You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

The wildly popular online novel, "Wandering Among the Heavens as a Tyrant, You Don't Understand My Joy," is a heartfelt work by the author, whose mental illness has somewhat improved. Available here.

The next day, early in the morning.

As soon as Lu Zuo opened his eyes, the prompt from the cheat system came into view.

[Missed the morning court session; internal strength +6.]

[Enchanted by beautiful women, internal strength +3.]

[Colluding with the demonic path, Demonic Heart +5.]

[Excessive indulgence in sexual activity will result in an additional bonus: Lifespan +5.]

[Reusing a wicked concubine can bring ruin to a country; calligraphy +10, painting +10, chess +10, musical instrument skills +10.]

Lu Zuo doesn't care much about most attributes anymore.

After all, the world has been unified, and we are invincible.

The only thing that concerned him was his own lifespan.

"If one cannot live forever, it is all for naught."

"and……"

Lu Zuo's desire for immortality was not enough; he also wanted the women he admired and who had become his to also achieve immortality.

However, this wish could not be fulfilled in the Tang Dynasty or even in several other worlds.

He himself is a little better off; he can shatter the void and continuously increase his lifespan through his cheat-like abilities.

but……

What will happen to Chao Nv Yao, Hu Meiren, Jing Ni, Zhang Lihua, Zhu Yuyan, and Shen Luoyan?

Just then, rows of golden characters suddenly appeared in Lu Zuo's line of sight.

[Congratulations! You have conquered Tibet and the Turks, successfully unifying the world and obtaining the: Decree of the Tyrant of All Realms.]

[Function 1 of the Tyrant's Decree for All Realms: Allows random travel to a different world and the random becoming the emperor of a particular country within that world.]

[Note 1: After transmigrating, only a portion of internal energy and physical attributes are retained.]

[Note 2: After transmigrating, the original cultivation techniques cannot be used, and the cultivation level is equivalent to the randomly assigned emperor.]

[Note 3: Retaining your original body will automatically lead the people of that world to identify you as the emperor of a certain country.]

[Note 4: You can choose to return to the Tang Dynasty world at any time.]

[Note 5: Upon unifying a world, one gains a large amount of fortune.]

[Note 6: Patrol Orders cannot be used after time travel.]

[Note 7: Unifying five worlds will revive the spiritual energy of one random world: the Tang Dynasty, the fictional Song Dynasty, the fictional Ming Dynasty, or the Qin's Moon world.]

[Note 8: Once you unify 100 worlds, you will unlock the Great Unification of All Worlds.]

[Note 9: After traveling through the worlds via the Tyrant's Decree, time will be frozen in the Tang Dynasty, the fictional Song Dynasty, the fictional Ming Dynasty, and the Qin's Moon world.]

[Note 10: After using the Order of the Tyrant of the Myriad Realms to travel through time, it can only be used again after unifying the world.]

"The Decree of a Tyrant of All Realms?"

"A resurgence of spiritual energy?"

"So, does that mean both my woman and I can live forever?"

With this in mind, Lu Zuo immediately took out the Myriad Realms Tyrant Token and silently gave the system the command: "Use the Myriad Realms Tyrant Token to randomly travel through time."

At the command, the surrounding space began to become blurry and distorted.

Once everything returned to normal, Lu Zuo had arrived in another world.

.......

Inside a palace, Lu Zuo raised his eyes and looked around at his surroundings.

The first thing that catches the eye is a thick, soft scarlet carpet that covers the entire floor.

The air was excessively warm, even somewhat stuffy.

The oppressive heat came from the huge charcoal braziers burning quietly in the four corners of the hall, and further away, from the several gilded animal-head incense burners embedded in the white jade walls.

The stove spewed out pale blue smoke, a scent of ambergris mixed with a large amount of musk and warm, sweet floral fragrance.

Supporting the main hall are several gilded dragon pillars, each requiring two people to encircle. The dragons' bodies meander, and their golden scales reflect a hazy, ambiguous light under the surrounding candlelight.

