Chapter 72 – A Choice of Two

Chapter 72 - A Choice of Two

Lu Yan seldom saw Lord Crane looking so ashen and defeated, as if his soul had been snatched away from him, leaving him devoid of vitality and hope. Kneeling in the darkness, his hunched figure seemed even more stooped.

"Do you know why the Heart Sutra of the Immortal Spirit Sword Sect is only half a volume?"

Lu Yan suddenly realized the gravity of the situation, silently sliding off the imperial couch to squat closer to Lord Crane. Lowering his voice, he asked, "Why?"

Lord Crane closed his eyes, his lips trembling as he revealed a shocking secret: "The missing half was destroyed by His Majesty—"

Lu Yan's expression changed slightly. "What did you say?!"

In an instant, Lord Crane appeared much older, resigned as he said, "Do you know why every emperor of Immortal Spirit has died young? The previous emperor passed away before forty, Emperor Yuanzheng at fifty, and Emperor Yongxuan at forty-seven. They barely lived past fifty because the sect's Heart Sutra is too tyrannical. Though its effects are swift, it increasingly damages the internal organs over time. His Majesty deemed it a curse that would continue, so he burned the latter half."

"The reason His Majesty didn't pass on the Heart Sutra to you was out of fear for your longevity. Otherwise, there would have been no need to go through such lengths to obtain the Heart Sutras of the other three kingdoms."

With this revelation, many of Lu Yan's previous confusions were finally explained. Why did the emperor, who was physically strong and well-tended by royal physicians, die so early? It was all because the ancestral sword technique was too tyrannical, damaging his vital organs.

"So that's how it is... So that's how it is..."

Lu Yan muttered to himself, still unable to fully grasp the implications. "Lord Crane, how could you not tell me about something so important earlier?"

Lord Crane choked up. "It was my oversight."

He couldn't exactly say that Lu Yan used to be such a troublemaker that he feared the information would leak, so he kept it hidden. He believed the emperor thought the same way; among his three sons, two were fools, and the only one with any sense was currently under house arrest.

Lord Crane used to lament being a eunuch, unable to leave descendants, but now he realized that children were debts. Hadn't the emperor nearly been driven to death by his troubles?

Lu Yan rubbed his face, feeling an immense weight on his shoulders. After the third prince returned, he would most likely try to kill him. He had originally hoped to rely on the emperor for protection, but now it seemed his father might not live much longer.

For a moment, Lu Yan wasn't sure whether to cry for himself or for the emperor. He tightly gripped Lord Crane's hand, struggling to utter a sentence, "How is Father... How is he doing now?"

Lord Crane hesitated. "He was fine, but after the incident with the three princes, he hasn't been doing well."

Lord Crane, with tears in his eyes, choked back a sob. "As long as Your Highness can prove yourself, His Majesty will surely find great comfort."

Lu Yan helped him up from the floor. "Lord Crane, rest assured. I will find a way to heal Father's injuries. If I can't..."

If he couldn't, Lu Yan felt like he would be halfway to his own end.

Shang Junian, in the adjacent study room, finished copying a thick stack of papers. Upon closer inspection, the content didn't resemble scriptures but rather sword techniques. He ran his fingers over the words, momentarily lost in thought, remembering his days training in Wu Yun. The fierce sword qi seemed to pierce through the paper, cutting him to shreds.

By then, Lord Crane had already left the room, leaving Lu Yan alone in bed, lost in thought. He was quietest at night, almost like a different person compared to during the day, his eyes hiding countless worries.

"Swish."

A book suddenly flew through the air, landing precisely on Lu Yan. Instinctively, he reached out to catch it, looking questioningly at Shang Junian, who had entered the room. "You're done copying?"

Even if he had finished, there was no need to throw the scriptures at him. Lu Yan couldn't understand those profound Buddhist texts anyway.

Shang Junian remained silent. He walked to the bedside, nudging Lu Yan to make room, before blowing out the candle and lying down to rest. They had been sharing a bed for some time now, so there was nothing awkward about it.

With the light gone, Lu Yan couldn't see the words clearly. He nudged Shang Junian with his arm and asked again, "Is this a scripture?"

In the darkness, Shang Junian closed his eyes, uttering two words: "Sword manual."

Lu Yan was taken aback. "Sword manual?"

Shang Junian responded indifferently, "My sword manual."

All of Shang Junian's martial arts insights were contained within these pages, as were all his weaknesses. Whoever obtained this sword manual could easily counter his moves.

"I can't hold a sword anymore, so keeping it would be pointless. You should practice with it, but don't let anyone else see it."

After coming out of the dungeon, Shang Junian finally realized one thing: he could never wield a sword again. The injury to his shoulder made even lifting heavy objects excruciatingly painful. Keeping the sword techniques secret served no purpose; giving them to Lu Yan could help him overcome his limitations and increase his chances of survival.

