, Sword and Boots on the Palace Floor, Entering Court Without Hastening, Revered Without Name, Commander of All Troops, Great Marshal of the Red Emperor, Supreme General of the Heavenly Strategy, Grand Commander of the Southwest, Sovereign of the Thirty-Six Khans of the Western Regions, Lord of Jiangnan, Tian Kehan—was suddenly seized, and two pale hands kneaded his cheeks as if he were a domestic cat.

"Oh oh oh, Qin Wang!"

"I have three regrets—three wishes unfulfilled!"

Murong Qiushui, in a light blue robe, pinched and squeezed the young Qin Wang's cheeks, the noble prince utterly powerless. Beside her, a silver-haired girl nibbled on pastries.

Murong Qiushui pinched Li Guanyi's cheeks and said: "Ah, who would have thought? Little Cat, you've spoken with such grandeur—you've grown up."

"What would you like to eat today? Auntie will cook it herself."

Li Guanyi said: "Cook some porridge, stir-fry two dishes of greens, and… make some braised pork?"

He smiled: "When I was working the fields, an old man mentioned it—sounded delicious. Made me hungry."

Murong Qiushui smiled sweetly: "Good, good, Auntie will make it. But since it's autumn, ducks and geese are plump—go buy half a roasted goose." Her voice paused, then she carefully counted the guests: "No, buy a whole one. Too many people. Half a goose won't even make a proper dish."

Li Guanyi asked: "Are there many people for lunch today?"

Murong Qiushui poked Li Guanyi's cheek with a finger, then recited his full titles in one breath:

"Forget the rest—just these people, our tables won't hold them all."

Li Guanyi could only laugh helplessly: "Alright, alright, one whole roasted goose. I'll buy some vegetables and cold dishes too."

Murong Qiushui smiled: "Go, go."

"Auntie will cook porridge. Your great-grandfather and Master Zhenkui have gone fishing together—they've agreed not to use Wu Gong or martial legends."

"Last time, Master Siming couldn't catch a fish, so he sent his Black Tortoise Manifestation into the water—pretended to be a real turtle and caught them all. He beat your great-grandfather and Master Zhenkui, and they were furious."

"This time, we won't let Master Siming join."

"Who knows what they'll catch? Small fish for broth, small crabs and shrimp for stir-fry or deep-fry—all good with meals."

"But twice before, they both caught nothing and had to eat plain rice. If you're uneasy, buy extra."

Murong Qiushui smiled as she adjusted Li Guanyi's collar, then reached out as she used to when he was a boy running errands—wanting to ruffle his hair with affection. But as her hand moved, she realized she could no longer reach.

Li Guanyi had fully grown—a boy of eighteen or nineteen, with high martial skill and battlefield experience. Now, she had to tiptoe just to touch his head. She sighed inwardly, her heart filled with complex, bittersweet warmth.

She thought to herself:

Li Guanyi is the Qin Wang now.

Murong Qiushui's hand paused, about to withdraw—but the boy naturally lowered his head, letting her palm rest atop his hair.

Murong Qiushui froze, then burst into laughter.

No longer holding back, she shoved her hand into his hair, tousling it completely. Li Guanyi sighed helplessly, muttered about having to fix his hair before going out, and let her do as she pleased. He rose, smoothed his hair, and strolled off leisurely. Murong Qiushui watched him go, smiling—his shoulders broader, his frame taller, his features fully opened, now carrying a fierce, lingering aura.

Long since renowned across the world, gazing down upon all four corners.

Murong Qiushui watched the boy walk away step by step, then suddenly laughed: "What Qin Wang!"

"He's clearly still my adorable, well-behaved little kitty!"

But she didn't know why.

Her mood had become especially good.

………

Li Guanyi had no need to worry about being recognized when buying things—he had his own methods. How could a Master of the Nine Reaches Sect worry about such a thing? The silver-haired girl strolled lazily behind Li Guanyi, who also happened to notice Nangong Wumeng hiding nervously in the grass outside the Murong residence, doing something suspicious.

Li Guanyi pondered. Li Guanyi was deep in thought.

Li Guanyi reached out and touched Nangong Wumeng's back, then grabbed her with one swift motion.

Nangong Wumeng stiffened all over, like a cat whose fur had bristled, nearly screaming—until she saw it was Li Guanyi, then exhaled in relief. She knew she'd been caught hiding here, and her face had already flushed red with embarrassment, yet she still wore an expression of defiant confidence, saying:

"Y-you're gonna do what?! I—I was just taking a stroll, admiring the scenery! I didn't come here on purpose, and I certainly didn't come to see you, you!"

