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

We wholeheartedly recommend this book to you: "The Tyrant Ruler of the Heavens, You Don't Understand My Joy," available here.

The next day, early in the morning.

[Missed the morning court session; cultivation level +68.]

[Enchanted by beautiful women, cultivation level +106.]

[Excessive indulgence in lust, bonus reward: Cultivation +58.]

[Drunken promiscuity, extra reward: Cultivation +100.]

[Humiliating a subject grants an extra reward: Constitution +5.]

"Um?"

"Drunken promiscuity?"

Lu Zuo looked at the last message, his eyebrows slightly raised, a hint of surprise flashing through his mind.

Did he have sex after drinking?

Last night, I had drinks and grilled skewers with Li Qingzhao under the eaves. We had a very pleasant conversation. Although I drank a few too many cups, I remained sober. Later…

It seems they went back to the inner palace of the Imperial Study to rest?

Where does this talk of promiscuity come from?

Just as he was wondering, a very soft, languid, and uncomfortable moan came from the direction of the dragon bed behind him.

Lu Zuo turned around upon hearing the sound, his gaze immediately sharpening.

On the dragon bed, the brocade quilt was half-lifted, and Li Qingzhao was sitting up, wrapped in the quilt, her hair disheveled, with a few strands of black hair sticking to her slightly flushed cheeks.

Her usually bright and intelligent eyes were now glistening with moisture, carrying a hazy, newly awakened look and an indescribable languid charm.

She was wearing only a plain-colored nightgown, the neckline slightly loose, revealing a small portion of her delicate, jade-like collarbone, which shimmered with a lustrous glow in the morning light.

She was like a begonia after the rain, stunningly beautiful, a stark contrast to her usual image as a talented woman, always hunched over her desk writing and with a touch of melancholy in her eyes.

When she saw Lu Zuo looking at her, two blushes instantly rose on her pretty face. With a mix of embarrassment and panic, she said, "Your Majesty...You're awake?"

Looking at her like this, and recalling the hint about "drunken promiscuity," Lu Zuo understood seven or eight parts of the situation.

He walked calmly to the bedside and asked, "Minister Li... what brings you here?"

Upon hearing this, Li Qingzhao lowered her head even further, her neck flushed pink, and she said in a soft, hesitant voice, "Last night..."

"Last night His Majesty drank too much, and after returning to his study... he then..."

"Then she took my hand and said... said she was tired of reviewing memorials and wanted... wanted me to serve her pen and ink... Later... later I don't know how."

"They carried me... into this inner palace... me... me..."

As she spoke, her voice became barely audible, and she buried her burning cheeks in the blankets.

However, deep down, besides shyness, there was little resistance or regret. Instead, an indescribable, secret thrill and... joy welled up inside.

Although His Majesty was somewhat domineering last night, he was not violent. On the contrary, it made her, who had been wandering for a long time and had seen the coldness of the world, feel a long-lost sense of security and excitement from being strongly protected.

After listening, Lu Zuo remained silent in thought.

It seems I was indeed under the influence of alcohol last night...

However, since things have come to this...

He looked at Li Qingzhao, who was lying on the bed, blushing with shame, and said slowly, "Since that's the case, then Li Qingzhao, rest assured, I will not mistreat you."

"Effective from this day forward, I hereby issue an edict bestowing upon you the title of..."

"His Majesty!"

Before Lu Zuo could finish speaking, Li Qingzhao suddenly raised her head and interrupted him.

The blush on her face hadn't faded, but her eyes had regained their usual clarity and determination, even carrying a hint of pleading: "Your Majesty... I beg you, Your Majesty, do not bestow this title!"

Lu Zuo was slightly taken aback: "Oh? Why is that?"

Li Qingzhao took a deep breath and tried to make her voice sound calm: "Your Majesty, I...I am used to being idle and am not familiar with the rules of the palace. I am even less willing to get involved in the turmoil of the inner palace."

"Now I am able to share His Majesty's burdens, handle documents, discuss current affairs, and occasionally..."

"Occasionally, like last night, we drink and chat, and I already feel comfortable and fulfilled."

"If I were to be confined to the palace and spend my days surrounded by women and jewelry, that would not be my wish."

The title of imperial concubine may seem prestigious, but it is actually a cage.

In her life, Li Qingzhao did not seek the finery of a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, but only the peace of her heart and the tranquility of her spirit.

As it is now, being able to stay by your side, utilize my strengths, and yet maintain a distance of independence is already the best outcome.

If she were to truly become a concubine, she might find it difficult to even step into the imperial study.

Lu Zuo gave her a deep look and nodded, saying, "Since this is your wish, I will grant it."

"Everything remains the same; you are still my Imperial Secretary."

