Druid Fairy

Chapter 189 The Imperial Advisor's Words
Upon hearing this, Wang Tianba shuddered and scrambled to his knees before the emperor, kowtowing frantically and begging for mercy incoherently:

"Your Majesty, spare my life! I was blind! I deserve to die! I didn't know... I really didn't know that Young Master Li was Princess's brother! I beg Your Majesty to spare my dog's life, for I have shed blood for the Great Yu and rendered service to the royal family!"

The emperor completely ignored his pleas for mercy and ordered, "Drag him away."

Cold, ruthless, devoid of any warmth.

This is the wrath of an emperor!
Wang Tianba collapsed to the ground, his face ashen.

The commander of the Imperial Guards stepped forward expressionlessly, his sword reflecting the distorted and desperate look on his face.

Imperial power cannot be challenged.

Princess Mingyue, Li Mengyue, anyone who dares to touch her will die!

With the crisis averted, Li Mengyue threw herself into Li Mengjin's arms, her small body trembling slightly from the lingering fear. "Brother..."

Li Mengjin, abandoning her usual coldness, gently picked up her younger sister and patted her back with slightly clumsy movements, her voice gentler than ever before: "It's alright, Crescent Moon."

This was the first formal reunion between the brother and sister in the capital.

Not far away, Han Youwei and his father Han Wanshan exchanged a glance, both seeing the overwhelming joy of surviving a disaster in each other's eyes.

"Father...I..."

"Good lad!" Han Wanshan slapped his son on the back, grinning from ear to ear. "Well done! You got a good deal clinging to this powerful figure! Absolutely! Let's go home! Right now! Bring out all those jars of 'Immortal's Intoxication' you've been hoarding. I'm going to drink with your older brother for three days and three nights!"

Han Youwei was completely bewildered by his father's 180-degree change in attitude. He rubbed his back and looked at his father's face, which was beaming like a chrysanthemum: "Dad, you...you're not going to beat me?"

"Beat you up? I'd rather pamper you than not!"

Han Wanshan slapped his hand heavily again, his face full of praise and satisfaction. "My son has the ability to recognize talent. This is a once-in-a-century stroke of good fortune for our Han family! Let's go! We won't leave until we're drunk!"

The father and son's seemingly oblivious conversation left the surrounding examinees speechless, and then filled with envy.

The Sun brothers, who had left the Wang family banquet with Li Mengjin, exchanged a glance, both seeing deep relief and lingering fear in each other's eyes.

They were glad they had chosen to stand with Li Mengjin, and they were also afraid that they had almost offended her.

"Big brother, we...we made the right bet," the younger brother said, his voice trembling.

The eldest brother of the Sun family nodded heavily, secretly resolving in his heart that he would follow Li Mengjin's lead from now on.

On the other side of the crowd, Zhuge Qingcheng, dressed in a light blue dress, had a glint in her eyes.

Li Mengze, the eldest brother, who showed his talent in alchemy at a young age and was highly regarded by the Empress Dowager.

Li Mengyue, a younger sister who possesses the "Taiyin Sacred Body," is hailed as an auspicious omen of the Great Yu Dynasty, and was taken as the closed-door disciple by Qingxu, the national guardian immortal who has lived for countless years.

And then there's this fifteen-year-old swordsman before me, whose sword heart is so clear that even I can't see through him.

How could this be some nameless family in the mountains?
A bitter smile suddenly appeared on her cool and beautiful face.

She had previously tried to use the name of Tianji Pavilion to recruit the other party, but now that she thought about it, it was really laughable.

…………

To celebrate the successful selection process, the emperor hosted a grand banquet at the palace.

Inside the banquet hall, fine wines and exquisite music filled the air.

Li Mengjin changed into a moon-white brocade robe hastily made overnight by the Imperial Household Department, which made him look less aloof and more distinguished like a noble young master.

He sat in the seat closest to the head of the table, with Han Youwei, Zhuge Qingcheng, and others who had also been invited to the banquet beside him.

Han Youwei sat upright, his face beaming with pride, his expression even more excited than if he himself had won first place.

As the banquet began, the emperor's gifts were presented in a continuous stream.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Li Jin, a rogue cultivator from Songling Prefecture, has surpassed all others in the 'Immortal Martial Arts Exchange' selection, winning first place. His character, cultivation, and courage are all of the highest caliber! I am greatly pleased and hereby bestow upon him—"

"Ten thousand taels of gold, a thousand bolts of brocade, and a mansion called 'Listening to the Waves' in the capital!"

"Furthermore, he is promoted to the rank of 'Imperial Attendant' of the fifth rank, and granted the 'Golden Token with Cloud Pattern,' which allows him to carry a sword into the palace and freely enter and leave the palace!"

"Appreciate this!"

After this series of awards and honors were bestowed, the entire banquet hall fell silent.

