Zhang Boqian finally understood the longstanding confusion. Why had Lin Xitang’s methods become increasingly radical in recent years, as if his time was running out? And why, whenever there were new policies, did even members of the imperial party often split and attack him? Lin Xitang’s political enemies were not only from the civil service system that he had taken over as the Chief Minister, nor were they just the powerful clans and nobles who traditionally struggled against imperial power. There were also those faded forces that had recovered and wanted to return to the center of power.
A name that seemed omnipresent floated to his mind, and Zhang Boqian slowly said, “The Li family of Jing Tang?”
Emperor Hao, as if unsurprised that Zhang Boqian would mention the Lis, said directly, “None of the old ones will remain. They are obsessed with the Dao tradition, willing to be used by the Longevity King, and have gone to such extreme lengths that they have become possessed.”
“The young ones are your people?” Zhang Boqian sensed the hidden meaning in the words.
“The Great Mechanism School has always been thin on familial ties and sentiment. The Lis treat their family like a sect. In the face of the celestial way, even parents and children can be discarded, a disaster in itself. If some of them want to return to being a normal noble family, I naturally have no reason to refuse.”
Zhang Boqian’s tone suddenly became rather mocking, “Lin Xitang seems to be quite unaware of the Li family’s affairs. Your Majesty has truly managed to keep so much from him, very impressive.”
“Lord Lin has always adhered to the ways of a minister, and mostly avoids the internal affairs of the royal family. Since I made it clear that I do not want him to intervene in the matter of the heir, Lord Lin has listened.”
Zhang Boqian remembered. A few years ago, there was a commotion about establishing an heir at the Unending Palace. At the time, Lin Xitang left the capital to suppress a rebellion in the Western Continent, and could not help but sneer, “Your Majesty is full of wisdom. I wish you success in handling your household matters soon.”
“If I can make it to the end, can King Zhang come to the Lesser Hidden Palace to witness it for me?”
“Yes,” Zhang Boqian answered quickly and straightforwardly, without any consideration for the position of a non-imperial Heavenly King.
Emperor Hao was slightly surprised, then became serious, “Lord Lin cannot use the Great Mechanism techniques within the Pavilion of Celestial Secrets. Similarly, neither divination nor Great Mechanism techniques can touch him. For the next few days, he should stay here.”
“Lin Xitang…” Zhang Boqian did not continue, simply saying, “I’ll stay here. Call me when the time comes.” Before he finished speaking, he had already vanished into the clouds.
When Zhang Boqian reappeared in the Pavilion of Celestial Secrets, Lin Xitang’s first question was, “Is the Emperor confronting the Longevity King head-on?”
Even without the Great Mechanism techniques, Lin Xitang was still unparalleled in his strategic acumen. Just from the meeting between Zhang Boqian and Emperor Hao today, he saw through the essence of the situation.
Zhang Boqian suddenly thought that Lin Xitang’s military strategies were always watertight, far-sighted, and meticulously planned. Even if something went wrong during implementation, there was still a chance for a comeback.
However, the floating land battle had been going on for many days, possibly nearing its end, leaving no room for slow maneuvering. But if Lin Xitang were to leave the Pavilion of Celestial Secrets in his current state, the turbulence of the Great Mechanism due to the opening of the new world and the return of the Dark Holy Mountain could kill him directly.
Zhang Boqian’s hand behind his back tightened involuntarily.
His own military style was extremely fierce, and after each battle, his military achievements were often outstanding, but the ratio of casualties frequently drew criticism. Sacrifice was never a reason for him to shy away from battle. Yet, at this moment, he felt the thin array of origin power in his hand carried a heavy weight.
Seeing that Zhang Boqian did not speak, Lin Xitang did not press further and said, “Has Your Highness met Crown Prince Habsburg of the Flame?”
“There’s nothing special about meeting him on the battlefield. What’s surprising is how he entered the Pavilion of Celestial Secrets.”
“A high-dimensional projection.”
“Does the crowned Dark Prince have such an ability?”
“He is the only blood prince to be crowned in a thousand years, and the Empire has almost no information about him.” Lin Xitang said, “This person is extremely dangerous.”
Such an evaluation coming from Lin Xitang made Zhang Boqian’s expression turn serious.
“Habsburg is the biological son of ‘Flame Witch’ Anidah, but his father’s identity remains unknown. However, when he returned to his clan, he had already reached the rank of Duke, and the ancient blood pool recognized his pure-blood status, so no one could question it. From his return to the clan to seizing the chieftainship, it took him only eight years, and he became the youngest Grand Duke in the Evernight World, universally acknowledged as the greatest genius in the past century. Then, in just thirty years, he rose from Grand Duke to Crown Prince. Such a rapid advancement is unheard of, even among our human race, let alone the dark races.”
Zhang Boqian, deep in thought, said, “During the Tielon Curtain and its duration, you set up two layouts targeting the major figures of the Parliament. You actually wanted to kill him?”
“Yes, look at all the anomalies, yet everyone seems blind to them. Habsburg’s experiences before he returned to his clan for over two hundred years are completely blank, and the attention he has received does not match his genius reputation. His existence is enough to disrupt many balances, but for a long time, both the Evernight Parliament and the vampire clan have remained calm. Especially Maldaraz, known for his narrow-mindedness, has not once clashed with Habsburg in these years.”