Lu Yan was stunned, never expecting the other party to entrust him with sword techniques that were more precious than life itself. Coming to his senses, he pushed the sword manual back into Shang Junian's hands. The soft pages brushed against his palm in the darkness, the sensation clear: "You've given the sword manual to me, and although I'm delighted, I cannot accept it. This item is more valuable than life. If it falls into the wrong hands, your moves will be thoroughly studied."

"I haven't read a single word. Burn it."

In the darkness, Shang Junian opened his eyes, seemingly smiling. "I'm just a cripple. Now others can easily kill me without studying my moves. Since I've given it to you, keep it. Otherwise, it's useless to me."

Hearing this, Lu Yan silently wrapped his arms around him from behind, resting his chin on Shang Junian's shoulder. Whispering in his ear, he asked, "Junian, do you hate my father very much?"

"..."

Shang Junian certainly did harbor hatred, but Immortal Spirit and Wu Yun were sworn enemies, so it was normal for the other side to be wary and cautious of him. Although Shang Junian hated the emperor, he hated the king of Wu Yun who betrayed him even more. In a low voice, he said,

"There are too many people I hate in this lifetime. He's not the first, nor will he be the last."

"If you're afraid I'll kill him, rest assured. He's still a monarch of a nation, and I don't have that kind of power."

Shang Junian didn't want to admit that he had softened towards the emperor because of Lu Yan.

Hearing this, Lu Yan held Shang Junian's icy fingertips, kissing his cheek. His eyes were exceptionally bright in the darkness, yet they seemed veiled in mist. "Although you can't kill him, you can kill his son. Chancellor, my life is in your hands. You can take it whenever you want."

"Who wants your life?"

Frowning, Shang Junian pushed him away, but Lu Yan clung to him like a rascal, unyielding. His body, which usually shied away from the cold, was now radiating heat, a faint redness spreading across his pale neck and ears.

Shang Junian inexplicably recalled the half pill he had taken previously, hesitantly asking, "By the way... What exactly was that half red pill you gave me last time?"

Lu Yan asked worriedly, "Was it uncomfortable after taking it?"

It wasn't discomfort, but rather, the effect was too potent. Shang Junian's health was already severely compromised, with deficiencies in both blood and qi, leading to occasional palpitations and coughing fits. After taking the pill, however, these symptoms hardly recurred.

Furrowing his brow, Shang Junian said, "This medicine has remarkable effects, so it must be extraordinary. Where did you get it?"

Lu Yan let out a sigh of relief. "Since it's effective, just take it. Don't worry about the details. The Immortal Spirit Imperial Treasury has countless treasures; surely it won't be short of one pill for you."

However, Shang Junian sensed something amiss. Lu Yan was usually generous with his gifts, bestowing top-notch medicines as if they were worthless. But with that particular pill, he had only given a tiny half, unlike his usual style.

This couldn't imply that Lu Yan was stingy; it could only mean that the pill was truly precious, so much so that even the mighty Fengling King could only obtain half of one.

Shang Junian wanted to ask more, but Lu Yan had already drifted off to sleep from exhaustion, his breathing deeper than usual. It seemed he was genuinely worn out, clutching the sword manual loosely at the tip of his fingers, nearly dropping it.

Seeing this, Shang Junian gently pulled out the manual and tucked it under the pillow, then adjusted the blanket over Lu Yan before closing his eyes to sleep beside him.

Well, there would always be another chance to ask.

The day of the grand tribute from myriad nations arrived in the blink of an eye. The palace lifted the half-month curfew, and the capital buzzed with activity. Foreign merchants filled the streets, and even Prince Guxu was released from confinement, assigned by the emperor to welcome envoys from various countries—

This wasn't because the emperor had cooled down, but rather because his other two sons were too foolish, and one had to be presented to save face.

Immortal Spirit faced internal strife and external threats, and any move could provoke the ambitions of other nations. The assassination attempt by Prince Guxu hadn't been publicized, known only to a few high officials, demonstrating the emperor's caution.

On the eve of the banquet, the three hostages were finally released from the Windstill Courtyard. They wore new royal robes, their hair adorned with jade crowns, and dragon pendants hung from their waists. Unlike their former shabby appearance at the hostage residence, they now exuded the dignity of imperial blood.

But it was clear they weren't used to it.

When Shang Junian stepped out, he saw Zhao Yuzhang and the others standing in the courtyard, occasionally tugging at their sleeves, looking uncomfortable. He approached and asked, "Is your clothing ill-fitting?"

Logically, it shouldn't be.

Seeing Shang Junian, Zhao Yuzhang was momentarily stunned. Perhaps due to the banquet, the other party was dressed in fine attire today—a light purple robe embroidered with cloud patterns in gold thread, a pair of green jade fish pendants hanging from his waist. His features were composed, truly unmatched in elegance.

In the past, in Wuyun City, when Shang Junian was the prime minister, he seemed similarly attired, often walking before the throne. But times had changed.

