Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Yaoguang raised a hand, invoking his long-range object retrieval spell. He had endured enough these past few days, and Yu Qingsong had practically walked right into it.

This spell was quite useful! Yaoguang thought to himself. First, he controlled Yu Qingsong, making him dive in and out of the water with a splashing sound. Yu Qingsong's treasured sword disappeared, and he plummeted to the bottom of the pond, covered in mud. Just as he was about to scream, he choked on the water again.

"A monster!" A terrified palace maid started to shriek.

Yaoguang merely turned his head and glanced at them. In that instant, the palace attendants were so frightened that they lost control of their bladder, scrambling to escape. Only He Lu remained, mouth agape, and after a long while, he regained his senses, kneeling and shouting, "Minister Duan! Minister Duan, have mercy!"

The entire Hall of Radiant Light erupted into chaos. Some ran, while others knelt; no one had expected Yaoguang to suddenly use such a move!

Yaoguang: "You said I could have three moves... Come on! One move... Two moves..."

Yu Qingsong: "..."

Just as Yu Qingsong emerged from the water, Yaoguang remotely forced him back in from afar. Choking and coughing, he slipped into a semiconscious state.

"General! Quick... Quick..."

Chen Feilang had arrived. He was standing before the Radiant Hall, looking at Yaoguang with an odd expression, seemingly having appeared out of nowhere.

"What are you doing?" Chen Feilang's tone was calm.

Yaoguang glanced at him but didn't respond.

Half of Yu Qingsong's body was submerged in the pond, struggling desperately and on the verge of drowning.

"Let him go," Chen Feilang said. "Don't mess around."

It didn't take Chen Feilang long to figure out that Yu Qingsong must have offended Yaoguang.

"Fine, I'll give you some face," Yaoguang said, taking the opportunity to back down. Otherwise, since Yu Qingsong's offense wasn't severe enough to warrant death, Long Jianlu would surely be enraged. Chen Feilang's intervention came just in time.

With that, Yaoguang canceled his telekinetic spell, and Yu Qingsong fell entirely into the pond.

Yaoguang: "Is there something you need?"

"No," Chen Feilang replied. "I just wanted to drop by and see you. Have you had lunch yet?"

Yaoguang turned and entered the palace hall. The eunuchs hurriedly scrambled to lift Yu Qingsong out of the pool.

Silent, Yu Qingsong lay on his side by the pond, coughing up water. His body, face, and hair were covered in mud, a pitiful sight.

"He Lu," witnessing the heart-stopping scene, called out softly, "Are you alright?"

After crawling on the ground for a while, Yu Qingsong's hands trembled as he reached for the sword he had discarded.

"Serve the meal," Yaoguang said. "I'm starving."

"Lord Yu—!"

The alarmed cry came from outside as guards and eunuchs rushed forward, stopping Yu Qingsong from taking his own life with the sword. It clattered to the ground, leaving a bloody gash on Yu Qingsong's neck.

Assuming Yu Qingsong had succumbed to his punishment, Yaoguang glanced out and, seeing him still standing, roared, "What are you doing? Serve the meal! I'm hungry!"

The palace attendants were aghast, but He Lu promptly signaled them to maintain composure. Despite the chaos and abnormality, they demonstrated exceptional professionalism and willpower, trembling as they tried to restore order and have the meal served.

Exhausted, Yu Qingsong limped away from the Glorious Hall, his sword taken by the guards, like a drowned rat, without a word.

Chen Feilang asked, "Is this your spell?"

Yaoguang observed Chen Feilang, who continued, "To be honest, I'm somewhat glad they're in trouble. You know, the Hualangs have always been fearless due to the Emperor's favor. Now, they finally have a taste of their own medicine."

At the mention of "favor," Yaoguang's expression darkened.

"Still, they do serve the court wholeheartedly," Chen Feilang commented casually. "Considering their dedication, it's not necessary to be too harsh. A small punishment as a warning will suffice."