This reward far exceeds what a selected leader should receive!

In particular, the privilege of "walking in front of the emperor and carrying a sword into the palace" and the identity of "leader" are practically being groomed as Li Mengjin's most trusted confidant and a future rising star in the court!
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Li Mengjin rose to express his gratitude, and his composure in the face of both honor and disgrace earned him secret nods of approval from the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

At the banquet, amidst the clinking of glasses, Li Mengjin finally met his elder brother, Li Mengze, who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

Now dressed in official robes, Li Mengze appeared even more gentle and refined. He looked at his second brother with eyes full of satisfaction.

While everyone was toasting and drinking, the three siblings finally got to talk.

“Second brother, I’ve heard about what happened in Songling Prefecture.” Li Mengze spoke first, his tone tinged with lingering fear. “You were too impulsive. That Wang Tianba is from the Demon Suppression Division; he’s ruthless. If you hadn’t…”

“Brother, I’m fine.” Li Mengjin interrupted him, looking at Li Mengze and Li Mengyue, “But you two seem to have had a rather unsettled time in the capital.”

Li Mengyue immediately recounted how Princess Zhaoyang had made things difficult for her, how she had plotted against her, and how she had ultimately "turned the tables."

When Li Mengjin heard that Princess Zhaoyang and her daughter had plotted to poison themselves to frame the other party, a cold killing intent flashed in his eyes.

"So, Princess Zhaoyang died from the backlash of the jade talisman your father gave you?"

"Yes!" Li Mengyue nodded emphatically, "Father is the best!"

Li Mengze added, "Although the Imperial Advisor intervened to resolve the matter, it is still a royal scandal. Now, all the forces in the capital are watching us closely, and my father has instructed us to keep a low profile and not to attract any more attention."

“I understand.” Li Mengjin nodded. He finally understood why his father always warned them not to get involved with the imperial court easily.

Just as the three siblings were exchanging information, the Empress Dowager spoke up with a smile.

“Qingcheng, what are you doing sitting so far away by yourself? Come, sit next to me, and sit next to Mengjin too. You young people should chat more.”

The moment the Empress Dowager uttered these words, everyone's gaze became ambiguous.

This isn't chatting, it's clearly matchmaking in public!

Zhuge Qingcheng stood up gracefully and sat down next to Li Mengjin.

“Young Master Li,” she spoke first, her voice clear and melodious like jade beads falling on a plate, “today’s events have truly broadened my horizons.”

"Just some minor tricks." Li Mengjin also had a good impression of Zhuge Qingcheng. One was erudite and the other had a clear mind about swordsmanship. The more they talked, the more they found themselves compatible, and they both felt as if they had found kindred spirits.

Han Youwei, standing to the side, was filled with rage and indignation, lamenting, "It's outrageous! How come my brother, with his icy demeanor, attracts so many beautiful women! I'm so witty, humorous, and outgoing, why doesn't anyone notice me! It's unfair! So unfair!"

As he was wallowing in self-pity, the eldest brother of the Sun family, holding a wine glass, leaned over and said earnestly, "Brother Han, you're mistaken. How can you say no one is interested in you?"

Upon hearing this, Han Youwei's eyes lit up immediately, as if he had found a kindred spirit. He excitedly grabbed the other man's arm and said, "Brother Sun, I knew you were a wise man! Tell me quickly, what are my strengths? Is it my handsome appearance or my incredibly wealthy family background?"

The eldest brother of the Sun family glanced at Li Mengjin and Zhuge Qingcheng, who were chatting and laughing not far away, and then looked at Han Youwei, who was full of expectation. He thought about it seriously and said, "Brother Han, your greatest strength is that you have good judgment."

"Huh?" Han Youwei was taken aback.

The eldest brother of the Sun family continued, "While everyone else kept their distance from Brother Li, or even harbored jealousy, only you, with your discerning eye, were the first to rush forward and cling to his coattails. Such vision, such courage, is beyond our reach! I truly admire you, I admire you!"

His younger brother beside him nodded repeatedly, echoing, "Yes, yes, Brother Han, your discerning eye for talent is even more precious than your family's spirit stone mine! I toast you!"

Han Youwei: "..."

He felt as if two poisoned arrows had been stuck in his heart, and he couldn't pull them out; they were still throbbing with pain.

So my only advantage is knowing how to curry favor with powerful people?

He glanced resentfully at Li Mengjin, silently picked up his wine glass, channeling his grief and anger into drinking, downing glass after glass while muttering, "Heaven is unjust... Heaven is unjust..."

…………

late at night.

The emperor did not rest, but instead summoned Li Mengze and Li Mengjin to the imperial study alone.

Without outsiders present, the emperor's majesty gained a touch of scrutiny.

