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

The massive, dark gold gate stood silently, nine golden dragons coiling around its panels, their eyes seemingly alive, coldly gazing down at the tiny figure before it. A heavy, suffocating pressure permeated the air, like invisible mountains pressing down on his shoulders, or cold chains binding his limbs. Li Bai's breathing became labored; each inhale brought a feeling of pressure on his chest. A faint ache rose in his knees, a primal reaction to absolute authority, a reverence etched into his blood for millennia. Yet, he gripped the Azure Lotus Sword tightly, its blade providing a warm, resolute touch, a silent support. He took a deep breath, suppressing the instinctive tremor in his heart, his gaze shifting from the golden dragons to the enormous "Emperor" character in the center of the gate. Then, he raised his hand, his palm slowly pressing against the cold, heavy door panel.

The moment the touch came, the world changed.

It wasn't pushed away, but rather sucked in.

A blinding golden light suddenly appeared before his eyes, so intense that he instinctively closed them. The resounding chimes of bells and chimes filled his ears, solemn and dignified, one after another, seemingly emanating from the heavens or the depths of the earth. A complex fragrance filled his nostrils—the rich, deep scent of ambergris, the crispness of sandalwood, and a strange aroma unlike anything he had ever smelled before, reminiscent of gold and jade being roasted. Beneath his feet, a solid, smooth texture touched him; it was the warm, lustrous texture of some kind of jade, with a perfectly cool sensation seeping through the soles of his shoes.

He opened his eyes.

Then, my breath hitched.

He stood in a palace that was more magnificent than he could have imagined.

The dome seemed endless, painted with the sun, moon, stars, and the twenty-eight constellations. Golden lines flowed in the dim light, appearing almost alive. Dozens of massive vermilion pillars, each requiring two people to encircle, supported this space. Lifelike golden dragons coiled around each pillar, their scales reflecting a dark golden light under the ever-burning lamps. On either side of the hall, two rows of bronze crane lamps stretched to the horizon, their wicks, held in the cranes' beaks, burning steadily and illuminating the entire hall as if it were daytime.

And he was standing in the center of the hall.

He was no longer wearing the simple blue robe, but a deep purple official robe. The robe was heavy, embroidered with intricate cloud and crane patterns in gold thread, and the collar and cuffs were trimmed with dark gold piping. A jade belt was tied around his waist, heavy and with a warm touch. He wore a black gauze turban on his head, and his soft legs dangled down on either side, swinging gently.

He looked down and saw that he was still holding the Azure Lotus Sword in his hand.

But the scabbard had changed; it was now made of sandalwood with gold trim, matching the official robe.

"Real..." Li Bai murmured, his voice sounding particularly soft in the empty hall.

That's so true.

The coolness of the jade floor beneath my feet, the heaviness of the official robes, the layers of fragrance in the air, even the unique scent in the main hall—a blend of ancient wood, incense, and power—everything felt terrifyingly real.

He raised his head and looked towards the end of the hall.

There, atop the nine jade steps, stood a massive dragon throne, crafted entirely from gold and white jade.

A person was sitting on the dragon throne.

The man wore a bright yellow dragon robe embroidered with the twelve imperial symbols, and a crown reaching to the heavens, from which hung twelve white jade beaded tassels. The beads swayed gently, obscuring his face, revealing only a majestic silhouette. But Li Bai knew who it was.

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Longji.

Or rather, this illusion was a "mysterious sect" constructed based on his memories and subconscious.

Two rows of people stood on either side of the dragon throne.

On the left are civil officials, and on the right are military generals.

At the very front of the civil officials' procession stood a slightly plump, kind-faced middle-aged man. He wore a dark scarlet official robe and a scholar's cap, a gentle smile on his face, but his eyes—deep within them—were like a frozen lake, devoid of any warmth. Li Linfu.

Beside Li Linfu stood a tall, handsome man, dressed in the same scarlet official robe, but with an arrogant expression, chin slightly raised, and an undisguised scrutiny as his gaze swept across the hall. This was Yang Guozhong.

At the front of the military ranks stood several generals clad in gleaming armor, long swords at their waists, but Li Bai did not recognize their faces. Their gazes were all fixed on him, some with curiosity, some with indifference, and some… with murderous intent.

Below the dragon throne, closer to the steps, stood an elderly man with a clean-shaven face, dressed in purple eunuch robes. He was slightly hunched, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his eyes lowered, seemingly just part of the background. But Li Bai knew this man was one of the most dangerous. Gao Lishi.

