Chapter 80: Destiny

Chapter 80: Destiny

All this happened in the blink of an eye, too swift for anyone to grasp. After all, no one would have expected such force from a man on his deathbed, a final desperate struggle like that of a dying beast.

Lu Yan lowered his gaze to the blade pressed against his neck, yet there was no panic in his eyes. "You want to kill me?"

Shang Junning glared at him coldly. "Shouldn't I?"

Lu Yan suddenly laughed. "Deserved."

It was deserved.

"My Lu clan has brought you to this state; it's only natural that you'd want to kill me," Lu Yan said, closing his eyes unexpectedly, with a straightforwardness that was surprising. "Go ahead and kill me."

"…"

Shang Junning paused at these words, his expression shifting between light and shadow. His grip on the knife handle tightened and loosened repeatedly, the boundless hatred in his heart seeming particularly ironic in the face of Lu Yan's indifferent demeanor.

Kill?

What good would it do to kill Lu Yan? Nothing could be undone…

His martial arts, his life, even Wuyun, who had abandoned him as a cripple, were all irretrievable…

Realizing this, Shang Junning suddenly felt all hope drain away. The blade pressed against Lu Yan's throat slowly fell. He forced a mocking smile, unsure whether he was laughing at Lu Yan or himself. "Death is the easiest thing in the world, but unfortunately, I won't live to see your downfall, to see the Xianling mountains and rivers crumble, the country destroyed and families torn apart—"

At these words, Lu Yan sensed something amiss and abruptly opened his eyes. He saw Shang Junning suddenly turn the direction of the blade, aiming it fiercely at his own heart. Lu Yan quickly grabbed the dagger and sternly rebuked, "You're crazy!"

The sharp blade cut through his palm, blood dripping down, but Lu Yan did not release his grip; instead, he tightened it further, locking into a stalemate with Shang Junning.

Lu Yan's eyes were fierce. "Do you really want to die?!"

Shang Junning's veins bulged on his hand. Despite being reduced to a mere husk, the strength in his grip did not waver. He gritted his teeth silently. "If you don't kill me today, I will surely destroy you in the future!"

Lu Yan countered, "Then why didn't you kill me when I let you?!"

"…"

Shang Junning didn't know how to respond. In that brief moment of distraction, Lu Yan forcefully wrested the blade from his hand, throwing it to the ground with a clang. Lu Yan frowned and instructed the maid standing guard at the door in a cold voice, "Throw it out. No more blades in this room!"

The maid responded softly, quickly clearing away the blood-stained dagger. The pearl curtain fell back into place, as if nothing had happened.

That sharp blade was like Shang Junning's backbone. Without it, he collapsed pitifully by the bed, his dark hair covering his face, concealing his expression.

"As long as this prince lives, so shall you. If you truly wish to die, kill this prince first."

Lu Yan paid no heed to the wound on his palm. Without changing his expression, he pressed Shang Junning onto the bed to rest, then covered him with the blanket. It was still the same face, but under the flickering candlelight, it felt entirely different from before, as if an empty shell had suddenly been imbued with a soul, captivating and mesmerizing.

But Shang Junning remained motionless. In his lowered gaze, there were only Lu Yan's hands, which hung quietly from his knees, long and regal, the winding blood flowing over his pale fingertips like a snake, then slowly falling.

"Drip…"

"Drip…"

Like his lingering, miserable existence.

No one in the Prince's residence understood what Lu Yan was thinking. He no longer bullied men or dominated women, nor did he enjoy tormenting people as he used to. Every day, aside from attending to the emperor's illness in the palace, he stayed within the residence, never leaving its doors, personally tending to the criminal he had brought back from the prison.

Yes, personally tending.

Administering medicine, feeding meals, changing clothes, bathing—all these tasks he never delegated to others.

In the depths of winter, the snow outside grew thicker, but because the room was heated by ample charcoal fires, it was so warm that it made one sweat.