Upon hearing this, Li Qingzhao's eyes flashed with a relieved joy, and she quickly bowed, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!"

……

Meanwhile, far to the north, in Jinan Prefecture, which was under the control of the Jin people.

Inside the study of a somewhat old mansion, which still retains its former grandeur.

"well......"

Nearly fifty years old, with a gaunt face and a deep weariness, Xin Zan was facing a solitary lamp, sighing deeply.

He was originally a Song official, but after his hometown fell to the Jin dynasty during the Jingkang Incident, he was forced to serve the Jin dynasty and took up the post of Jinan Prefectural School Instructor, a sinecure with no real power.

Although the Jin people did not coerce him excessively, they threatened him with the lives of his clansmen left in his hometown, making him feel like he was walking on thin ice every day. He had to pretend to be polite while enduring the scorn of his former country and friends, and his inner torment was beyond measure.

He gazed southward, his eyes filled with worry and helplessness, wondering if he would ever see the banners of his homeland again in his lifetime.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the study door, and the old butler quietly entered, whispering, "Master, someone has arrived from the south."

Xin Zan was jolted awake, and the teacup in his hand almost slipped from his grasp!

South?

Could it be...?

Suppressing his turbulent emotions, Xin Zan took a deep breath, striving to remain calm, and said in a deep voice to the old butler, "Quickly!"

"Quickly summon the person to the inner room!"

"Remember, never let anyone outside know!"

Before long, the curtain of a more secluded quiet room inside the study was gently lifted, and a man walked in quickly with his head down.

This man was extremely tall and imposing. Although he was dressed in ordinary northern merchant attire, he still exuded a capable and valiant air.

His face was angular and his skin was dark, as if he had been through many storms. His tiger-like eyes gleamed with a sharp light when they opened and closed, and he exuded an imposing aura when he looked around.

He entered the room, gently closed the door behind him with a clean and efficient movement, clearly demonstrating his exceptional skill.

"I am Lei Li, a captain in Commander Han's personal guard. I greet you, Mr. Xin." The man clasped his hands in a salute, his voice deep and powerful, carrying the distinctive clang of a military officer. His gaze quickly swept across the room to confirm that it was safe.

"Captain Lei, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."

Xin Zan felt a little more at ease. Han Shuai?

Could it be...

He dared not think too much, and quickly invited the other man to sit down, personally poured him a cup of tea, and asked urgently in a low voice, "Captain Lei, you've risked your life to come here, may I ask... what urgent matter brings you?"

Lei Li did not sit down or touch the tea. Instead, he took out a letter sealed tightly with sealing wax from his inner pocket and respectfully handed it to Xin Zan with both hands.

"Mr. Xin, this is a handwritten letter from Marshal Han Shizhong, and it also contains... His Majesty's secret decree. Please take a look."

"Marshal Han?"

"His Majesty's secret decree?"

Upon hearing this, Xin Zan's heart pounded, and his fingers trembled slightly with excitement.

He took a deep breath, barely managing to steady himself, and accepted the letter, which still seemed to be warm from his body.

After carefully checking that the sealing wax was intact, he tore open the envelope with his slightly trembling fingers, took out the letter, and eagerly began to read it by the dim light of the oil lamp on the table.

The handwriting on the letter was strong and vigorous, undoubtedly the handwriting of Han Shizhong. The letter did not begin with much small talk, but directly stated that he knew about Xin Zan's predicament and difficulties in being trapped in the Jin court and forced to serve the Jin. There was no blame between the lines, but rather full of understanding and comfort.

Then, shifting his focus, he wrote in an extremely concise and firm tone:

"Your Majesty is wise and enlightened, and knows well your loyalty and righteousness. Even though you are trapped in the war, your heart is still with your homeland."

"Whenever I think of the hardships that Mr. [Name] and the loyal scholars in the occupied areas endured, I cannot help but sigh with regret."

"His Majesty is now determined to restore the nation and is eager for talented individuals. He has specially dispatched a secret envoy to welcome you back to the south. I hope you will not hesitate, make a swift decision, and take your family with you on this secret journey with Commandant Lei."

"Our homeland south of the Yangtze River awaits loyal and virtuous men with open arms!"

"I, Han, have made all the arrangements and will ensure the safety of your family."

"Cut! Cut!"

At the end of the letter, there was an even smaller, yet more dignified, imperial comment, written in bold strokes that seemed to penetrate the paper: "His Majesty is aware of your painstaking efforts. Upon your return, he will surely not fail you."

Upon seeing these words, Xin Zan felt an indescribable surge of heat rush to his head, his vision blurred, his hand holding the letter trembled violently, and tears instantly welled up in his eyes!