In the shadows on both sides of the main hall stood many people dressed in official robes of various colors. Their faces were indistinct, as if shrouded in a thin mist, but their gazes were crystal clear—scrutinizing, mocking, indifferent, curious, hostile... all kinds of gazes, like countless needles, pierced his skin.

On the other side of the dragon throne, a little further away from Emperor Xuanzong, stood an old man dressed in a gray Taoist robe, holding a whisk.

Imperial Advisor.

He closed his eyes, as if meditating, or as if indifferent to everything in the hall.

The entire hall was eerily quiet.

The only sounds were the faint crackling of the ever-burning lamp and... Li Bai's own heartbeat.

Boom, boom, boom.

Every sound struck the eardrums, the chest, and the depths of the soul.

Then, the person on the dragon throne moved.

He slowly raised one hand.

The hand was exceptionally well-maintained, with long, slender fingers, fair skin, and neatly trimmed nails. Three rings adorned the hand—a white jade thumb ring, a gold ring inlaid with a ruby, and a ring that appeared to be made of some kind of black bone.

He raised his hand and waved it gently.

The eunuchs on both sides immediately understood and chanted in a high-pitched, drawn-out voice, "Silence—"

The sound echoed in the empty hall, carrying a strange penetrating power that made people's eardrums tingle.

All eyes instantly focused on Li Bai.

Li Bai felt that the oppressive force had become even stronger.

It felt as if an invisible giant hand was pressing down on his shoulders, trying to force him to his knees. The soreness in his knees intensified, and his calf muscles began to tremble slightly. He gripped the Azure Lotus Sword tightly; the scabbard felt warm to the touch, as if reminding him to stay alert.

"Li Bai".

The person on the dragon throne spoke.

The voice wasn't loud, yet it was like thunder rolling down from the heavens, carrying an undeniable authority. Every word struck like a heavy hammer against one's heart.

"Raise your head."

Li Bai took a deep breath and slowly raised his head.

His gaze passed through the twelve-tasseled white jade beaded string and he saw that face.

It was the face of a middle-aged man, extremely well-maintained, with smooth skin and almost no wrinkles. He had thick eyebrows, long, narrow eyes, a high nose, and thin, tightly pressed lips. His entire face exuded an air of authority that came from long holding a high position, and also a kind of... unfathomable shrewdness.

What made Li Bai's heart tremble the most were those eyes.

Those eyes were like two deep wells, their waters dark and bottomless. Something terrifying seemed to lurk at the bottom—power? Desire? Loneliness? Or… madness?

Li Bai didn't know.

But he knew that those eyes could see through people's hearts.

"I recognize you," Emperor Xuanzong said slowly, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger. "The poet Li Bai, whose name resounds throughout the land. I have read your poems. 'The clouds remind me of her garments, the flowers of her face; the spring breeze caresses the balustrade, the dew is heavy'... Well written."

His tone was flat, as if he were commenting on an insignificant item.

"But what interests me more is the sword in your hand."

His gaze fell on the Green Lotus Sword at Li Bai's waist.

That gaze, like a tangible probe, pierced the scabbard. Li Bai felt the Azure Lotus Sword vibrate slightly, and the scabbard emitted a warm sensation, as if in resistance.

"And also," Xuanzong continued, "the place you entered. Mount Shu, the Western Mausoleum Divine Kingdom, Sanxingdui... those secrets."

Every word was like an icicle, piercing Li Bai's ears.

he knows.

This illusion knows everything.

Or rather, this illusion read from the deepest part of his memory, and then... used it to construct this test.

"I'm giving you a chance."

Emperor Xuanzong leaned forward slightly, the beaded string swaying and making a crisp clinking sound. His gaze sharpened, like two knives, as if to slice Li Bai apart.

"Kneel down."

The two words, like two giant stones, struck Li Bai's heart.

"Presume to offer your sword, and all the secrets you know. Swear allegiance to me, and to the Tang Dynasty."

Emperor Xuanzong's tone remained calm, but every word carried immense weight.

"I can give you everything you want. High office, generous salary, wealth and honor. You can become the chief scholar of the Hanlin Academy, the tutor of the crown prince, or even... be ennobled as a marquis."

A very faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Don't you like Yang Guifei? I can give her to you. Just kneel down and swear allegiance."

These words, like the fangs of a viper, bit deep into Li Bai's heart.

His breath hitched.

He could almost see that fifteen-year-old girl again, standing under the peach blossoms in Chengdu, turning back to smile at him. That smile was breathtakingly beautiful, and it captivated his heart.

Then, the image shattered.

She became a noble concubine deep within the palace, dressed in magnificent robes and wearing a phoenix crown, yet with empty eyes.