Everywhere you look, there is dazzling gold, warm jade, luxurious silk, and smooth lacquerware.

Golden cups and jade goblets were casually placed on the table, some of them overturned, spilling the fine wine onto the scarlet carpet and leaving deeper, darker stains.

Scattered fruit pits, half-eaten delicacies, crumpled embroidered dresses… Ling

The messy, scattered everywhere, silently tells of the extreme indulgence that happened not long ago, or that continued until just now.

Even more striking are the layers upon layers of almost transparent silk gauze curtains, hanging down from the high beams, obscuring the depths of the palace.

Behind the gauze curtains, there appeared to be a spacious daybed, and...

A graceful figure, indistinct and reclining, breathes softly, lost in a sweet dream.

Lu Zuo was only loosely draped in a soft, bright yellow silk robe. The material was of excellent quality, with a feel as smooth as water, but it barely covered his body.

He stood barefoot on the excessively soft carpet, his brows slightly furrowed.

"I wonder which world this is?"

"Never mind that for now, let's see how many attributes are left?"

With that in mind, he immediately opened the character panel.

Name: Lu Zuo.

Age: 25.

Identity: Imposter Emperor.

Constitution: +100.

Lifespan: +2633.

Internal Force: +100.

Enlightenment: +5282.

Zen Enlightenment: +3157.

Poison Path: Additional +3953.

Blade Path: Additional +5585.

Kendo: +6567.

Charm: +5530.

Luck: +3121.

Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting: +51600.

Cultivation level: None.

Technique: None.

Talent 1: Tyrannical and incompetent ruler.

Talent 2: Travel incognito.

Talent 3: Rebellion.

Space: 10 cubic meters.

Lu Zuo's mind stirred slightly as he felt the remaining internal energy and physical enhancement within his body. Although it was far from being as vast as the ocean at its peak, it was still several times stronger than that of an ordinary strong man.

"Thank goodness for this extra bonus."

Just as he was pondering this, a high-pitched, respectful voice came from outside the hall, penetrating the heavy doors with a hint of cautious probing:

Her fingertips occasionally brushed against Lu Zuo's skin, with a gentle and ingratiating touch.

Lu Zuo let her serve him, but his gaze peeked through the cracks in the palace window at the gradually brightening sky outside. His mind was no longer in this gentle embrace.

……

A short while later, in the Daqing Hall, the fragrance of incense wafted, but it couldn't suppress the unique atmosphere of unease and decadence characteristic of a newly established dynasty.

Lu Zuo sat on the dragon throne, his crown tassels hanging down. His gaze swept calmly over the group of unfamiliar faces below who were shouting "Long live the Emperor!" through the swaying jade beads.

He knew nothing about this world or this body; every detail was intelligence.

"If you have something to report, speak up; otherwise, the court may adjourn." The voice of the Grand Eunuch broke the silence.

As soon as the words were spoken, a military officer in a purple official robe, with a resolute face and a tall, upright figure, strode forward and spoke in a booming voice: "Your subject, Han Shizhong, Deputy Privy Councilor, has something to report!"

Holding his jade tablet, he spoke with indignation: "Your Majesty! The Jurchen envoys have arrived again, this time demanding that our dynasty cede the two routes to Jingdong, double the annual tribute, and even ask Your Majesty..."

"You submit and pay tribute!"

"Such a humiliating disgrace must not be tolerated!"

"Your Majesty, I request permission to lead troops north to fight the Jurchen invaders to the death!"

Han Shizhong?

Golden man?

To submit?

It seems this is the Southern Song Dynasty, which has only recently been established and is being oppressed by a powerful enemy in the north.

Before Han Shizhong could finish speaking, another civil official, dressed in a scarlet robe, with a fair complexion and a delicate demeanor, immediately stepped forward. His voice was calm yet sharp:

"Your Majesty, Qin Hui, the Vice Chancellor, believes that Vice Chancellor Han's words were far too rash!"