Nangong Wumeng realized she'd spoken wrongly, her voice cutting off abruptly, her face burning red.

Nangong Wumeng wanted to run away.

Nangong Wumeng looked at Li Guanyi.

Nangong Wumeng had successfully suppressed her instinct!

Li Guanyi smiled: "Come if you want—it's no big deal. But I do have one thing I need you to help me with."

Nangong Wumeng froze, puzzled: "What?"

………………

Moments later.

The East Market of the Eighteen Prefectures of Jiangnan.

Nangong Wumeng stood before a stall, watching the vendor boast that his roasted goose was the best in the world, that even the Qin Wang had eaten it, blah blah blah. Nangong Wumeng turned her head stiffly, glancing at Li Guanyi beside her—his eyes shining like stars, looking at her as if she were a savior. Her resolve to refuse grew weaker and weaker.

Damn it, you shameless bastard!

This girl doesn't understand any of this!

Nangong Wumeng stared at the roasted geese, then casually pointed with a finger: "That one."

And of course, she picked the best one.

Li Guanyi had occasionally discovered Nangong Wumeng's special ability: when buying fruit or similar items, there was no need to worry about rotten fruit or unripe ones—just bring Nangong Wumeng along, and every problem vanished. Even if she grabbed randomly, she always picked the tastiest from the pile, making Li Guanyi's teeth itch with envy.

Being strong? Being strong is useless.

Nangong Wumeng was the kind who, even without reaching the top tier of martial prowess, could live with absolute ease.

Li Guanyi's Black Tortoise Manifestation had the innate ability to detect treasures—but one day, after seeing Nangong Wumeng's Manifestation, his tiny green eyes widened several degrees.

What the hell? What's this? A Pixiu?

What the hell? What's this? A Golden Toad?

What the hell? This is Golden Sunstone!

What the hell? Is this a Treasure-Collecting Basin?

Are you the goddess from the God of Wealth's household, descended to earth?

Li Guanyi's Black Tortoise Manifestation was experiencing a shattered Dao heart.

Tears were about to well up.

Li Guanyi strolled leisurely alongside Nangong Wumeng, watching her haggle with the vendor. The Qin Wang, who had just been crushed in price negotiations moments ago, stood here like a raw recruit, utterly helpless.

He sensed the Nine Tripods subtly shifting.

Li Guanyi felt that the path represented by the Nine Tripods had split into two.

One remained as before—the imperial aura of unifying the Four Seas. The other path was the ebb and flow of the people's will.

One resides in the ruler, the other in the people.

Li Guanyi's spirit surged within it, faintly prying open the new divine resonance of the Nine Tripods. His spirit merged faintly with the Nine Tripods, utterly unlike his previous sensations.

As he pried it open, a thread of energy flowed out—and in an instant, two figures appeared beside him, both pressing their palms onto his shoulders. Li Guanyi opened his eyes to see the Whale Fisher and his Great Grandfather, both still carrying their fishing gear, their expressions sharp and stern.

The energy flowed, isolating them from others.

The Whale Fisher nearly laughed in fury, his temple veins throbbing:

"Wu Gong Legendary Qi!"

"Kid, you're serious? You think your life's too long?"

"Last time fighting Jiang Su was bad enough—now what? You go buy a roasted goose and risk your life to draw out Yu Langwang's Qi to trigger Wu Gong Legendary State?!"

Li Guanyi slowly lifted his head, eyes filled with confusion:

"But I didn't trigger anything."

The Whale Fisher sneered: "You did it, and now you're lying here? If you didn't trigger it, you mean you did it all by yourself?"

"Hahahaha!"

The Whale Fisher, momentarily enraged by worry, burst into laughter—then his brain finally caught up to his mouth, as if his own tongue had just choked him.

His laughter cut off abruptly. He finally realized something.

The Whale Fisher couldn't laugh anymore.

The laughter faded slowly.

His eyes grew glassy. He tried to suppress the thought—but it kept surging up from deep within his heart.

Wu Gong Legendary Qi… by himself?

Ha… ha…

Joke, right? Impossible!

Wu Gong Legendary Qi… under eighteen?

The youngest martial legend, the Whale Fisher, stared fixedly at Li Guanyi, as if gazing at a human monster.

Elder Murong, however, looked at Li Guanyi with calm warmth and delight, speaking those words effortlessly, without the slightest hesitation:

"You… broke through?"

?? Please vote for monthly tickets, friends~