Then, it became the cold corpse on Mawei Slope, strangled to death with a white silk ribbon.

Finally, it became the modern-day Yang Xiaohuan, held hostage by two tattooed men, her eyes filled with tears and despair.

Three lifetimes, three worlds, the same face, the same fate.

Manipulated by power, swept along by the times, they have no control over their own destiny.

Now, the "Xuanzong" in this illusion is using this as a bargaining chip to force him to kneel.

Kneel down, and you'll get her.

Kneeling down can change everything.

Kneel down...

Li Bai felt his knees trembling more and more violently.

That invisible pressure pressed down like a mountain. His spine creaked slightly, as if it couldn't bear the weight. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, one drop, two drops, sliding down his cheeks and dripping onto the front of his official robe, leaving dark stains.

He could hear his own heartbeat, getting faster and louder.

He could hear the sound of blood rushing through his ears.

He could hear... that faint voice deep within his heart.

"Kneel down..."

That's what the voice said.

"Kneel down, and everything will be simple. You can use the power of the imperial court to find a way to save her more quickly. You can use high-ranking positions and generous salaries to protect those she wants to protect. You can... no longer struggle alone."

"Kneel down, and you'll live."

"Kneel down, and you'll have a chance."

That voice was so gentle, so convincing.

Like the devil's whisper.

Li Bai closed his eyes.

He remembered why he had pursued power.

It wasn't because he wanted wealth and status, nor because he wanted high office and generous salary, and it wasn't even entirely because he wanted to win back Yang Yuhuan.

He wanted power because he was fed up with that feeling of powerlessness.

In modern times, he could only watch helplessly as his wife was coerced, while he himself was stabbed to death, unable to do anything about it.

In the Tang Dynasty, he watched helplessly as the woman he loved was sent to the inner palace, while he himself was just a powerless scholar who could do nothing to change anything.

He desires power so that he will no longer bow to authority.

It's to protect those we want to protect.

It's so that we have the right to say "no".

Now, this illusion, this "calamity of imperial power," is meant to force him to kneel, to bow to tyranny, and to abandon his original pursuit of power.

If he kneels down, what difference is there between him and those officials who sell their souls for personal gain?

If he kneels down, what is the point of his struggles in these two lifetimes?

If he kneels... then is he still Li Bai?

He opened his eyes.

His gaze passed through the beads and landed directly on the person on the dragon throne.

"Your Majesty," he said, his voice slightly hoarse but clear.

In the main hall, all eyes were on him.

Li Linfu's smile deepened, but the coldness in his eyes intensified. Yang Guozhong's lips curled into a mocking smile, as if he were watching a good show. Gao Lishi remained meek and obedient, but his hand, hidden in his sleeve, twitched slightly. The gazes of the military officers sharpened. Even the blurry faces in the shadows seemed to lean forward slightly.

The Imperial Advisor remained with his eyes closed.

"Your Majesty, there is something I do not understand," Li Bai said slowly.

Emperor Xuanzong did not speak, but simply looked at him quietly.

"Your Majesty desires my sword, my secret, and my loyalty." Li Bai's voice gradually calmed, the invisible pressure still present, but his posture straightened even more. "Then, I wish to ask Your Majesty—"

He paused, then asked, word by word:

"What does Your Majesty want these for?"

A collective gasp filled the hall.

This is a very bold question.

That's so audacious it's almost...suicidal.

Emperor Xuanzong's expression remained unchanged.

But a very subtle ripple flickered in those deep, well-like eyes.

It sounded like surprise, but also... annoyance.

"For the Tang Dynasty," he said slowly, a hint of coldness in his voice, "For the eternal stability of the empire, for the peace and prosperity of the nation."

"Is that so?" Li Bai asked softly.

His gaze swept over the people on both sides of the main hall.

Li Linfu, a man of honeyed words and a treacherous heart, controlled the government and eliminated dissidents.

Yang Guozhong rose to power through nepotism, and his corruption and incompetence exacerbated the corruption in the court.

Gao Lishi, an eunuch who interfered in politics, maintained imperial power, but also fueled the emperor's extravagance and isolation.

Among those military generals, some were utterly loyal, while others were ambitious.

And then there are those blurry faces in the shadows—they represent the entire bureaucratic system, the millions of officials who strive for personal gain.

Does this court really need his sword and his secrets to ensure the "eternal stability of the empire"?

Or is it that... the emperor simply wants more power, more control, and more... immortality?

Li Bai recalled how, in his later years, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang became obsessed with Taoism, pursued immortality, and favored Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong, ultimately leading to the An Lushan Rebellion.