Shang Junning lay with closed eyes on the bed, allowing Lu Yan to bathe his body. The snowy-white cloth gently brushed over his skin, forming a stark contrast with his scarred body. Even the most intimate parts were exposed before the other, a mix of shame and humiliation, neither emotion more intense than the other.

Lu Yan had no lascivious thoughts. After bathing Shang Junning, he changed the bandages on his wounds, then dressed him again, ordering the maid to take away the water basin and cloth.

As the weather grew colder, Shang Junning's bones ached more. Both his shoulders and knees had suffered internal injuries, and it wasn't hard to imagine how torturous they must be when they flared up. Yet, he endured without a sound. Countless nights, Lu Yan saw Shang Junning tossing and turning in pain, unable to sleep, drenched in cold sweat, his lips bitten until they were full of tooth marks.

When the night deepened and the fires died down, the evening snow fell upon the vermilion gates.

Lu Yan couldn't even begin to imagine how Shang Junning had survived those years in prison.

Lu Yan usually slept on a low couch at night, but tonight he felt unusually cold. For the first time, he shared a pillow and bed with Shang Junning, separated by blankets and neatly arranged clothes.

In the darkness, Lu Yan asked, "It's a bit cold tonight. This prince will sleep with you?"

Lecherous words coming from his mouth sounded as serious as matters of state.

Shang Junning tugged at the corner of his mouth, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Sleep if you can."

Lu Yan's tastes shouldn't be so peculiar as to find pleasure with a cripple, and days of care had left Shang Junning's body exposed countless times before Lu Yan, making any pretense of modesty unnecessary.

"There's nothing that prevents me from sleeping."

Lu Yan calmly lay down, but he saw Shang Junning turn his back to him. In the darkness, he turned around, looking at the back of Shang Junning's head and saying softly, "I've heard that Zhao Yuzhang has already ascended the throne, but since he has just taken power, his authority is unstable. He's still a puppet emperor. Even if he wants to save you and bring you back to your country, he can't bypass the court officials loyal to Wuyun."

The emperor's desk was piled high with memorials, half of which were requests from the new emperor of Wuyun, pleading for Shang Junning's return to his homeland. Unfortunately, with the emperor gravely ill, Prince Nanxun and Princess Guxu were jointly managing the state affairs. They were busy plotting for their own interests; how could they bother with these trivial matters?

Hearing this, Shang Junning quietly opened his eyes in the darkness. "Why are you telling me this?"

Lu Yan replied, "There's no particular reason. When you were locked up in prison, no one probably told you these things, so you might have been out of touch. I remembered that you and Zhao Yuzhang were quite close, so I thought I'd mention it to you."

He simply wanted to tell Shang Junning that not everyone had given up on him. At least Zhao Yuzhang was trying every means possible to rescue him, hoping that these actions would dispel any thoughts of suicide in Shang Junning's mind.

After a moment of silence, Shang Junning asked, "How did he ascend the throne?"

Zhao Yuzhang, with his limited intellect, managed to successfully ascend the throne after returning alone to Wuyun. It was truly baffling.

Lu Yan was also perplexed, so he deliberately probed further. His deep voice echoed in the darkness, mysteriously distant: "I heard that he first slaughtered his siblings, then colluded with the Grand General to rebel, killing the late emperor within the Golden Palace, before ascending to the throne."

"However, that Grand General had grand ambitions. If Zhao Yuzhang doesn't want to be a puppet emperor, he has a long road ahead of him."

When Lu Yan heard these things, he was stunned for quite a moment. In his memory, Zhao Yuzhang was still the same man of honor, who would defy and angrily confront him for the sake of friends, and happily eat buns sitting alone on stone steps. The words 'regicide' and 'fratricide' had no connection to him.

It seemed that the years spent in the realm of immortals had changed too many people.

Because Shang Junian was facing away, Lu Yan couldn't discern his expression—was it sorrow or anger? He could only vaguely sense that the body beneath the brocade quilt trembled momentarily, revealing a tense restraint.

