I was a mineral prospector in Chengdu, who transmigrated into the body of a mortal sword immortal.

The candlelight flickered in Li Bai's eyes, becoming blurry spots of light. The cold touch of the bronze palace of the Western Mausoleum Divine Kingdom, the eerie smile of the golden mask from Sanxingdui, the lost ancient scripts in the secret realm… these top-secret fragments of memory collided wildly in his mind. The emperor's calm gaze was like two mountains, pressing down on him, making it almost impossible to breathe. He knew that every word that followed could either condemn him to eternal damnation or… become his only chance of survival. His Adam's apple bobbed laboriously, and his chapped lips parted slightly.

"His Majesty……"

His voice was so hoarse it sounded like it was being squeezed out from a crack in the rock.

Li Longji continued to look at him, his eyes offering no urging, only an unfathomable wait. That kind of wait was more suffocating than any coercion—it signified that the emperor possessed absolute patience and absolute control.

"Your Majesty..." Li Bai took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, "When I was traveling in Shu, I did hear some... mountain legends."

He chose the most cautious approach.

"Sichuan is a mountainous region with simple and honest people. They often say that in ancient times, there were gods living deep in the mountains and secret realms hidden in the earth's veins. Your Majesty... the inheritance I have received may be related to these legends, but whether it is the 'Xiling Divine Kingdom' or the 'Sanxingdui Secret Realm', I dare not make a rash judgment."

Every word has been carefully considered to the extreme.

It's reasonable to admit that I've heard of such stories—there are indeed such legends in Sichuan.

Deny knowing for sure—this is a lifesaver; never admit to having entered the secret realm.

By vaguely linking tradition with legend, the source of power is explained while leaving room for interpretation.

After Li Bai finished speaking, he held his breath.

The only sound in the interrogation room was the occasional crackling of the burning candlelight. The sound was exceptionally clear in the deathly silence, like something slowly cracking open.

A hint of expression finally appeared on Li Longji's face.

It wasn't anger, it wasn't doubt.

Rather, it was a kind of... almost playful smile.

The smile was faint, just a barely perceptible upward curve at the corners of his mouth, yet it made Li Bai's heart clench suddenly. He had seen this smile before—in his past life, on the faces of those cunning old foxes who wielded great power and saw through everything.

"Li Bai".

The emperor's voice was very soft.

"Do you know why I came here in person?"

Li Bai shook his head.

"Because the Imperial Advisor told me," Li Longji slowly paced, the hem of his black robe dragging on the ground with a soft scraping sound, "that the strange phenomenon you caused at the sacrificial altar was not something an ordinary cultivator could do. The kind of method that draws upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and alters the flow of the earth's veins requires at least... the cultivation of the Nascent Soul stage."

Nascent Soul stage.

These three words, like icicles, pierced Li Bai's eardrums.

He abruptly looked up at the Imperial Advisor. The old man still kept his eyes downcast, as if his words had nothing to do with him. But Li Bai knew—the Imperial Advisor had seen through him. He had not only seen through his cultivation level, but also the unusual source of his power.

"And you," Li Longji stopped, turned around, and his gaze returned to Li Bai's face, "as far as I know, three years ago you were just a weak scholar. In three years, you've gone from a mortal to a Nascent Soul cultivator?"

The emperor shook his head.

"impossible."

Two words: resolute and decisive.

"Unless..." Li Longji lowered his voice, his tone carrying a seductive magnetism, "unless you obtain something... that transcends this era. For example, the complete inheritance of ancient immortals. For example, the legacy of a lost civilization."

Li Bai's fingers trembled slightly under the shackles.

The emperor not only knew about the Western Mausoleum Kingdom and the Sanxingdui Secret Realm, but he also knew... very specifically.

"Your Majesty," Li Bai began with difficulty, "your subject..."

No explanation needed.

Li Longji raised his hand to stop him.

Then, the emperor did something that Li Bai didn't expect.

He waved.

It wasn't directed at Li Bai, but at the Imperial Advisor and Gao Lishi.

"You may all step back."

The voice was calm, yet undeniable.

Without any hesitation, the Imperial Advisor bowed and said, "Your subject obeys the decree." Then he turned and walked steadily toward the door of the interrogation room. His shadow stretched long in the candlelight, like a moving mountain shadow.

Gao Lishi was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting the emperor to let him leave as well. But he quickly recovered and knelt down, saying, "This servant takes his leave." When he got up, his steps were a little flustered, and he almost ran to catch up with the Grand Preceptor.

"Squeak—"

The heavy wooden door was pulled open and then closed again.

