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墨書 Inktalez
"What! Celestial Master, you are going back to the mountain already?!" Zhao Gou plopped back onto the dragon throne, his white face filled with despair. He was almost in tears: "Please, Celestial Master, stay by my side. Ever since you arrived, I have been able to sleep soundly every night. It's only been a few days, and now you want to leave? What will I do if you go?"
The more Zhao Gou thought about it, the more sorrowful he became. Ignoring his image, he began to cry loudly in front of the eunuchs and palace maids, tears and snot streaming down his face, making Li Hong feel pity.
Though impatient, Li Hong had no choice but to muster his spirits and comfort him: "Don't worry, I will draw some Talisman for you. As long as you hang them at the Palace entrance, you'll be safe! My talismans are not something ordinary practitioners can compare to."
Hearing that Li Hong would give him a talisman made Zhao Gou feel a little better, but he continued to wipe his tears: "But I'm still worried! You don't know how ruthless the Jin people are. They have sent assassins multiple times. Thanks to my ancestors' blessings, I have survived until today, but their malicious schemes are endless! Just a few days ago, my good Celestial Master nephew Xuan'er said that Demon Guo Jing is an agent sent by the Jin people, and that my Elder Brother fell victim to their treachery and was captured. Just think, what if they send a group of demons even more powerful than Demon Guo Jing to assassinate me? Please, you must stay by my side!" The more he spoke, the more frightened he became, suddenly jumping up and swiftly lunging towards Li Hong.
Before Li Hong could react, he found Zhao Gou clinging tightly to his leg, shaking uncontrollably and crying out: "If you're leaving, take me with you! I have no children or family; there’s nothing left for me in the Nation. Take me with you to the immortal mountain for cultivation! Please, Celestial Master, I'm really tired of living in fear!" Tears and snot smeared all over Li Hong's elder crane cloak.
Looking at the sticky mess on his clothes made Li Hong feel nauseous. However, seeing Zhao Gou's terrified expression with bulging eyes, he had no choice but to pry his hands away and gently comfort him: "Your Majesty doesn't need to be afraid. Once we return to the mountain, I will report to Master. His abilities are beyond what I can describe. There will definitely be a plan in place for how to act, and someone will send word to you."
Though still sobbing loudly, Zhao Gou dared not cling to Li Hong's leg anymore; instead, he held onto Li Hong's robe like a child refusing to let go.
At a loss for words, Li Hong frequently signaled for Chuxuan to help out.
Chuxuan, watching silently from the side, actually did not want to return to the mountain. He wanted to stay and assist the weak Uncle Emperor. Over these past few days, the way Uncle Emperor treated him was like a biological son; it was an affection he had never felt from his own father. The previously inconspicuous Ninth Prince had shown him kindness that was hard to describe. Zhao Gou had even mentioned several times wanting to make him the Crown Prince, which he firmly declined. Although he didn't care about the title of emperor or the nation itself, this showed that Zhao Gou genuinely cared for him. For this reason alone, Chuxuan wanted to stay and lend a helping hand. So he pretended not to see Li Hong's signals and remained silent.
Unable to hold back any longer, Li Hong called out through thought transmission: "Old Eight, quickly help persuade him! Are you really planning on becoming some kind of useless Crown Prince, abandoning cultivation and not returning to the mountain?!"
With a sigh of resignation, Chuxuan stepped forward and advised: "Uncle Emperor, please don’t be like this. When I return home, I will definitely persuade my master to send someone else here. Besides, there’s also the protective Spirit Talisman drawn by my senior brother. You should rest assured; good news will come in due time."
Hearing this from Chuxuan, Zhao Gou realized that things were beyond his control and reluctantly released his grip on Li Hong's robe.
Quickly stepping back two paces, as flames flickered around him for a moment, all of Zhao Gou's snotty mess was instantly burned away. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief. However, thinking about what Chuxuan had said made him frown again. Sending someone to protect Zhao Gou? Now that they were taking advantage of the winter truce with the Demon Sect, if fighting broke out again, who would be available to protect him? What he had just said was quite tactful; however, what Chuxuan said essentially guaranteed it for Zhao Gou.