He first gave a slight bow to the throne, then turned to Han Shizhong: "General Han's bravery is commendable, but have you not heard the saying, 'Even a large country will perish if it loves war'?"

"Now that the court has just been established, everything is in need of rebuilding, and the national treasury is empty. To force a war would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock. It would be better to agree to some of the conditions for the time being and buy some breathing room. That would be the best course of action."

Qin Hui?

Hmph, this guy is already a Vice Minister of State Affairs?

"Counselor Qin is mistaken!"

Another official stepped forward excitedly: "Your Majesty, I, Zhao Ding, the Censor-in-Chief, believe that ceding territory and paying indemnities is like adding fuel to the fire!"

"Today we cede five cities, tomorrow we cede ten more, and then we can have a night's rest."

"Looking around, we saw that the Jin army was already there!"

"Only by strengthening our military and resolutely resisting can we achieve true peace!"

Immediately afterwards, another person stepped forward, his voice steady: "Your subject, Zhang Jun, Associate Privy Councilor, seconds Qin's opinion."

"Once war breaks out, countless lives will be lost, and the outcome will be unpredictable."

"The best course of action at present is to prioritize stability and deal with the Jin people in a measured way."

Immediately, the pro-war and pro-peace factions began arguing, citing classical texts and attacking each other.

Lu Zuo observed coldly, silently noting down these names and stances.

He noticed that whether it was the pro-war faction like Han Shizhong and Zhao Ding, or other radical officials, when listing capable generals in the debate, they mostly mentioned veterans or those who already held positions.

Not a single person mentioned a name...

Yue Fei.

Strange, given the intensity of this debate, the pro-war faction should be strongly recommending generals.

Is Yue Fei currently just an unknown nobody?

Or is someone deliberately suppressing him to prevent him from standing out?

Just as the argument was raging, Qin Hui spoke again, steer the conversation toward "negotiation details," subtly downplaying the possibility of war. Many officials, seeing this, exchanged glances and fell silent.

Lu Zuo took in all of this and had already made a preliminary judgment in his mind.

The Southern Song Dynasty was beset by internal and external troubles, and undercurrents were swirling in the imperial court.

He did not immediately express his opinion, but spoke calmly, his voice carrying the authority to end the debate: "Regarding the Jurchens, allow me to consider it carefully."

"Dismiss the court."

.......

After the court session, Lu Zuo returned to the Imperial Study.

The furnishings here are much simpler than those in the sleeping quarters. Ancient books and paintings are displayed on the display cabinets, and a large rosewood table occupies the center, complete with the Four Treasures of the Study.

The air was filled with the faint scent of agarwood, trying to dispel the restlessness brought on by the court, but the unique sense of instability and uncertainty of the new dynasty still lingered.

Several eunuchs stood at attention in the corner, not daring to utter a sound.

Lu Zuo sat down behind his desk, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the smooth surface.

"The power... is still too weak."

He thought to himself: Although this body has extra advantages and is stronger than ordinary people, this foundation alone is far from enough.

The arguments in the imperial court were, in essence, a contest of power.

Without sufficient military force to deter both internal and external threats, any grand ambitions and hegemonic plans are nothing but empty talk.

We must acquire the martial arts of this world as soon as possible, and the top-tier martial arts at that.

But I don’t know if there is martial arts in this world.

He raised his eyes and looked at the most composed old eunuch standing beside him, asking casually, "I have recently felt a sense of unease about the vastness of the martial world, and I am quite curious about it."

"In this world... besides those in the imperial court, are there any other extraordinary individuals, martial arts masters, or remarkable individuals?"

"Having spent so long in the palace, you are well-informed; have you heard any rumors?"

Upon hearing this, the old eunuch bowed even lower, a respectful smile plastered on his face. After thinking carefully for a moment, he cautiously replied, "Replying to everyone's question."