The last ray of light disappeared through the crack in the door.

Only two people remained in the interrogation room.

Li Bai, and the current emperor.

The atmosphere suddenly changed. Before, with the presence of the Imperial Advisor and Gao Lishi, although the atmosphere was oppressive, at least the presence of a third party could somewhat alleviate the oppressive feeling of directly confronting imperial power. Now, all the pressure was concentrated on Li Bai alone.

He could hear his own heartbeat, the sound of blood flowing in his ears, and the increasingly strong sandalwood scent in the air—emanating from the emperor. And… a faint, almost imperceptible pressure, like an invisible net, enveloped the entire space.

Li Longji did not speak immediately.

He began to pace.

The steps were very slow, each step making a clear "tap, tap" sound on the stone slabs. The sound rose rhythmically in the silence, like some kind of countdown, or like preparation for some kind of trial.

Li Bai stared at the emperor's back.

His dark robes gleamed dimly in the candlelight, the weave of the fabric appearing and disappearing as he moved. The emperor stood ramrod straight, his shoulders broad, his steps steady. He was a man in his prime, full of energy, and with absolute confidence in his power.

Finally, Li Longji stopped.

He turned around, his gaze returning to Li Bai's face.

This time, there was less scrutiny in his eyes, and more...complexity.

"Li Bai".

The emperor spoke, his voice softer than before.

"I know you are no ordinary person."

The first sentence stunned Li Bai.

"From the moment you first wrote 'The clouds remind me of her clothes, the flowers of her face' in Chang'an, I knew it," Li Longji said slowly. "Such poetry is not something an ordinary person could write. Such talent could not have been nurtured in this era."

He paused.

"I also know about your past with Yang Guifei."

The second sentence struck Li Bai like a hammer blow to the chest.

"Three years ago, when you met her in Chengdu, she was only fifteen years old. You wrote poems for her, and she played the zither for you. I know all about that past."

Li Bai opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

The Emperor... actually knows so much?

"You needn't be surprised," Li Longji said, seemingly reading his mind. "Before Yang Guifei entered the palace, I naturally had to investigate her past. And you, Li Bai, the renowned poet, had connections with her; how could I not know?"

He took two steps closer.

The candlelight cast his shadow on Li Bai, which looked like a mountain pressing down on him.

"I even know," the emperor's voice lowered, almost a whisper, "that your admiration for her is not ordinary."

Li Bai's heart stopped beating at that moment.

"You love her."

Four words, seemingly light, yet carrying the weight of a thousand pounds.

Li Bai closed his eyes.

It’s over.

It's all over.

The emperor not only knew about the secret realm, but also about his relationship with Yang Guifei. These two things combined were enough to get him killed ten thousand times over.

however--

"I will not kill you."

Li Longji's voice suddenly rang out.

Li Bai suddenly opened his eyes.

The emperor was looking at him with a look that was almost pity in his eyes.

"I might even overlook your crime today."

Li Bai's mind went completely blank.

He doesn't understand.

An emperor, knowing that his concubine had been admired by another man, knowing that man possessed power that threatened the imperial authority, knowing that man had nearly caused a riot during the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven—

Why not kill him?

"Why?" Li Bai blurted out.

He regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth. Such a questioning tone was extremely disrespectful to the emperor.

But Li Longji was not angry.

He even smiled.

That smile was complex, containing helplessness, calculation, and... a hint of weariness.

"Because I need you."

The emperor spoke very directly.

"Do you need me?" Li Bai repeated, his voice hoarse.

"Yes." Li Longji turned around and began pacing again. "Li Bai, do you know that the Tang Dynasty, though outwardly prosperous, is actually fraught with hidden dangers?"

Li Bai remained silent.

Of course he knew.

From a historical perspective, he knew that the An Lushan Rebellion was just a few years away. From a practical perspective, during his travels in Sichuan, he witnessed land annexation and widespread displacement of people; in Chang'an, he witnessed the extravagance of the powerful and the corruption of the court.

But he couldn't say.

"The regional military governors are growing powerful, and the border generals are hoarding their troops and becoming increasingly arrogant." Li Longji's voice was calm, as if he were talking about someone else's affairs. "Factional struggles are rampant in the court, and the national treasury is becoming increasingly empty. To the north, the Khitans and Turks are eyeing us covetously, and to the west, the Tibetans are repeatedly invading our borders."

He stopped and looked at Li Bai.

"And I am already old."

He spoke these words softly, yet they carried a heavy sorrow.

Li Bai looked at the emperor.

