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墨書 Inktalez
Gu Ping suddenly recalled that farewell morning from last year, when a familiar voice could no longer be heard, and perhaps would never be heard again.
"Can you tell me a secret?" he asked.
He wanted to become an immortal.
Isn't being an immortal good?
Gu Ping thought about it; now there was an opportunity right before him. Just recently, he had accepted his first mission: to secretly deliver a book to Mo Ming Academy. He touched his chest where the book was kept close to him, knowing that this connection could determine his future in the court.
At Mo Ming Academy, scholars yearned for the Holy Land. The Outer Court of the academy was known to be a rare place blessed by immortals. That journey to the academy would be perilous, but it was also an opportunity—a chance to touch the Immortal Path.
Gu Ping knew he could choose not to go on that journey. If he refused, he wouldn’t be favored in the court, but he also wouldn’t have to risk his life or disguise himself like a beggar, hiding in plain sight at his own doorstep, unable to recognize his father.
Sighing deeply, Gu Ping turned down the stone path once more, heading away from home. His father hoped that Gu Ping had already given up; leaving again would mean abandoning his ideals.
Gu Ping understood that he could never truly accept that fate. The desire to become an immortal lingered in his heart and hung between him and another person. He knew this was perhaps his only chance to touch the realm of immortals in this lifetime.
Would he regret it? Gu Ping asked himself, unsure of the answer. All he knew was that if he chose to pursue this path, it would mean entering a struggle for survival.
Years ago, Gu Ping heard someone call his name from a private room in a tavern.
Gu Ping looked up and saw a guard in a Flying Fish Robe pull back the curtain. By now, Gu Ping Ci had already been appointed as a third-rank official of the current dynasty, and he knew that the person in the Private Room was someone significant. Gu Ping entered the Private Room, bowed respectfully, and kept silent. He did not understand what it meant to look at the person before him at that moment, but he knew that this nobleman did not wish to make a fuss.
"Emperor Dong," Gu Ping whispered.
The middle-aged emperor was gazing at the lotus flowers in the pond by the window. The oppressive aura of someone who had long held power made it easy to recognize his identity. "I want you to do something for me. I wonder if you would be willing?"
"Your servant—"
"Don't rush to answer. Let me finish speaking. This task will cost me my life, and it could even turn my aspirations to ashes. If that happens, I will have no bright future left. Whatever I dream of will vanish along with that decision." As he spoke, the Middle-Aged Emperor made a gesture as if blowing away something, appearing quite at ease. His nonchalant demeanor made Gu Ping's heart sink.
"Why me?" Gu Ping asked. He did not inquire about what exactly he was being asked to do but sought a reason.
"You are the most suitable for this."
Gu Ping did not press further. The phrase "most suitable" gave him some insight, but it felt too vague. Where exactly was he suitable?
Gu Ping was very young; he would turn sixteen next year and had just been appointed as an official. He had no faction behind him, coming from a mountain village with no influence. Was there any advantage in that? It seemed unlikely, yet compared to others, he appeared to be the most fitting choice for this task. Gu Ping understood himself well enough, even if only partially; he was acutely aware of that point.
After pondering for a few seconds, Gu Ping fixed his gaze on the emperor and asked, "Give me a reason."
"Mo Ming Academy."
The Middle-Aged Emperor spoke those four words, and they were enough. That was a reason—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even if there was only a one in ten thousand chance, it was enough to drive someone mad. The Mo Ming Academy was one of the few known places where one could cultivate immortal techniques in the Outer Court.
Even if the Outer Court was merely regarded as a place for scholars, it was still considered a Holy Land. Now, Gu Ping had reached a point where he could no longer deny it. He was just a child in a small mountain village, unaware of many things, yet there was a deeper reason for his aspirations. He once believed he would never have the chance to touch the boundaries of immortality, nor would he ever see the girl from next door again. But now, an opportunity lay before him; it was up to him to seize it.
He had already passed the imperial examination, fulfilling his father's wishes and achieving recognition. Yet what about his own dreams? Was it truly just about fame and fortune? At that moment, Gu Ping felt a flush of emotion. What he truly desired was simply to be with the girl from next door, lying in a field of grass, watching the sunset together, leaning against each other without a care in the world, and enjoying a peaceful sleep. That alone was enough. But why did it feel more difficult than passing the exams or holding an official position?
Gu Ping nodded.
He had succeeded; that mission had been pivotal. It represented not only his ideals but also the path he would fight for in life. Nothing could deter him now, not even death.
That moment was solely about him.
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