Yaoguang was somewhat impressed by his emotional intelligence. His anger had subsided.

The servants serving the meal were visibly trembling, clearly terrified.

Chen Feilang turned to He Lu and inquired, "Has the Emperor not arrived yet? That's unlike him."

With a quivering voice, He Lu replied, "His Majesty is in a closed meeting with the Grand Censors, instructing that no one disturb them."

Chen Feilang nodded and responded, "I suppose he's discussing the precedent for appointing a male Empress from historical records. It's a good approach."

Yaoguang then asked, "Do you prefer men?"

When Yaoguang created this world, given his own sexual orientation, he made most male characters handsome and attractive, resulting in an atmosphere tinged with gay undertones.

"Sounds good," Chen Feilang pondered before responding, "I've never tried it before. Would you like to accompany me?"

Yaoguang said warmly, "Are you courting death? Do you want to take a dip in the pond?"

Chen Feilang changed his tone, "Do you have any siblings, or maybe a younger or older cousin, similar to you? Someone you could introduce me to?"

Yaoguang replied solemnly, "No."

Chen Feilang continued, "What other spells do you know?"

Dealing with Chen Feilang always gave Yaoguang a headache. Unlike Long Jianlu, who was more restrained, Chen Feilang was inquisitive and skilled at extracting information. Yaoguang feared that one day his true identity might be revealed.

"I can heal and save lives," Yaoguang replied casually, "and I can conjure fireballs."

Chen Feilang commented, "And kill without spilling blood?"

Just then, Long Jianlu finally arrived.

"What's going on here?!" Long Jianlu's voice boomed like thunder, his anger palpable outside the hall.

The eunuchs, terrified once more, hurried out to greet him. Upon arriving at the entrance, Long Jianlu saw Yaoguang sitting calmly, enjoying a meal with Chen Feilang, an expression of disbelief etched on his face.

Yaoguang remained still, but Chen Feilang, being the obedient one, stood up and moved to the side.

"Why are you in my harem again?" Long Jianlu glanced at Chen Feilang.

"I heard there was a dispute in front of the Guanghua Palace," Chen Feilang bowed, "so I came to investigate."

Long Jianlu asked, "Did Yu Qingsong come? What did he say? Why did he leave in tears?"

After a busy morning and noon, Long Jianlu had summoned the Grand Scholars for a meeting, determined to give Yaoguang a rightful title, something reasonable and justifiable. After all, appointing a male consort would defy societal norms, so he needed scholars to interpret the classics and ensure their actions aligned with propriety.

Just as the closed-door meeting concluded, Long Jianlu learned that the Flower Official had fought with his beloved, prompting him to rush to the Guanghua Palace.

"He came to say a few words," Yaoguang explained truthfully, "we had an argument, and when he wanted to fight, I threw him into the pond outside."

Long Jianlu was left speechless.

Long Jianlu glanced at Chen Feilang, who replied, "Indeed."

Fixing his gaze on Yaoguang, Long Jianlu continued, "Yu Qingsong is the finest swordsman in Lintong State. You... you threw him into the pond?"

"Yes," Yaoguang said.

Long Jianlu sat down in front of Yaoguang, and Chen Feilang, sensing the situation, excused himself with a bow.

Waving his hand dismissively, Long Jianlu observed Yaoguang eating and asked, "What did he say to you?"

"Are you sure you want to know?" Yaoguang inquired.

Letting out another sigh, Long Jianlu could well imagine what Yu Qingsong might have said.

"That boy can be quite stubborn," Long Jianlu commented. "How did you throw him into the pond? Did you do it from your seat in the hall with a single move?"

"Not quite," Yaoguang replied. "I had to stand up at least."

Long Jianlu: "..."

Though Long Jianlu was an extraordinary martial artist, sparring with Yu Qingsong was like child's play. However, he couldn't possibly lift the renowned First Swordman before the Wind and toss him into a pond. After all, the man was human, not a chicken bound for slaughter; he would certainly struggle.

