Chapter 145: Da Fei

Waiting for Yu Lin to leave Gui Mountain.

Gui Mountain has already collapsed halfway.

Of course, there is also a round bead in his hand.

Qiong Qi "voluntarily" compensates with fifty years of lifespan.

Ten years are returned to Da Yu, the remaining forty years are kept for him to use the Human Defeats Heaven Ring in any future emergencies.

Dragon Lord, seeing Yu Lin go to reprimand Qiong Qi himself, is very displeased, saying he lacks a sense of loyalty.

Originally it intended to continue beating Qiong Qi, but upon hearing Yu Lin say that Qiong Qi doesn't know where he ran to hide and heal, it abandoned the thought.

It will beat him again when the chance arises.

Da Yu lay on the bed for three days before waking, got up on the fourteenth day, and a month later was vigorous again; the damaged bodily foundation, under Dragon Lord's intervention, recovered about seventy to eighty percent.

Afterward, with gradual convalescence, he healed completely.

It seems this is one of the tribulations on Da Yu's path to becoming emperor; fail to cross and die, succeed and the road ahead opens.

As for Yu Lin's method of strengthening Si Linghua........

He forged a set of bronze armor for Si Linghua, pre‑imbuing it with Witchcraft before use; normally the armor can autonomously absorb Qi through its Rune.

After wearing it, not to mention other benefits, its defense alone suffices to repel attacks from the Night‑Roaming Realm.

Moreover, as Si Linghua's Witchcraft grows stronger, she can further enhance the armor by using Witchcraft, raising its limit.

It can be considered a very suitable way for Si Linghua to become stronger.

Since then, two years passed peacefully without any incident.

Until today.

A few uninvited guests arrived from the Esteemed Tribe.

The central meeting hall.

Over more than two years, the once tall and thin Da Yu now, though still somewhat different from the emperor‑like figure Yu Lin first saw and a bit lacking in aura, has become physically robust.

Especially having shed the youthful naivety, his features have become as sharp as a knife cut, truly resembling a tribal chief.

Seated upright on the main seat, his gaze falls upon the person ahead:

"What business do you have, coming to the Esteemed Tribe?"

There are four in total.

Three are behind, one in front, evidently the front one is the leader.

The leader is about twenty years old, wearing a simple hemp robe, a rustic jade pendant hanging at his waist; most striking are his amber eyes, with a flicker of fire deep in the pupils, his gaze exuding wisdom beyond his years.

"My name is Da Fei."

"I've met Elder Chong."

Da Fei's looks aren't particularly handsome; his jet‑black long hair is loosely tied with a grass rope, a few strands falling over his forehead, adding a touch of unruliness.

Yu Lin, sitting nearby, heard this and his gaze fell upon him.

Da Fei later became Yi, who was granted the name "Yi" by Emperor Shun for his flood‑control merits, and can also be called Bo Yi, with Bo being a rank.

Da Yu is also recorded in the histories as Bo Yu.

This time, it should be that Emperor Shun is sending Da Yu to manage the floods.

Sure enough.

Da Fei continued: "The emperor previously considered you were still young, so he temporarily set aside the flood‑control task."

"Now about three years have passed, and I think you have learned enough."

"Therefore he specifically sent me to assist you with flood control."

"I have not only studied flood‑control knowledge, but also excel at taming birds and beasts, and am well‑versed in terrain; these few are also adept at flood control."

"Moreover, the emperor wants you and me to go to the You Yu Clan; he intends to appoint you to the position of Minister of Works, so that no petty troublemakers defy your authority..........."

He did not continue, but Da Yu already understood Emperor Shun's intention.

He immediately rose and bowed to Da Fei: "I see."

"Then thank you, Brother Da Fei."

"When shall we go to the You Yu Clan?"

Da Fei helped Da Yu to his feet, laughing: "Tomorrow then; we have been traveling for several days and are truly exhausted."

"Rest for a night to recover strength."

"Fine." Da Yu nodded, and immediately ordered people to take Da Fei and the others to rest.

He then came before Yu Lin and asked Yu Lin: "Yu Lin."

"Will you go with me to manage the floods?"

"I won't," Yu Lin shook his head, smiling: "Flood control is your business."

"Of course, when difficulties arise, you can come find me."

"I will give you a hint."

Seeing his refusal.

Da Yu also did not press the matter, after all Yu Lin had already helped him so much, and the road ahead truly belongs to him.

He nodded: "Alright."

"Then wait for my good news!"

"Hmm." Yu Lin did not continue, but turned and walked toward the outside.

His figure flashed and vanished.

Da Yu does not know where he went, but Da Yu knows what he must do next.

The next morning.

He led several water‑controlling experts from the clan along with Da Fei and others toward the You Yu Clan.

Of course, Si Linghua was also included.

Sunlight poured onto the center of the You Yu Clan's village, making the stone path before the council hall shine.

A few children chased each other past, their laughter echoing in the air.

Inside the council hall, Emperor Shun sat upright on the main seat.

He was wearing a plain hemp robe today, and his double pupils glimmered with profound light.

An official was reporting on farming matters when footsteps at the doorway abruptly interrupted him.

"Your Majesty, Da Fei has arrived with You Chong Bo," the guard bowed and reported:

"Shall we present them now?"

Emperor Shun gave a slight nod, "Allow them to enter."

"Understood."

The guard turned and left.

A moment later, Da Yu and Da Fei stepped into the hall side by side.

Sunlight slanted through the doorway, perfectly illuminating Da Yu's upright figure.

He had specially put on a brand‑new hemp garment today, with a bone token at his waist signifying his status as leader of the You Chong Clan.

"You Chong Bo Si Wen Ming, I pay my respects to the Emperor," Da Yu bowed cleanly and his voice was steady and strong.

Regarding Emperor Shun.

The one who executed his father, Da Yu felt no resentment.

At least he did not involve the You Chong Clan, retained his title, and was willing to send a Grand Witch to teach him witchcraft.

He even said that Da Yu should still feel gratitude toward him?

Emperor Shun did not know what Da Yu thought, but waved his hand, "Wen Ming, come to me."

"Yes."

Da Yu did not know what he wanted, so he stepped forward to stand before him, bowed, and, seeing the Emperor place a hand on his shoulder, spoke:

"Wen Ming, do you resent me for executing your father?"

"...... No, I do not resent."

"Why?"

"Having done wrong, one must be punished; moreover, you have been more than generous to our You Chong Clan."

Da Yu and he met each other's gaze, open and frank, with no deceit in their eyes.

Emperor Shun did not answer immediately, but after looking at him for a long time, burst into laughter, "Hahaha."

"Very good, very good."

"Wen Ming, remember, a ruler should be like the earth bearing all things, valuing people without bias of closeness; assign roles according to ability, not judging right and wrong by favor or grievance."

"Your father's water works were ineffective, wasting countless people's labor, and he stole the Heavenly Emperor's Self‑Expanding Soil; I executed him for the sake of all living under heaven."

"Now I employ you for the same reason."

Emperor Shun pointed toward the busy clan members outside the window:

"See the old farmer in the fields; he does not abandon tillage because of last year's drought and flood. See the hunter in the woods; he does not discard his bow because of a past miss. The way of water control is the same—past mistakes serve as lessons for later generations."

"Today I grant you the position of Minister of Works, not because you are Gun's son, but because I trust you can manage water."

"May you save our Human Race from flood disasters!"

Da Yu looked at this man who bore no imperial aura, yet seemed like an older brother gently instructing the emperor, and said in a deep voice:

"Wen Ming, I will not disappoint your great expectations!"