At fifty, Li Longji was indeed no longer young. The wrinkles around his eyes, the gray hair at his temples, and the weariness hidden beneath his dignified demeanor—all of these were evident upon close inspection.

"I need new power," the emperor continued, "not those ministers in the court who only know how to fight for power, not those generals on the border who may rebel at any moment. I need... power that transcends the mundane."

His gaze sharpened.

"For example, the kind of power you obtained from the Western Mausoleum Divine Kingdom."

Li Bai's heart tightened once again.

"Your Majesty," he said with difficulty, "my strength is insufficient..."

"I know," Li Longji interrupted him. "You alone are certainly not enough to change anything. But what if the secret you possess allows the court to cultivate a group of people with similar powers?"

Li Bai was stunned.

The emperor... wants to mass-produce cultivators?

"The Western Mausoleum Divine Kingdom, the Sanxingdui Secret Realm." Li Longji slowly uttered these two names. "If the ancient records are correct, they contain the legacy of an ancient civilization, cultivation methods that transcend this era, and... the secret to immortality."

Immortality.

The four words, like a curse, echoed in the interrogation room.

Li Bai suddenly understood.

Everything is clear.

The emperor did not kill him not because of his magnanimity, not because he valued talent, and not even because of Yang Guifei.

Rather, it's because of... immortality.

What does a man who has wielded supreme power desire most when he realizes he is growing old?

It is a longer life, a permanent reign.

"So," Li Bai's voice was soft, "what are Your Majesty's conditions?"

Li Longji turned around and faced him directly.

The candlelight flickered on the emperor's face, making his expression appear to shift between light and shadow.

"Two conditions."

The emperor held up two fingers.

"First, inform the Imperial Advisor of all the details you know about the 'Xiling Divine Kingdom,' the 'Sanxingdui Secret Realm,' and the ancient immortal lineage. I will assemble a special team, led by the Imperial Advisor and assisted by you, to explore these ancient secrets in Shu. All discoveries will belong to the imperial court."

Li Bai remained silent.

"Secondly," Li Longji's voice lowered, carrying an undeniable resolve, "from this day forward, you must serve me. I will grant you an official position and bestow upon you wealth and honor. You may continue to be your poet, you may continue to travel and enjoy the scenery, but you must swear an oath to your heart—never to betray me and the Tang Dynasty."

He paused, his eyes turning cold.

"Furthermore, I will completely sever any connection with Yang Guifei."

He spoke those last words slowly, each word like an icicle striking Li Bai's heart.

"She is now a Noble Consort, and may become Empress in the future. From now on, you and she are ruler and subject, and can only be ruler and subject. If I discover that you still harbor any improper thoughts..."

The emperor did not finish speaking.

But that lingering threat is more terrifying than any explicit warning.

Li Bai sat in the chair, the shackles coldly pressed against his skin.

He got it.

This is a deal.

They would trade their freedom and love for their lives and wealth.

It is also a cage.

An exquisitely crafted cage woven from official positions, wealth, inner demons, and vows.

Acceptance meant he was temporarily safe. He could even gain access to the court's resources and use official power to explore the secret realm more deeply—which might help him find more ancient secrets.

But the price was that he became a tool of imperial power. He had to hand over all the secrets, pledge allegiance to the court he didn't fully agree with, and... forever abandon Yang Yuhuan.

What if you refuse?

Li Bai looked at the emperor.

Li Longji was also looking at him, his gaze calm, but beneath that calm lay absolute control. The emperor had absolute confidence—no one would refuse such a offer. Live, be wealthy, and even retain some freedom; only the loss of a woman he could never have.

What a great deal!

The candlelight flickered in the air, casting swaying shadows.

Time passed second by second.

The silence in the interrogation room grew increasingly heavy.

Finally, Li Bai raised his head.

He looked at the emperor, his eyes showing no fear, no struggle, only a kind of... almost calm resolve.

"His Majesty."

His voice was very steady.

"What if I... do not wish to serve as an official?"

Li Longji's brow furrowed slightly.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to inform the Imperial Advisor of all the information I know about the secret realms. I am willing to assist the court in exploring the secrets of the ancient times," Li Bai said, word by word. "But after the matter is accomplished, I only wish to live a carefree life, traveling the world and not concerning myself with court affairs."

He paused, then added:

"As for the Imperial Concubine... she and I are already ruler and subject."

He said those words with great difficulty.

Every word felt like a knife cutting into my throat.

But he had to say it.

Li Longji stared at him, his eyes becoming deep.

"You are unwilling to serve me?"