Lu Yan hesitated for a moment before embracing Shang Junian through the blankets in the darkness. He held Shang Junian's icy hand tightly in his own: "Once you've recovered, I'll find a way to send you back to Wuyun. You can continue serving Zhao Yuzhang, helping him stabilize his kingdom."

This was the best outcome Lu Yan could envision for Shang Junian.

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of light seemed to flicker in Shang Junian's dark, lifeless eyes. Though faint like a starfire falling into snow, extinguishing without wind, his pale lips pursed slightly as he asked hoarsely, "Really?"

Lu Yan: "Really."

Shang Junian: "Prince Fengling, what do you seek by doing all this?"

"Just consider it..."

Lu Yan paused before continuing: "Just consider it...my atonement for past sins."

The snowfall this year was unusually heavy, and reports of disasters flew towards the imperial city like snowflakes. Even in his illness, the emperor heard the news, and his already frail health deteriorated further.

One day, Lu Yan entered the palace to attend to the emperor but coincidentally met Prince Guxu at the entrance, causing him to pause: "Brother, what a coincidence."

Prince Guxu maintained his congenial demeanor. Seeing Lu Yan, he smiled and lightly patted his shoulder: "Third brother, I heard you've been frequently visiting Father recently. It's different now; you've grown up much more than before. Father was just praising you."

Lu Yan rarely got this close to Prince Guxu, close enough to smell the incense on him—a sweetness mixed with a hint of bitterness that inexplicably made his chest feel tight. He subtly held his breath and replied with a smile: "I'm not well-versed in state affairs, unlike my two elder brothers. I can only attend to Father and offer what little help I can."

Prince Guxu looked at him intently: "Your filial piety will make Father very happy and love you even more."

After making an excuse about having something to attend to, he turned and left.

Lu Yan frowned, sniffing the lingering scent of incense in the air. It still felt strange. Lu Sheng was always self-disciplined and preferred the manner of a gentleman, never using such perfumes. Why would he have such a strong fragrance?

When entering the hall to pay respects, the emperor had just woken from his afternoon nap. Previously, he could sit and talk with Lu Yan for a long time, but now he needed Eunuch She's support to sit up, appearing as if his lamp was running out of oil.

Seeing this, Lu Yan hurriedly stepped forward, placing a soft pillow behind the emperor, explaining gently: "The snowstorm was severe on Phoenix Street today, blocking the roads. Your son arrived late unintentionally."

The emperor looked at him with affection and satisfaction: "It's so cold outside. You don't need to come to the palace every day."

Lu Yan knew the emperor's days were numbered, which weighed heavily on his heart. The strong smell of Chinese medicine in the air made it hard to breathe. He gripped the emperor's hand tightly: "Your son is unfilial, always causing trouble for Father in the past. Now that Father is ill, it's only right to serve at your bedside."

The emperor sighed: "This year might be difficult. Disasters have occurred everywhere. I've ordered your eldest brother to distribute food and aid to alleviate the suffering."

Lu Yan lowered his gaze: "These matters should be handled by those below. Father should focus on recuperating and not worry too much."

His eyes inadvertently swept over the emperor's hands, noticing a faint bluish hue under the nails. He frowned inwardly, growing increasingly suspicious.

The emperor waved to Eunuch She, who immediately understood and turned to fetch a delicate small box from the study. It was intricately carved with a pine crane longevity motif, with a piece of black jade embedded in the crane's eye, a masterpiece that was far from ordinary.

"It's almost your birthday at the end of the month. Given the current tense situation, we shouldn't make a big fuss. Consider this your birthday gift. Open it on your birthday."

Holding the box, Lu Yan felt its weight: "Since it's for the end of the month, why give it now? Giving it to your son at the end of the month would be the same."

The emperor simply said: "Take it. My memory isn't good."

Lu Yan closed his eyes, hiding his sadness: "Your son thanks Father."