Watching as flames erupted around Li Hong, only for them to extinguish in an instant made Zhao Gou marvel at his skills once again. With a mournful tone he said: "Xuan'er, when the time comes you must tell the immortal master that I don’t want anyone else; I just want Chu Hongzi, the National Protector. to protect me."
"Alright." Chuxuan readily agreed and added, "I will definitely report back to Master and find a way to send someone to Five Nations City to rescue the Empress Dowager and the Empress. Uncle Emperor, you can rest assured."
Zhao Gou finally showed a hint of joy, but then his gaze shifted to Li Hong.
Li Hong understood his intention; he wanted him to quickly draw talismans for protection! He had no choice but to take out the talisman paper and Spell Pen. After thinking for a moment, in front of Chuxuan, he drew an Exorcism Talisman, Town-Protection Talismans, Cure Talismans, and Golden Protective Talisman. Three of each, infusing them with Awareness on the spot.
A faint Azure Light flashed across the talismans, and the Vermilion patterns on the twelve talismans seemed to come alive, sparkling with a glimmering jade light. Even ordinary people could feel a refreshing and comfortable spiritual energy emanating from the talismans.
These four types of Spirit Talismans were all low-level Spirit Talismans specifically designed for ordinary people. Li Hong affixed one Exorcism Talisman and one Town-Protection Talisman each onto Zhao Gou's sleeping quarters at Funing Palace and the Imperial Hall where he usually held meetings. He also placed one on the doorframe of Clear Swallow Hall where Zhao Gou often feasted. Finally, he personally pinned a Golden Protective Talisman onto Zhao Gou's lapel and advised him, "This Spirit Talisman should be worn close to your body; it's best not to part with it. Remember." He then handed Zhao Gou the three Cure Talismans: "If you fall ill, burn one talisman and drink it with wine; you will recover. Actually, you have already consumed our celestial wine; these three talismans are just for backup in case someone else needs them."
Zhao Gou nodded eagerly like a chick pecking at rice, determined to keep the Golden Protective Talisman close until Celestial Master returned. As for the three Cure Talismans, he couldn't bear to give them away and immediately ordered Little Yellow Gate to bring a small purple sandalwood box to store them safely, keeping them tightly tucked within his Dragon Robe for constant access.
This was personally drawn by Chu Hongzi, the National Protector; it could be considered a national treasure!
After completing these tasks, Li Hong turned to Chuxuan and said, "It's about time; let's set off!"
Zhao Gou shouted, "Wait! I still have something to say!" He looked at Chuxuan, his eyes filled with affection that anyone could see. Chuxuan felt deeply moved and reluctant. After a long pause, Zhao Gou slowly said, "Xuan'er, although I am afraid, your well-being is also very important. You must practice diligently; perhaps one day our Zhao Family will truly produce an immortal admired by all! My cultivation is not as significant compared to yours."
Tears shimmered in his eyes as Zhao Gou finally said softly, "Take care." He slowly walked into the Inner Chamber, and as the crystal curtain fell, a long sigh echoed from within.
Chuxuan's eyes were moist; he felt a deep sense of reluctance.
"Let's go," Li Hong urged.
Moments later, two beams of red light shot out of the palace and disappeared into the blue sky.
Inner Chamber
Zhao Gou knew they had left, and the look of sorrow on his face disappeared, replaced by deep contemplation.
In recent days, he had been using familial affection to sway Chuxuan, binding him with emotional ties. The final act was particularly masterful; thinking about it made Zhao Gou quite pleased with himself. As long as he could move Chuxuan, he could have him plead on his behalf to the Immortal Mountain. At that point, the throne would be completely secure. The pitiful Elder Brother in Five Nations City, what difference would it make if he were alive? He was probably lamenting in some dungeon now; even if the Jin allowed him to return, by then Zhao Gou's throne would be stable—would he dare to compete with him? Winning over Chuxuan had other significant benefits as well. Not to mention immortality, at the very least, he could live a carefree life as an emperor under the protection of Chuxuan and his National Guardian Masters for many years. As for the position of Crown Prince, a sinister smile appeared on Zhao Gou's face; Chuxuan was not at all interested in this broken Nation. He understood better than anyone else.