"You're that strong?"

"I used a spell to throw him," Yaoguang replied. "Just a minor one."

Long Jianlu glanced at the eunuchs outside, who were clearly shaken by Yaoguang's display.

"Pass on the order," Long Jianlu instructed He Lu, "that anyone spreading rumors within the palace will lose their head."

"Yes!" He Lu, who had just regained some composure, trembled anew at these words.

Long Jianlu studied Yaoguang intently.

"I've asked the Imperial Astronomer to choose an auspicious date," Long Jianlu said. "What do you think of the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month?"

"Sixth day of the twelfth lunar month?" Yaoguang calculated, then asked, "What needs to be done?"

"What do you suggest we do?" Long Jianlu chuckled. "I can hardly wait any longer. Every night when I close my eyes, all I think about is that evening we bathed and drank together. If this continues, I'll be the one going mad first."

Yaoguang instantly understood – this guy was quite principled after all! So he hadn't kissed or slept with him because they weren't married? He didn't expect the emperor to hold such traditional views! No, precisely because he was an emperor, his thoughts were conservative.

Touched, Yaoguang said, "It's up to you."

Long Jianlu replied, "I've already instructed the Hualang to draft an edict. During tomorrow's morning court session..."

Just as they spoke, a large crowd swarmed into the hall from outside.

"Duanyao Guang! You monster!"

"There's a monster in the palace! We must slay it!"

"Where is the monster? Come out, monster!"

All the Hualang had arrived, each of them armed with swords and roaring furiously, determined to avenge Yu Qingsong. The scene was chaotic, and the guards were momentarily at a loss on how to react.

Long Jianlu thundered, "What are you doing?"

Facing the group of Hualang, Long Jianlu was on the verge of being driven mad. The leader of the Hualang knelt and said, "Your Majesty, your mind has been clouded! This person named Duanyao Guang is a monster!"

Yaoguang stood behind Long Jianlu, observing them. The Hualang drew their swords, prepared to confront him with all their might. However, they hesitated due to Long Jianlu's royal authority.

Taking a deep breath, Yaoguang knew it wouldn't be appropriate to mete out the same treatment to them in front of Long Jianlu.

"Ge Xin," Long Jianlu frowned, "take them back immediately!"

The leader, Ge Xin, didn't budge an inch. He earnestly pleaded, "Your Majesty, this man may appear ordinary, but his heart is as poisonous as a scorpion..."

"Who are you calling ordinary?!" Yaoguang's anger flared, rolling up his sleeves for a fight. But Long Jianlu gestured for him to wait.

"...He has been using demonic arts extensively in the palace and uses sweet words to deceive Your Majesty," Ge Xin wept. "Ask the palace attendants on duty at Guanghua Hall if what I say is true, Your Majesty!"

Long Jianlu couldn't provide an explanation. "Yaoguang learned magic from a master beyond this world in his sect. It's definitely not demonic magic. You simply don't understand. Stand up, Ge Xin. You've read many books, how could you..."

"Why are you explaining this to him?" Yaoguang said in disbelief. "Are you the emperor or is he? Can't you just tell him to leave?"

Long Jianlu replied, "They are officials, Yaoguang!"

"Exactly because I've read all the classics in the world," Ge Xin ground his teeth, "I know that this man is a monster! Duan Yaoguang! Why are you bewitching our sovereign? What is your true purpose? Today, I will make sure Your Majesty sees your true face!"

"Ah! Stop!" Long Jianlu finally lost his temper.

Ge Xin charged forward with his sword, but in Long Jianlu's eyes, it was a mere child's play. He easily disarmed Ge Xin, took away his sword, and pushed him aside.

"You really dote on them!" Yaoguang was angered. Long Jianlu's move clearly showed his reluctance to hurt Hu Lang.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Long Jianlu defended himself, "I didn't even touch him!"