This illusion read his memories.

Therefore, the "Xuanzong" it created also carried that desire for power and immortality.

"If Your Majesty truly cares for the Tang Dynasty," Li Bai said slowly, "then my sword should not be offered to Your Majesty alone. My secrets should not serve only the imperial power."

His voice echoed in the hall.

"The sword should sing for the common people."

"Secrets should be revealed to the world."

"My loyalty is not to any one person or any one throne, but to... this land and the people of this land."

The words fell.

The main hall was deathly silent.

The flames of the eternal lamps seemed to have solidified.

Everyone's expression froze on their faces.

The smile vanished completely from Li Linfu's face, replaced by a chilling killing intent. Yang Guozhong's mockery turned to rage, his eyes widening in fury. Gao Lishi finally raised his head, a glint of cunning flashing in his cloudy old eyes. The generals' hands rested on their sword hilts. The faces in the shadows began to stir.

And Emperor Xuanzong on the dragon throne...

His expression finally changed.

It was an extreme kind of coldness.

Like eternal ice, it froze all emotions.

Only those eyes remained unfathomable, yet deep within the well, it seemed as if black flames were burning.

"Good," he said slowly, his voice sounding as if it had been pulled from an ice cave. "Very good."

He slowly stood up.

The bright yellow dragon robe hung down, and the twelve symbols of imperial authority shimmered under the lamplight.

The twelve-tasseled white jade beaded string shook violently, producing a series of clanging sounds.

"I gave you a chance."

His voice was no longer calm, but carried a suppressed anger, like thunder before a storm.

"Since you don't know what's good for you..."

He raised his hand and waved it gently.

"Then, let's take it."

Before he could finish speaking...

Dozens of figures suddenly rushed out from the shadows on both sides of the main hall.

They were dressed in tight-fitting black clothing, their faces covered with black cloth, revealing only pairs of cold eyes. They gripped long swords, the blades reflecting a chilling light under the lamplight. Their movements were as swift as ghosts, their landings silent, yet their killing intent was like a tangible tide, instantly engulfing the entire hall.

Warriors before the palace.

Or rather, it is the "palace warrior" constructed by this illusion.

They attacked from all directions, their blades flashing and forming a net that blocked all of Li Bai's escape routes.

The air was torn apart, emitting a sharp whistling sound.

The chill of the blade stung my skin.

Li Bai stood still, without moving.

He simply gripped the Azure Lotus Sword tightly in his hand.

The scabbard vibrated violently, and the warm touch turned scalding hot, as if a life was awakening within the sword.

He raised his head, his gaze piercing through the oncoming flash of blades, and looked at the person on the dragon throne.

Emperor Xuanzong stood there, looking down at him coldly.

There was no emotion in those eyes.

Only power.

An absolute, unquestionable power to crush all resistance.

Li Bai felt that the invisible pressure had surged to its extreme at this moment.

It was as if the entire sky had collapsed, threatening to crush him into dust.

The trembling in my knees reached its peak.

The calf muscles spasmed, and the spine groaned as if it couldn't bear the strain.

Cold sweat streamed down my forehead like rain.

But he did not kneel.

His back was ramrod straight.

Like a spear, it was planted in the center of this magnificent hall.

Like a mountain, it stands tall under this overwhelming pressure.

He remembered who he was.

He is Li Bai.

It is Li Bai, the one who wrote "How can I bow and scrape before the powerful and wealthy, making me unable to be happy?"

It is Li Bai, who pursued the ideal of "killing one person in ten steps and leaving no trace for a thousand miles".

He is Li Bai, who traveled from the modern world, carrying memories of two lifetimes, and vowed to protect his loved ones and eliminate all injustice in the world.

His knees can kneel before heaven and earth, parents, and the righteous path in his heart.

Only...

We must not kneel before power and coercion.

We cannot kneel before this cage built of fear and self-interest.

He cannot kneel before the "royal power" that will take away his sword, his secrets, and his dignity.

He took a deep breath.

It felt as if flames were burning inside my chest.

That flame was anger, defiance, and the unyielding spirit forged through two lifetimes of trials...

Then he spoke.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a thunderclap, exploding in the deathly silent hall.

"Official knee——"

He looked directly at Emperor Xuanzong, each word clear and distinct:

"One may kneel before Heaven and Earth, one's parents, and one may kneel before the righteous path in one's heart."

He paused for a moment.

Every word seemed to burst forth from the depths of his soul, as if using all his strength:

"The only thing I will not do is kneel before coercion and power!"

The moment the words fell.

The Azure Lotus Sword is drawn.