"Mengze, Mengjin," he looked at the two brothers before him, whose temperaments were completely different yet equally outstanding, and asked bluntly, "I have always been curious about who this person is who could raise such prodigies as you? Your father, what is his background?"

coming!

The two brothers felt a chill run down their spines, knowing that this was the real highlight of the night.

Li Mengze stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Your Majesty, my father is merely a recluse in the mountains. He dislikes worldly affairs and usually only enjoys planting flowers, tending to grass, and occasionally reading books. He is only somewhat knowledgeable in miscellaneous subjects."

This answer was flawless and perfectly echoed Li Mengyue's previous statements.

The emperor raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly and looked at Li Mengjin: "Mengjin, was that leaf that purifies all souls also a gift from your father?"

“Yes.” Li Mengjin nodded. “My father said that it was a leaf from a strange tree that he obtained by chance. It has the effect of calming the mind and soothing the soul, so he told me to keep it with me at all times, just in case.”

The brothers' answers were both humble and vague, portraying Li Pingchan as a lucky, reclusive sage who lived a life of seclusion.

This deepened the emperor's apprehension and curiosity.

A "recluse in the mountains" who can casually produce a divine object like "Sangling Leaf", a jade talisman that can kill Princess Zhaoyang, and a child who can raise three such extraordinary children.
No one would believe that if I told that!

But he couldn't find any flaws.

The more mysterious something is, the more people fear it. The emperor waved his hand, dismissing them, but he had already made up his mind that he had to send someone to Peach Blossom Mountain to give it a proper "payment".

…………

The next day, as promised, Zhuge Qingcheng personally visited Li Mengjin's residence, Tingtao Xiaozhu, with gifts.

She was extremely curious about that magical "mulberry leaf".

“Young Master Li, I have come here with no other intention than to ask what kind of power is contained in that mulberry leaf? It is neither the power of immortals nor the power of Buddhist vows, yet it can soothe countless vengeful souls. It is truly incredible.”

Faced with this beautiful and inquisitive examiner, Li Mengjin used the same excuse: "It's a family heirloom, and I don't know much about it."

Seeing that she couldn't get any information, Zhuge Qingcheng wasn't annoyed. Instead, she took out an ancient animal skin scroll from her storage bag and handed it over.

"Since that's the case, I won't force you. This is the only copy of the ancient formation 'Nine Palaces Linked Rings,' a closely guarded secret of my Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. Yesterday, I saw that you, young master, also had some knowledge of formations, so I'll give this to you as a token of my respect."

Li Mengjin glanced at the animal hide scroll, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. This gift was undeniably valuable.

He didn't refuse and readily accepted it, saying, "Thank you."

The two chatted for a while longer before Zhuge Qingcheng got up to take her leave. She came and went in a hurry, leaving behind only a faint fragrance.

All of this was observed by Han Youwei, who was hiding behind the artificial hill.

"Oh no! Someone's going to beat me to it! I have to think of something!"

…………

When Li Mengyue returned to the Imperial Preceptor's Observatory, she told her master, Qingxu, everything about her second brother's experiences.

"Master, look! Isn't my second brother amazing!" The little girl said with pride.

Qingxu still looked like a seven or eight-year-old Taoist boy. He did some calculations with his fingers and a strange smile appeared on his face.

He reached out and grabbed at the void. Li Mengjin, who was studying the rare book on formations in his mansion, felt a blur before his eyes, and the next moment, he appeared on the top of the Star Gazing Platform, shrouded in clouds and mist.

"Greetings, Grand Preceptor." Li Mengjin was startled and quickly bowed.

Qingxu walked around him three times with his hands behind his back, marveling, "Your sword is sharp, but lacks resilience. Your path is free, but you haven't seen the lives of ordinary people. This journey to the Great Qian is both your tribulation and your destiny."

And there it was again, this nonsensical talk.

Li Mengjin didn't speak, but listened quietly.

“Your sword has taken the sharpest and most domineering aspects.” Qingxu shook his head. “If this continues, your sword will become faster and sharper, but one day, it will hurt you because it is too rigid.”

Qingxu did not teach him any specific moves or techniques, but simply told him to stay on the Star Gazing Platform and do nothing but watch.

Watch the sunrise and sunset, watch the clouds roll and unfold, listen to the wind rustling through the treetops, and listen to the rain pattering on the banana leaves.

At first, Li Mengjin was somewhat puzzled, but gradually, his sword heart, which had become somewhat agitated due to the continuous fierce battles, miraculously calmed down in this inactive observation.

He seemed to hear the sound of the wind and feel the pulse of the clouds.

His sword intent was no longer just sharpness and killing, but also had a touch of the agility of the wind, the rolling of the clouds, and the moistness of the rain.

His cultivation level had not improved, but his sword heart had become more solid and clear than ever before.

The Tao follows the natural way; nothing is more so than this.

(End of this chapter)