The emperor's spirits weren't good, and after a brief conversation, he began to feel drowsy again. Lu Yan took the initiative to take his leave. Eunuch She escorted him out of the hall and was about to turn back when suddenly stopped by Lu Yan:

"Hold on, eunuch—"

Eunuch She turned back in confusion: "Does Your Highness have any important instructions?"

Lu Yan stepped forward: "Father's spirit seems weak lately. What did the imperial physician say?"

Eunuch She: "This servant asked the imperial physician. They said it's due to winter fatigue, hence the emperor's poor energy."

Lu Yan asked again: "Has Second Brother been coming to the palace often recently?"

Eunuch She hesitated for a moment: "Due to Prince Guxu's regency, the emperor often summons him. He comes to the palace every few days."

Lu Yan said: "This prince noticed Father's nails turning blue. It must be due to qi and blood deficiency. Please, Eunuch She, keep an eye on the imperial kitchen and prepare some nourishing dishes for Father."

Lu Yan stopped there, leaving Eunuch She standing there with a solemn expression, unable to hide his shock.

Prince Guxu was always ruthless. Perhaps the news of Lu Yan's frequent visits to attend to the emperor had provoked him, leading him to secretly poison the emperor. With Prince Nanxun away dealing with the disaster and Lu Yan having a notorious reputation, if the emperor suddenly passed away, the throne would undoubtedly be his.

Lu Yan worried that being too direct might upset the emperor, so he could only subtly remind Eunuch She. However, just a few days after returning home, news came from the palace that Prince Guxu had been stripped of his title and confined. At the same time, the emperor urgently summoned Prince Nanxun back to the capital, causing a stir in the court and the country, with a sense of impending storm.

"Your Highness, the emperor orders your immediate presence in the palace!"

Eunuch She arrived late at night, looking anxious, as if something major had happened.

Lu Yan's expression changed, knowing that the emperor was likely in critical condition: "Who else did Father summon?"

Eunuch She whispered: "Also Prince Nanxun and several members of the imperial family, along with the four auxiliary ministers. They're all waiting in the study. Time is pressing, hurry to the palace."

Lu Yan's expression was grave: "Eunuch, return first. This prince will follow shortly."

After saying this, Lu Yan hurriedly went inside to change clothes. Before leaving, he remembered something and took out the birthday gift the emperor gave him last time from the drawer. He opened the golden lock hanging outside, only to see half a tiger-shaped military token lying quietly inside, along with a blank imperial edict sealed with the national seal, causing him to freeze in place.

"It seems the emperor won't pass the throne to you..."

Shang Junian's voice suddenly sounded from behind, breaking the silence. After a period of recuperation, he could now walk, though his face was still pale and sickly, making his cool fox-like eyes appear even darker and deeper.

Lu Yan turned to look at him, only to hear Shang Junian say, "This is something the Emperor left for you to save your life. I'm afraid that after tonight, the King of Nanxun will be named the Crown Prince."

Lu Yan's fingers tightened. "Are you that sure?"

Shang Junian didn't answer, he simply said, "Take that tiger token into the palace. You'll find use for it."

Following his words, Lu Yan placed the tiger token in his bosom. After doing so, he rolled up the blank imperial edict of bright yellow and thrust it into Shang Junian's hands with such force that it almost hurt. He said word by word, "Keep this safe for me."

Shang Junian was taken aback, about to refuse, but then saw Lu Yan leave the room like a gust of wind, riding off to the palace with his guards.

In the Emperor's bedchamber, the flower-patterned carpet was filled with officials kneeling on all sides, all of high rank. The King of Nanxun knelt at the head, followed by Lu Yan. A tense atmosphere permeated the air, making everyone hold their breath.

The Emperor lay in bed, his aged voice echoing through the curtains as he recounted his lifetime achievements. The moon, obscured by dark clouds outside, seemed to symbolize the fall of this emperor:

"I have been on the throne for thirty-seven years, and I can say that the seas are calm and the rivers are clear, the world is at peace. All twelve continents have been incorporated into the immortal realm, and all nations have submitted. I can die in peace knowing that my descendants are unworthy... I wonder if they can preserve the empire I've left behind..."