"This old servant has indeed heard some anecdotes about the martial arts world."

"I've heard that the Quanzhen Sect leader of Zhongnan Mountain, Master Wang Chongyang, possesses unparalleled martial arts skills and is a true representative of the Xuanmen (Taoist) sect. It's just a pity..."

"He passed away before his time was up."

He paused, then continued, "And there is the emperor of the Dali Kingdom in the south, whose personal name is Duan Zhixing. It is said that he is not only a good ruler, but also a highly virtuous and accomplished person with profound Buddhist teachings and martial arts skills."

"There is a Peach Blossom Island in the East Sea. The island's master is named Huang Yaoshi, and his actions..."

"Yes, he is quite unconventional, but his martial arts skills are exceptionally high. He is also proficient in astronomy, geography, divination, and the Five Elements. He is known in the martial arts world as 'Eastern Heretic'."

"In addition, Hong Qigong, the old leader of the Beggars' Clan, possessed an unparalleled set of the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms. He was a chivalrous man and enjoyed a high reputation in the martial arts world, where he was revered as the 'Northern Beggar'."

Wang Chongyang is dead. Duan Zhixing, Huang Yaoshi, Hong Qigong...

The Central Divine, the Eastern Heretic, the Northern Beggar, and the Southern Emperor have all appeared!

Lu Zuo's eyes suddenly sharpened, and a sense of clarity dawned on him.

The Legend of the Condor Heroes!

So this is the world...

Based on the timeline, the first Mount Hua Sword Tournament had just ended, Wang Chongyang had recently passed away, the ownership of the Nine Yin Manual was still undecided, Guo Jing and Yang Kang were either still in their mothers' wombs or had just been born, while Yang Tiexin and Guo Xiaotian...

They should still be alive and well in Niujia Village right now!

The landscape of the martial arts world has been initially established, but the future protagonists have not yet matured, leaving ample room for maneuver.

Those secret martial arts manuals, those future masters...

Perhaps, all of these can be used by him.

Lu Zuo's mind raced, but his face remained impassive. His gaze swept over the people standing in the imperial study, finally settling on the youngest eunuch who looked quite clever.

He waved his hand lightly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "You may all leave. Do not disturb us unless necessary."

After a slight pause, he pointed a finger at the young eunuch: "You, stay and serve."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The others, including the old eunuch who had spoken, immediately bowed and filed out silently, gently closing the door behind them.

Only Lu Zuo and the eunuch who had been left behind remained in the imperial study.

The young eunuch was clearly surprised and nervous. He lowered his head, neatly folded his hands in front of him, and even softened his breathing.

This person was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a fair complexion, clear eyes, and a somewhat naive and respectful demeanor.

The reason for keeping him was twofold: firstly, we needed a new face to handle some confidential matters, and secondly, we wanted to take this opportunity to get to know the people around us.

After all, he didn't even know the other person's name.

The original Zhao Gou may or may not have known, but that doesn't matter.

Asking a low-ranking eunuch by name can make you appear somewhat "friendly".

More importantly, it allows one's behavior as the "new emperor" to appear natural, making it less likely to reveal flaws due to overlooking details.

only……

So, where did Zhao Gou, who was originally in this body, go?

"What's your name?" Lu Zuo asked, his voice unusually clear in the quiet room.

Upon hearing this, the young eunuch quickly stepped forward, knelt down, and replied, his voice filled with barely concealed nervousness: "Your Majesty, this servant...this servant's humble name is Li Fu'an."

"Li Fu'an..."

Lu Zuo repeated himself, his tone slightly softening: "Get up and answer me. I have a task for you to carry out."

Li Fu'an quickly scrambled to his feet, bowed his head, and stood respectfully, his heart pounding: "Please give your orders, Your Majesty, and this servant will do my utmost."

"Don't be nervous, just do your job well."

Lu Zuo said, "Take this edict and leave the palace immediately. Go to Qiantang County in Lin'an Prefecture and find a place called 'Niujia Village'."