Zhang Boqian looked at Lin Xitang and smiled self-deprecatingly, “Lin Xitang, I am a mere commoner, ignorant of the great trends of the world. You don’t need to go around in circles to tell me about the dangers outside. Of course, I know that Habsburg lured me to the capital for his own plans. But… forget it. I’ll find Gu Tohai to check on your condition first, and then we’ll talk about other things. Otherwise, in your current state, what can you do?”
As soon as he finished speaking, the elevator in the middle of the hall started to move, and a stout old man stepped out with a sullen expression.
Zhang Boqian snorted, “It seems the one who knows you best is still the Emperor.”
Gu Tohai’s appearance here at this moment could only mean that he was summoned by Emperor Hao.
Hearing this inexplicable comment, Gu Tohai, although unaware of the background, still strongly agreed, angrily saying, “Risking your life with so many secrets, you deserve to be trapped here. Helping the children of the aristocracy and clans, they may not appreciate it.”
He walked over and placed his hand on Lin Xitang’s wrist. After a moment, his expression relaxed, and he smiled, “Everything is fine. In a couple of days, the accumulated toxins will be completely removed. It was worth staying here for a month.”
It was clear that Gu Tohai was in a good mood, rambling on, “I must say, this time, the Emperor did well. This is how you should deal with someone like you! Although I was scared to the point of palpitations for a long time. But who gave you the White Fruit of the Great Vortex, it was a sheer waste.”
Lin Xitang mused, “A couple of days? The previous medicine…”
“What are you planning to do?” Gu Tohai looked at him warily, “You can’t move now because your body is still processing the medicine. Lay down for another two or three days, and you’ll be done. But if the previous toxins haven’t cleared and you take more, it’s better to drink poison directly.”
Lin Xitang smiled, “No, now I don’t need to reverse the Great Mechanism constantly. I can still protect myself.”
Gu Tohai, stunned, exploded in anger, “So you’re going to add more poison now that you don’t need to resist the backlash! The little emperor treated me like a thief, not letting me know anything. Do you think he’d let me bring something in?”
He glanced at Zhang Boqian, too angry to care about the terrifying pressure of the Green Sun King, and blurted out, “I don’t have that ability, ask the Green Sun King!”
Zhang Boqian turned his head, and Gu Tohai felt a chill run down his spine, sharp as a blade, as Zhang Boqian said calmly but firmly, “Get out.”
At the same time, Zhang Boqian’s hand behind his back clenched, and the array of origin power in his palm completely dissipated, not even leaving a speck of dust.
Gu Tohai, seething with anger, stormed out.
Zhang Boqian looked at Lin Xitang for a while, “Do you want me to do this for you?”
His expression was extremely calm, and his usually sharp eyes now looked profoundly deep.
Lin Xitang hesitated and sighed, “Boqian…”
Zhang Boqian interrupted him, his expression devoid of joy or sorrow, “I’ve always thought that seeking death was your own business. Now, do you want me to send you to your death personally?”
Lin Xitang fell silent.
Zhang Boqian shook his head, “Lin Xitang, I know your sophistry. So, no need to say more. Just answer, yes or no.”
Although he said this, Zhang Boqian did not wait for an answer, pushed open the half-open floor-to-ceiling window, and jumped out.
Gu Tohai had not left and stood in the small square in front of the Pavilion of Celestial Secrets.
He noticed Zhang Boqian approaching and said bluntly, “I lied to you about the forbidden technique maybe working. How dare anyone know the real state of Xitang’s body? Some people create trouble out of nothing, and this time is no different. Xitang has exhausted himself with the secret treasures of the Great Vortex, and now they want him to lead an army in a full-scale war. Clearly, they either want to kill him or exhaust him to death.”
Zhang Boqian did not get angry but said softly, “Sixty years, a lifetime for a common person, right?”
“Bullshit sixty years!” Gu Tohai suddenly cursed, “He can live sixty years if he stays healthy, but with his current behavior, I’m amazed he can still breathe every day.”
“How did the Crown of Flame say that Lin Xitang used the dark flame to offset some of the Great Mechanism’s backlash?”
“Even he doesn’t know. It’s an unexplained balance of light and darkness, and there’s no way to recreate it. The only possibility is that when Xitang was injured, he was in a small world with different underlying rules.”
Then Gu Tohai said decisively, “Don’t think about it. The limit of one’s life is not something that can be extended by human effort. If there were a way, the Longevity King would have tried it. Even if the Crown of Flame ascended to the rank of Grand Lord and his source blood could offset all external harm, it cannot extend Xitang’s lifespan by a single second. Your dawn essence is the same. None of it is useful!”
Zhang Boqian laughed mockingly, “Lin Xitang once told me: Once a Heavenly King, how can I dare to die? But what right does a man destined never to be a Heavenly King have to dictate whether I can dare to die or not?”
Gu Tohai sighed heavily. After venting, he calmed down and said, “Can you listen to Old Lin? He’ll drive you mad.” He paused, then fumed, “Why does this guy, who worries about the masses, like to dig his own grave? I should have stayed in the Evernight Continent to enjoy my retirement!”
Zhang Boqian looked at the bustling capital in the distance, his face a picture of serene silence.
The streets were busy, filled with carriages and pedestrians, some happy, some anxious, some hurried, and some leisurely. Yet, this prosperous scene was as fragile as thin ice over a fire. If just one spark erupted, the entire order would collapse in an instant.
What does it matter to be a Heavenly King, to be like the Longevity King and not dare to die, or to be like Zhi Ji Dingxuan, leaving behind only righteousness? What else is the meaning of life besides suffering and hatred?
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