His Majesty!

It is His Majesty's will.

His Majesty actually knows about me, a lowly primary school clerk living a life of ignominy in the occupied territories!

His Majesty not only did not regard me as a traitor, but also understood my predicament and knew the loyalty in my heart!

even……

They even risked sending secret envoys to bring me back south!

This……

This is an incredible blessing from heaven that I never even dared to dream of!

He originally thought that he would spend the rest of his life in humiliation under the rule of this foreign race, bearing a bad reputation, but unexpectedly, his hopes were brought to him in this way!

With His Majesty's trust and Marshal Han's arrangements, what merit or ability does Xin Zan possess?

He abruptly raised his head, his eyes blurred with tears, and looked at Lei Li, his voice choked and hoarse with extreme emotion: "Lieutenant Lei!"

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty...Marshal Han...is this true?!"

"Can you really take my whole family back south?"

Lei Li nodded emphatically, a hint of respect flashing in his tiger-like eyes, and said firmly in a low voice, "Absolutely true!"

"Coach Han has arranged the route perfectly, with backup along the way."

"If you make up your mind, sir, we will set off tonight! We will ensure the safe arrival of your entire family in Jiangnan!"

Xin Zan forcefully wiped away the tears on his face and quickly read through the contents of the letter again, especially the line of vermilion annotations, as if he wanted to engrave every word into his heart.

He abruptly brought the letter close to the lamplight, watching it turn to ashes, before turning to Lei Li. His previously ashen face now shone with a resolute light, and he said decisively:

"well!"

"Thank you, Captain Laure and all the righteous men!"

"Please wait a moment, I'll go make arrangements for my family right away!"

……

In the afternoon, the sun shone brightly in Yingtian Prefecture.

Lu Zuo strolled leisurely through the relatively quiet streets, seemingly relaxed, but his gaze subtly swept over his surroundings.

His purpose for this trip was clear: to try to trigger his second talent in various ways.

The four guards remained a dozen paces apart, following cautiously.

As he approached a shop selling stationery and ancient books, Lu Zuo slowed his pace, seemingly taking an interest in an antique inkstone displayed in the window.

Just as he paused and pondered.

A sudden change has occurred!

A dark shadow shot out from the shadows of the narrow alley next to the shop, like a ghost!

Before the person even arrived, a highly refined finger gust, accompanied by a sharp, piercing sound, struck Lu Zuobei's vital acupoint, the Mind Platform!

This finger strike was silent and stealthy, yet it contained a ruthless force that could pierce through metal and stone!

Lu Zuo became alert the moment the shadowy figure appeared. The familiar, scrutinizing, and oppressive aura instantly made him recognize the newcomer...

It is him again!

In the blink of an eye, Lu Zuo's "Ring Finger Technique," which had reached its perfected stage, naturally began to operate. His inner energy instantly condensed in his right middle finger. He listened to the wind and pinpointed the location, then flicked his finger with a backhand motion!

laugh!

An invisible finger force, condensed to the point of being tangible and carrying a slightly scorching aura, precisely met the incoming finger wind!

This finger force is not straightforward, but carries a subtle rotation and vibration, which actually implies restraining and dissolving the opponent's soft and gentle force!

Ok?

The shadowy figure's expression changed drastically, and an incredulous glint of horror flashed in his eyes!

This finger strength?

This operating method?

This is clearly a sign that one has cultivated the Finger Flicking Divine Skill to an extremely high level and has already grasped the essence of "breaking through Qi"!

How is that possible?

I gave him the secret manual yesterday evening, it was all done in just one night!

How could he have trained to such a level?

Huang Yaoshi was shocked, as if a monstrous wave had been unleashed!

He was confident in his unparalleled talent, and it took him several months to even begin to grasp the basics of this finger-flicking technique, and several years to achieve some minor success.

Achieve great success in a single day?

This completely overturned his lifelong understanding of martial arts!

evildoer!

Absolutely a prodigy!

Shocked as he was, Huang Yaoshi didn't slow down at all. Seeing that the two finger forces were about to collide, he changed his move with lightning speed, turning the point into a flick, his five fingers blooming like orchids, gently flicking.

A gentle, sustained burst of energy surged forth, cleverly deflecting Lu Zuo's sharp finger strike by three points, while simultaneously using the force to drift backward.

With a soft "poof," two fingers crossed and swept across, shooting two small holes of different depths into the bluestone pavement on the street.

Huang Yaoshi landed and took a deep look at Lu Zuo's back. His eyes were extremely complex, showing shock, inquiry, disbelief, and even a hint of awe at encountering a non-human being.

He stopped arguing and didn't utter a word. With a flicker, he disappeared into the narrow alley behind him like a wisp of smoke.