The King of Nanxun crawled forward a few steps, sobbing uncontrollably. "Father, it's all because of my unfilial conduct! I am unfilial!"

Though rash, he was genuinely heartbroken at this moment, tears streaming down his face.

The Emperor paused before saying, "A country cannot go a day without a ruler. The King of Nanxun is brave and skilled in battle, my first son. He must be able to inherit the throne. Tonight, I bestow upon him the imperial seal, naming him the Crown Prince, to take his rightful place in the Eastern Palace, to uphold the thousand-year tradition. My illness has persisted for a long time, but state affairs cannot be neglected. All matters presented by the officials shall be decided by the Crown Prince with the imperial seal, no need to report back to me..."

After uttering these lengthy words, his chest heaved, and he took a deep breath before saying, "Crown Prince, you have always had a pure heart. After my death, you must treat your brothers kindly, do not let me close my eyes in sorrow in the netherworld."

The King of Nanxun bowed deeply, stepping forward to grasp the Emperor's frail, trembling hand. "Father, rest assured. I will treat Second Brother and Third Brother well, I will not disappoint you..."

"That's good... That's good..."

Wherever the Emperor found the strength from, he struggled to turn his head towards the ministers kneeling outside. His gaze swept over a row of red official robes, finally settling on Lu Yan - his most beloved son.

Lu Yan never raised his head throughout, respectfully kneeling on the ground. Yet, the Emperor could see the marble floor before him was stained with tears, his fists clenched tightly to keep from crying out.

On his deathbed, the Emperor did not call Lu Yan forward. Now that the Immortal Realm would have a new ruler, excessive favoritism towards Lu Yan would not be beneficial. Thus, he merely gripped the King of Nanxun's hand and said, "After my death, I fear that the news will cause turmoil in the court and the nations will become restless. Remember to keep my death a secret... And... And the third son..."

"Next spring... Let him return to his fief... From now on, he may not enter the capital without an imperial decree..."

The Emperor seemed to have foreseen the backlash from his past conquests, the nations secretly colluding to rebel, waiting for the right opportunity to launch their troops. Otherwise, he would never have uttered those four words: "keep my death a secret." Lu Yan, kneeling below, heard the King of Nanxun suddenly burst into sobs, followed by Eunuch She's mournful cry, "Your Majesty!"

Panic spread among the officials as they scrambled forward:

"Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty!"

The Emperor had passed away. His life was truly heroic, after all, he was the only ruler in history to unify the twelve continents. But his life was also truly tragic, for the sins of war he had committed would soon be avenged upon his descendants.

Lu Yan didn't know how he left the bedchamber or returned to the mansion. He was in a daze, seeing only a white, snowy world, draped in mourning.

Shang Junian hadn't slept all night. At dawn, he saw Lu Yan returning from the palace, his magnificent princely robe replaced by plain white mourning clothes. Instinctively, he stepped forward and said, "You..."

Rubbing his frozen face, Lu Yan calmly said, "My father has passed away. The King of Nanxun is about to ascend the throne. When spring comes next year, I will have to return to my fief."

But he knew he couldn't go back. The Immortal Realm was like a towering building about to collapse, impossible to prop up.

After speaking, Lu Yan looked at Shang Junian, his eyes brighter than ever. "They're coming soon. When they arrive, I'll take you to see Zhao Yuzhang."

Shang Junian furrowed his brows, confused. "They? Who?"

At that time, he couldn't understand what Lu Yan meant. Not until shortly after the King of Nanxun ascended the throne, when news of the Emperor's death spread across the nations, and Wuyun, Dongli, and Tian Shui suddenly gathered their troops and rose up, attacking the Immortal Realm fiercely, did Shang Junian finally realize who "they" were.

The Immortal Realm was about to fall.

And their fate came crashing down like a tidal wave, leaving them nowhere to retreat.