Zhao Yuzhang came back to his senses. "It's not ill-fitting. I've just grown accustomed to wearing coarse clothes these days. Suddenly switching back is a bit uncomfortable."

After saying this, he felt a pang of bitterness and couldn't resist a jab. "It's quite thoughtful of the Fengling King to have made us new clothes, worried that we might appear poorly at the banquet."

Shang Junian didn't indulge him, responding coolly, "If you don't want to wear them, you can take them off."

Zhao Yuzhang glared at him, disbelieving. "Shang Junian! Are you going to keep defending him?!"

That fox!

Shang Junian wasn't biased toward Lu Yan...though he was indeed somewhat partial. He simply disliked others misunderstanding Lu Yan: "According to protocol, you shouldn't attend this state banquet. His Highness requested permission from the emperor to bring you along, fearing you might miss your homeland and loved ones. If anyone doesn't wish to go, they can stay here."

Gongsun Wuyou didn't see the issue. He'd wear the new clothes anyway. Thinking about possibly seeing envoys from Tian Shui later, he grew increasingly excited. Only Liu Que Dan glanced at Shang Junian, his profile set against the swaying tree shadows, making him seem all the more handsome and refined:

"So, should we thank the Fengling King for his great kindness?"

There was no doubt that this was sarcasm.

Shang Junian looked up at Liu Que Dan, his gaze as still as a cold pond. The night wind stirred his purple sleeves, revealing his slender fingers. His right hand, hanging by his side, seemed destined to wield a peerless sword, his voice deep:

"If there comes a day for your return, Prince Que Dan will naturally offer thanks."

Lu Yan had worked tirelessly to preserve their lives before the emperor, exerting considerable effort. But all this happened behind the scenes, unknown to others.

Liu Que Dan was taken aback by these words, unable to discern their hidden meaning. Just as he was about to inquire further, a soft creak echoed, and several maidservants emerged, followed by a man in dark crimson robes. His face was exceedingly handsome, born with a natural air of elegance and nobility, leaving everyone in the courtyard momentarily dazzled.

Lu Yan couldn't maintain his composure when he spoke, losing his serious demeanor:

"Ah, the beauties have arrived. Since everyone's here, let's set off. Today is the grand banquet of myriad nations; we shouldn't be late."

With that, he walked straight out, casually taking Shang Junian's hand as they boarded the carriage together.

The others sat in carriages behind, traveling through the night toward the palace.

The state banquet was held in the Eternal Hall, and some time remained before its commencement. Other members of the imperial family brought their beautiful wives and concubines, but only Lu Yan brought four men. Despite the music and revelry, while others chatted idly, their entrance drew considerable attention.

In someone else's shoes, they would have been mortified, but he strutted brazenly, like a tough-skinned veteran.

Prince Nanxun still harbored resentment over the kick from last time. Holding a wine cup, he approached with a sneer. "We were just talking about how Uncle Jia Wang recently took in a stunning beauty, envying his good fortune. Now, seeing Third Brother, we realize you're the one enjoying the full pleasures of a harem."

Lu Yan rose gracefully, as if the recent friction never existed. "Brother, you flatter me. If you like, I'll send a few beauties to your residence another day."

Prince Nanxun smiled insincerely. "I fear forced fruit isn't sweet. Using power to coerce is truly despicable; I, the king, wouldn't stoop to such tactics."

He was cursing Lu Yan for using his authority to pressure the other three hostages into becoming his male concubines, oh, and including Shang Junian as well.

Lu Yan raised an eyebrow and countered, "Brother, you're mistaken. You're not the fruit; how do you know it's not sweet?"

Prince Nanxun was taken aback, then seethed with anger. But before he could retaliate, a scholarly and refined voice suddenly interrupted, diffusing the tense atmosphere: "I've long heard of the great name of the Fengling King. Meeting you today, your extraordinary bearing is indeed as rumored, even the beauties in your residence are rare in the world. I wonder if Your Highness would be willing to part with one. I'm willing to exchange a rare treasure for her."

Everyone was startled, instinctively turning to the source of the voice. There stood a young man in white and gold python robes, a yellow sash around his waist. He was none other than the fourth prince of Wuyun, Zhao Yuxi, also the newly appointed crown prince.

Zhao Yuzhang, seated at the back, his face darkened instantly at the sight. If one had to describe it, it was akin to the revulsion of eating a pile of cow dung.

"Exchange for a beauty?"

Hearing this, Lu Yan felt a twinge of curiosity. Though he hadn't met Zhao Yuxi, he had secretly investigated beforehand. Seeing the qingniao pattern on the other's attire, exclusive to the Wuyun imperial family, he guessed the identity. Calmly, he said,

"I wonder which beauty Prince Yuxi has taken a fancy to. There are two beauties from your Wuyun country in my residence."

Lu Yan's left hand pulled Shang Junian into his embrace, while his right hand grabbed the back of Zhao Yuzhang's collar, dragging him over. With interest, he asked,

"Prince Yuxi, do you want the one in my left hand or the one in my right?"