Lu Zuo slowly turned around, looking at the empty alleyway entrance, his brows furrowed slightly.

This person returned and launched an even fiercer attack, seemingly... to verify something.

To verify whether I have mastered that finger technique?

……

Several streets away, under a willow tree on a secluded riverbank.

Huang Yaoshi pulled off the black cloth covering his face, revealing his gaunt face, which was now filled with astonishment.

He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the shimmering river, his chest heaving slightly, clearly indicating that he was not at peace.

"Brother Pharmacist! How did it go? Did you manage to find out his true colors?"

A loud voice rang out, and Hong Qigong, carrying a wine gourd, strolled over from the other side with a curious and mischievous smile on his face:

"Judging from your expression, did you get the short end of the stick?"

Huang Yaoshi slowly turned around, staring intently at Hong Qigong. After a long while, he managed to squeeze out a few words through clenched teeth, his voice carrying a dryness he himself was unaware of:

"Seventh Brother... your previous assessment was probably too lenient."

"Hmm?" Hong Qigong's smile faded, and he leaned closer. "What do you mean?"

Huang Yaoshi took a deep breath, as if to calm the turmoil in his heart, and slowly said, "Just now... I tested him again. I used seventy percent of my power, the 'Intercepting Meridians' Finger from the Finger Flicking Divine Skill."

Hong Qigong's expression turned serious: "And the result?"

"What skills did he use to defend himself?"

"Is it the Free and Easy Movement Technique, or the stance of the Yang Family Spear?"

Huang Yaoshi shook his head, a look of utter absurdity on his face, and said, word by word, "He also used... finger techniques."

"And... it's a finger-flicking technique!"

"What?"

Hong Qigong nearly dropped his wine gourd, his eyes widening like copper bells: "Flick of the Finger Divine Skill?"

"You sent it to him? When did that happen?"

"Just yesterday evening, after testing him, I gave him the manual." Huang Yaoshi's tone was dreamlike and dazed: "All in all, it was less than twelve hours."

"Less than... twelve hours?"

Hong Qigong gasped, his facial muscles twitching slightly: "And then? What level has he reached? Beginner level? Barely able to perform it?"

Huang Yaoshi closed his eyes, then opened them again, a lingering sense of shock in them: "Have you entered the gate?"

"His finger strike just now was powerful and concentrated, making a sound as it cut through the air. In its execution, it already captured three-tenths of the essence of 'rotating vibration, specifically designed to break internal energy'!"

"This is clearly... the pinnacle of skill, a state of perfect mastery!"

Quiet.

A deathly silence.

Hong Qigong opened his mouth wide, but couldn't utter a sound for a long time.

He had personally witnessed how many years of effort Huang Yaoshi had put into mastering the Finger Flicking Skill!

Mastery in twelve two-hour periods?

This goes beyond the scope of "extraordinary talent," it's simply...!

After a long silence, Hong Qigong took a large gulp of wine, wiped his mouth, and muttered, "A monster... too monster!"

"I've lived most of my life, and I've never heard of such a thing!"

Huang Yaoshi did not refute, but simply gazed in the direction of the palace, his eyes unfathomable, and repeated in a low voice, "Yes...unbelievable..."

……

After defeating the mysterious man in black, Lu Zuo remained calm, as if he had merely brushed away a fallen leaf, and continued walking forward leisurely.

The four bodyguards behind him were all flushed, their heads bowed low, almost burying their heads in their chests.

shame!

What a disgrace!

The four men dug their fingernails deep into their palms, yet felt no pain whatsoever.

As imperial bodyguards and His Majesty's personal guard, we are paid by the emperor and have the responsibility of protecting him.

However, on two separate occasions, he encountered a formidable enemy. Not only did he fail to receive any advance warning, but he was also subdued by the enemy in the blink of an eye, standing there like a wooden stake, watching helplessly as His Majesty personally took action against the enemy!

This……

What use are we to them?

Intense shame and self-blame gnawed at their hearts like venomous snakes, making them wish they could disappear into the ground immediately.

In the midst of this oppressive silence, a soft call, tinged with surprise and uncertainty, suddenly came from the street corner ahead:

"Young Master Zhao...?"

Lu Zuo looked up at the sound and saw Bao Xiruo standing prettily in front of a silk shop not far away.

Today she changed into a light blue dress, which made her skin appear even whiter. Her hair was loosely styled and adorned with only a simple silver hairpin, giving her a fresh and refined look.

Upon seeing Lu Zuo, Bao Xiruo blushed slightly, quickly stepped forward with the cloth in her arms, and bowed, her voice soft: "I didn't expect to meet you here, young master."