Unfortunately... Zhao Gou stroked his chin with three long whiskers. Unfortunately, Chu Hongzi, the National Protector, only promised to find a spiritual medicine for his strange ailment after returning to the mountain. Life still lacked certain pleasures... He hoped Chuxuan would quickly persuade his master to send Chu Hongzi back soon and bring along the spiritual medicine. After all, Xuan was a member of the Zhao Family; he should have the eloquence and ability for this.
To be an emperor requires not only adaptability but also the ability to endure what others cannot at critical moments. Throughout history, which emperor could compare to me, Zhao Gou?
He recalled how the Crown Prince and Third Prince were both favored by their father, while he dared not even breathe in their presence. But fortune comes unbidden; aside from himself, they were all captured by the Jin. In the end, this Dragon Robe was draped over him. Four years—four years of wandering and fleeing for his life; now it should be time to enjoy a good life.
Zhao Gou smiled at this thought, feeling quite pleased, contrasting sharply with his earlier desperate pleas while clinging to Li Hong's leg.
********
Li Hong and Chuxuan flew northward. Since Chuxuan had not reached Golden Core Stage and could not use Skyward Technique, they traveled by sword flight at a slower pace. Fortunately, Chuxuan's cultivation was decent at present, so their speed was not too slow. After flying for two hours, they finally saw the Yellow River below like a yellow ribbon.
Seeing the Yellow River made Li Hong's heart stir; he wondered how Yue Fei was doing now.
During this mission to Lin'an, he had no results from the investigation entrusted by his master but had incurred a great deal of promises to Zhao Gou. However, one gratifying outcome was that Qin Hui had been dismissed from his position as Right Chancellor and sent back to his hometown. From now on, there should be no one opposing Yue Fei.
This could be considered a significant success for this trip! Li Hong couldn't help but chuckle.
********
Upon returning to Nine Li Sect, Chuxuan immediately reported Zhao Gou's request truthfully to Spirit Stone and presented various reasons, asking Spirit Stone to send either himself or any elder from the sect to assist the Song Dynasty.
Spirit Stone sneered, "Old Eight, you can't really believe that your emperor uncle is a wise ruler, can you? Let's not even discuss that. You know the current situation of the Nine Li Sect; we are at war with the Demon Sect and have no extra manpower to spare."
Seeing Chuxuan still pleading desperately, he immediately grew impatient and waved his hand, saying, "No need to say more; I have already decided not to get involved. This trip to Lin'an has proven that the Demon Sect Monster did not have any hidden support from the golden man, nor did they turn the soldiers of the Song Dynasty into Walking Corpses! What else do you want? Do you really want to return to the Song Dynasty as your emperor uncle's Crown Prince?" He sneered, "That's up to you! However, our Nine Li Sect has long had Rules of the Sect, and if that's the case, it will inevitably take back all your cultivation! Hmph, think carefully about it!"
Chuxuan fell silent, no longer daring to mention protecting Zhao Gou, but privately, he still earnestly pleaded with Li Hong, hoping that Li Hong could fulfill his promise and at least resolve Zhao Gou's strange illness.
If Zhao Gou knew, he would certainly realize that his emotional appeal had worked.
Li Hong, unable to shake off his persistence, had no choice but to go to Heavenly Pill Hall to find Elder Yao.
Just as he landed outside Heavenly Pill Hall, he saw two graceful figures walking out together. It was Chu Xi and Chu Yan.
Li Hong's gaze briefly shifted from Chu Yan before settling on Chu Xi. After half a month apart, Chu Xi had slimmed down considerably and looked more slender. The breeze carrying the scent of medicine brushed past her, making her willow-like figure seem as if it could float away at any moment. Even the captivating Zhao Feiyan, who could dance in one's palm, could not compare to Chu Xi's elegance at this moment.
The two locked eyes in silence. Neither could look away, yet neither spoke first.
Seeing this scene, Chu Yan let out a quiet sigh and turned away silently to leave first.
How much longer would these two continue to be awkward?
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