"There should be two hunting families in the village. One family is surnamed Yang, and the head of the family is named Tiexin; the other family is surnamed Guo, and the head of the family is named Xiaotian."

"Find them, and convey my imperial decree that they must quickly pack their things and come with you to Yingtian Prefecture to meet me."

"Don't make a fuss along the way, but make sure they arrive safely. Understand?"

Your Majesty actually knows the names of two hunters from a remote village?

They want to summon him secretly?

The job was strange, but he knew the ways of survival in the palace well, and the less he knew, the better.

He suppressed all his doubts and solemnly kowtowed, saying, "This servant understands! I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust!"

"Yes, go. Obtain the necessary expenses from the Imperial Household Department. Return quickly."

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!" Li Fu'an kowtowed again before getting up, bowing, and backing out of the imperial study, leaving in a hurry.

Watching Li Fu'an disappear, Lu Zuo's eyes narrowed slightly. Gathering his thoughts, it was time to meet the general whose voice was the loudest in the court.

"Someone come here."

The old eunuch who was guarding outside the door immediately pushed the door open and entered, bowing to receive orders.

"deliver an imperial order."

"Han Shizhong, the Deputy Privy Councilor, is hereby summoned to the palace for an audience."

"This old servant obeys the decree." The old eunuch's expression hardened, he bowed and acknowledged the order, then quickly turned and went to deliver it.

……

A moment later, steady footsteps came from outside the door, accompanied by the soft rustling of armor plates.

The old eunuch announced from outside the door, "Your Majesty, Vice Minister Han Shu has arrived."

"Announce."

The study door was gently pushed open, and Han Shizhong, still in military uniform and looking travel-worn, strode in. He stopped a few steps away from the imperial desk, clasped his hands, and bowed: "Your subject Han Shizhong, has been ordered to pay homage! Long live Your Majesty!"

The Emperor just remained noncommittal about the Jurchens in court, so why did he secretly summon me, a general who advocates war, after the court session?

Since the Emperor ascended the throne, especially recently he has increasingly relied on ministers like Qin Hui who advocated peace, and has kept the matter of the Northern Expedition a closely guarded secret.

This action today is truly unusual.

Could it be...

Did the argument in the imperial court affect the emperor?

Or is there a deeper meaning?

"Han Qing, rise and take a seat." Lu Zuo raised his hand in a gesture of support, his tone slightly gentler than in the court.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Han Shizhong's doubts deepened, but he showed no sign of it on his face. He sat down on the embroidered stool that the eunuch had brought, keeping his back straight and his eyes fixed intently on the young emperor on the throne, waiting for what would happen next.

Lu Zuo didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Minister Han, there are many conflicting opinions in the court."

"I want to hear the truth from you now."

"Tell me, setting aside all the empty talk, just look at the facts..."

"Can our Great Song Dynasty truly defeat the Jurchens?"

Han Shizhong was shocked, almost thinking he had misheard!

The official actually asked him, "Can you fight?"

Since moving to Yingtian Prefecture, when has the Emperor ever taken such the initiative to inquire about the war?

Not to mention such a direct, even decisive, way of asking the question!

An indescribable surge of emotion welled up in his heart, making even this veteran who had seen life and death on the battlefield feel a lump in his throat.

Is it...

Has the emperor finally seen through the insatiable greed of the Jurchens?

Are they finally tired of humiliating appeasement?

Is this a signal that things are about to change course?!

He suppressed his excitement, took a deep breath, clasped his hands in a fist and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty!"

"In my humble opinion, not only should we not seek peace, but we should actively seek war!"

"The Jurchens have gone too far in bullying us!"

"Since the Jingkang Incident, they have captured our two emperors, occupied our homeland, and slaughtered our people. This is an irreconcilable enmity!"

"Now that our dynasty has been newly established, it needs vigor and spirit; how can we constantly show weakness?"

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