Chapter 13: The Life of This Lifetime (3)

At that moment, Huo Guang’s eyes lit up. Entering the Immortal Sect?

“Eighteen years old? They’re coming to take me to the Immortal Sect?” Yan Chuan frowned.

“Yes,” Liu Jin answered with certainty.

“Your Highness, you are someone with a destiny tied to the immortals. If you ever have the chance, you must find the real culprit and avenge the old emperor!” Liu Jin’s eyes reddened with emotion.

“I will,” Yan Chuan nodded firmly.

“If my father has already entered the Immortal Sect, why would he not strengthen Great Yan? A powerful Yan might not be any worse than staying in the Immortal Sect,” Yan Chuan asked in confusion.

“Huh?” Liu Jin was momentarily stunned.

So was Huo Guang.

“Your Highness, though the nation is vast, it is nothing compared to the Immortal Sects. If an Immortal Sect wished to destroy a country, it would be all too easy. No matter how powerful Great Yan becomes, it would make no difference. I’ve never heard of any nation being able to stand against an Immortal Sect,” Liu Jin said, his tone odd.

“Oh?” Yan Chuan’s expression shifted slightly.

In his previous life, Yan Chuan had been an emperor. Under his rule, save for a few great sacred grounds, he hardly spared a thought for the smaller Immortal Sects. What had changed? Had nations become the weaker side? Had the world turned upside down?

Yan Chuan decided not to press further—Liu Jin was a mortal, after all, and could not know too much.

“In that case, keep this Fasting Pill for the time being. And these eight banners—take them apart, extract the white silk, and have it rewoven into cloth,” Yan Chuan instructed.

“Yes!” Liu Jin responded at once.

From their conversation, Yan Chuan had already judged that Liu Jin was at least someone trustworthy.

“What is your current cultivation?” Yan Chuan asked.

“This old servant is slow-witted and has just reached the fourth level of the Strength Realm,” Liu Jin replied, abashed.

“Slow-witted? No matter. With enough resources, anyone can become strong. In the future, cultivate diligently,” Yan Chuan said in a serious tone.

“Yes!” Liu Jin answered immediately.

Turning, Yan Chuan looked toward Huo Guang.

“Huo Guang, I witnessed your loyalty earlier. Introduce yourself,” Yan Chuan said.

At this moment, Huo Guang’s heart burned with excitement. The resentment of his past frustrations melted away.

“Yes, sir. I am Huo Guang, descendant of a founding hero of Great Yan. Sadly, now I am the only one left, inheriting the title of ‘Marquis of the God of War.’ I once fought on the front lines, but seven years ago, I was assigned to form the ‘Royal Guard’ to protect Your Highness. I was transferred here and placed in command of the Royal Guard, answering only to you and ignoring all other military orders,” Huo Guang stated solemnly.

“Seven years ago? Transferred here? Did you resent it?” Yan Chuan asked with a faint smile.

Huo Guang frowned, bit his lip, and after a long breath finally said, “I was exiled here for offending my superiors. At first, I did resent it. But now, I no longer do.”

“Oh? And why is that?” Yan Chuan smiled.

“I believe Your Highness can give me what I seek,” Huo Guang admitted honestly.

“Hahaha! Good, I like your candor. You have shown both loyalty and ability—whatever you deserve, I will not withhold!” Yan Chuan laughed.

“Thank you, Your Highness!” Huo Guang bowed deeply.

“If you remain loyal and capable, I can promise you will receive more than you ever imagined—not just in this mundane world, but I could even lead you into the world of cultivation, to carve out a place for yourself there,” Yan Chuan said solemnly.

With a thud, Huo Guang dropped to one knee.

“Thank you, Your Highness! I will not disappoint you!” Huo Guang said with great emotion.

Entering the world of cultivation—was that truly possible? A surge of excitement filled Huo Guang.

“Now, focus on improving your cultivation. Strive to break through from the Strength Realm to the Essence Realm. Condensing essence energy is the first step into the cultivation world,” Yan Chuan instructed.

“Yes!” Huo Guang replied respectfully.

“The path of cultivation is long. Refine strength into essence, essence into qi, qi into spirit, and so on. Whether striving against heaven or man, it is a long journey with no room for slackness. Any negligence, and all will be lost. Take care,” Yan Chuan said calmly.

“Yes, I will not fail Your Highness’s expectations,” Huo Guang replied solemnly.

“Rise, and tell me about this assassination attempt,” Yan Chuan said lightly.

“Yes!”

At this moment, Huo Guang felt invigorated, as if power surged through every vein.

“Your Highness, the Black Armored soldiers have all been detained. The encampment of the Grand Zheng’s cultivators has been located—about thirty li northeast, atop Mount Cuiyun. They brought ten thousand troops with them, searching for something in all directions,” Huo Guang reported.

“Oh? What kind of people are these cultivators?”

“Cultivators are usually masters at the tenth level of the Strength Realm, having refined some fake essence energy. They can wield certain magical tools, but are unlikely to make further breakthroughs, so they enjoy privileges in various dynasties as honored retainers. Take this Ma, for example—though formidable, he didn’t dare clash with the Royal Guard. With three thousand archers firing simultaneously, he might not have escaped. That’s why, under Zhao Tiande’s lead, they set up the formation to assassinate you in secret,” Huo Guang explained.

“I see.”

“Strangely, he suddenly died for no apparent reason,” Huo Guang added with a hint of puzzlement.

“How many cultivators remain at Mount Cuiyun?” Yan Chuan asked.

“Four remain, including the chief cultivator of Grand Zheng,” Huo Guang responded.

“Oh? If they are all at the tenth level of the Strength Realm, why is he called the chief?” Yan Chuan asked curiously.

“The chief of Grand Zheng? He is accompanied by a demon beast!” Huo Guang replied, frowning.

“A demon beast?” Yan Chuan’s eyes sparkled.

“Yes, a demon beast—a large serpent, they say. Generally, only beasts that have reached the Essence Realm and condensed essence energy are called demon beasts. With such a serpent as a companion, his position as chief is well deserved,” Huo Guang said, somewhat worried.

“A demon beast? Ha!” Yan Chuan’s eyes shone with excitement.

“Your Highness? What do you mean?” Huo Guang looked at Yan Chuan with curiosity.

Yan Chuan smiled faintly. “I feel like eating snake today.”