"I am willing to serve the Tang Dynasty, but I do not wish to be an official," Li Bai said. "I am used to being undisciplined and cannot bear the constraints of the court. If Your Majesty needs me to do anything, I will do my best, but please grant me my freedom."

free.

This was Li Bai's final bottom line.

He can give up secrets, give up love, and even swear an oath never to betray.

But he cannot lose his freedom.

In his past life, he was a geological engineer who worked in the field year-round and cherished freedom above all else. In this life, he is a poetic genius who roams the world with a sword and cannot tolerate any form of restraint.

If he becomes an official, even if it's just a nominal position, he will be trapped in Chang'an, trapped by the rules of officialdom, and trapped under the emperor's gaze.

What's the difference between that and going to jail?

Li Longji remained silent.

He simply looked at Li Bai, his gaze complex.

There was surprise, confusion, and... a hint of appreciation.

This young man, even at the brink of death, dared to bargain.

They actually dare to demand freedom.

"Li Bai," the emperor began slowly, "do you know what it means to refuse my good intentions?"

"I know," Li Bai said, "but I would rather die than lose my freedom."

He spoke calmly.

But beneath that calm lies an unwavering resolve to never compromise.

Li Longji remained silent.

The candlelight flickered in his eyes, reflecting deep thought.

a long time.

The emperor suddenly laughed.

That smile was faint, yet it made Li Bai's heart sink.

"it is good."

Li Longji said.

"I agree."

Li Bai was stunned.

You agreed?

Is it that simple?

"You may choose not to serve as an official, and you may travel the world," the emperor said slowly, "but you must swear an oath to your heart—first, never betray the Tang Dynasty. Second, never approach Yang Guifei. Third, always be ready to answer the court's summons and assist in exploring the secret realm."

He paused, then added:

"In exchange, I will pardon your crime of today and grant you your freedom. And... I can give you a promise."

"What promise?" Li Bai asked instinctively.

Li Longji looked at him, his eyes becoming deep.

"If you help the court find the secret to immortality, I will grant you... one wish."

"Any wish?" Li Bai asked.

"Anything," the emperor said, "as long as it doesn't harm the Tang Dynasty or involve Yang Guifei."

Li Bai's heart skipped a beat.

Any wish.

This means...

He looked at the emperor.

Li Longji was also looking at him, his eyes calm, but beneath that calm was absolute confidence—the emperor believed that Li Bai could not refuse this condition.

indeed.

Li Bai could not refuse.

A wish.

This means that if he can find the secret to immortality, perhaps... perhaps he can get something he never dared to dream of.

For example, could Yang Yuhuan be allowed to leave the palace?

No, that's impossible.

But at least, you can get something else in return.

For example, how to protect her safety in the palace?

For example, how can we ensure she has a good ending in the future?

Li Bai closed his eyes.

He knew that he had fallen into the emperor's trap.

This deal, seemingly granting him freedom, actually bound him to the imperial court's war machine. The oath from his inner demons, the promise of being summoned at any time to assist in exploring secret realms—these conditions were enough to ensure he would never truly be free.

but……

Does he have any other choice?

To refuse is to die.

Accepting it offers at least a glimmer of hope.

There is also... the possibility of a wish.

a long time.

Li Bai opened his eyes.

He looked at the emperor and nodded slowly.

"I... obey your order."

Two words, spoken very softly.

Yet it weighs as much as a thousand pounds.

Li Longji smiled.

It was the smile of a victor.

"Very good," the Emperor said. "Tomorrow, the Imperial Advisor will come to see you. You must tell him everything you know. Afterward, I will arrange your release from prison."

He turned and walked towards the door.

He stopped at the door without turning around.

"Li Bai".

"Your subject is here."

"Remember your vow."

After saying this, the emperor pushed open the door and went out.

A respectful voice came from outside the door: "Your Majesty."

Then, the footsteps faded into the distance.

Li Bai was the only one left in the interrogation room.

The candle was still burning.

The shackles remained cold.

But he knew that everything was different now.

He survived.

They traded freedom and love for the chance to survive.

In return, they received... an exquisite cage.

Li Bai leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

The image of Yang Yuhuan appeared in my mind.

At fifteen, she smiled at him under the peach blossoms in Chengdu.

Then, that face gradually blurred and turned into another face—

Yang Xiaohuan.

His wife in modern times.

That woman, coerced by evil forces, with endless sorrow hidden in her eyes.

"sorry."

Li Bai said softly.

It's unclear whether this was said to Yang Yuhuan or Yang Xiaohuan.

"But I must live."

"Only by living can you change everything."

The candlelight burns alone in the darkness.