The others rushed forward, and Yaoguang finally grew impatient. With a swift gesture, he used his telekinesis, causing a clatter as all their swords were seized mid-air. The swords danced before plummeting to the ground amidst cries. The scene fell silent momentarily.

"A monster!" someone shrieked from a distance upon witnessing the spectacle.

Yaoguang retorted, "Who are you calling a monster?!"

Almost instinctively, Yaoguang was ready to command his flying sword towards the source of the scream. However, he refrained when he realized it was just a powerless palace maid; killing her would serve no purpose.

"Your Majesty," Ge Xin spoke calmly, "you saw that, didn't you?"

Long Jianlu spoke patiently, "This isn't sorcery; it's a spell from Yaoguang's sect. I've kept silent all this while to prevent you from being afraid."

Ge Xin raged, "Your Majesty! Allowing such a demonic person to remain in the palace will only disrupt the governance and bring ruin to our nation! Stop being delusional!"

Long Jianlu had been holding back his anger, but now it burst forth. "How dare you! You take advantage of my favor and become lawless! Guards! Arrest the Hualang and confine them in the Heavenly Prison to reflect on their actions!"

When Long Jianlu was truly enraged, it was like a bolt of lightning – a sight Yaoguang had never witnessed before. In the past, whether as a knight or a demon king, Long Jianlu had mostly been casual and unserious. Even when he was serious, he still gave off an aura of safety.

Yaoguang was genuinely startled.

The guards stepped forward to take away the Hualang, but Ge Xin resisted.

"Your Majesty, there's no need for you to intervene," Ge Xin said firmly, "I've followed you like a brother for these years. You're our elder sibling. Since you refuse to see reason, I'd rather give up my life to make you..."

As he finished speaking, a dagger appeared in his hand. Sensing danger, Long Jianlu rushed forward to stop him, but Ge Xin resolutely stabbed himself in the heart, blood spurting out instantly!

"Is it really worth it?!" Yaoguang was exasperated. He shouted, "Are you all insane?!"

As Long Jianlu rushed forward, it was already too late. The Hwarangs broke free from the guards, seemingly embracing death with unwavering resolve, intent on taking their own lives as a form of protest.

"Stand back!" Yaoguang pushed aside Long Jianlu and approached Ge Xin. The latter was convulsing violently; the dagger had missed his heart, for even in suicide, one needed time to utter final words. Blood trickled from his nose and mouth as he gasped, "Evil... you... won't... escape your fate..."

Placing his hand on Ge Xin's chest, Yaoguang activated a healing spell.

With the dagger removed, the wound closed, and the blood receded from his nose and mouth. Ge Xin was restored to health.

Long Jianlu looked at Yaoguang, momentarily at a loss for words.

Ge Xin rolled onto his stomach, the dagger taken away, utterly bewildered by Yaoguang's actions.

"I... I..." Ge Xin stammered, lost.

"Get up when your wounds heal," Long Jianlu said coldly, "You've truly broken my heart."

Yaoguang glanced at Long Jianlu, who then addressed the Hualang, "After being alone for so long, I've finally found someone I care for. I thought you'd be happy for me."

"Wait a moment," Yaoguang said to Long Jianlu, "Can we perhaps have this conversation in the imperial study, with the door closed? No need to lecture your subordinates in front of me. I don't concern myself with such matters."

Then, Yaoguang bellowed at the group of Hualang, "Have you had your fun yet?! Scram, all of you! If you don't leave now, I'll clear the area with my demonic arts! I'll count to three, three!"

Upon reaching "three," all the Hualang were hastily carried away by the guards, leaving behind a scattering of long swords. Yaoguang slammed the door shut.

"Yaoguang?" Long Jianlu said patiently.

"Y-You, A-Also, G-Get Lost." Yaoguang reopened the door and, in front of Long Jianlu, slammed it once more.