The Demon Lords

Chapter 989 - 228: Magic Stone (Part 2)

The ruler laughed, a hearty laugh, but fortunately, those master painters busy with the "Winter Solstice Snow Picture" had long been accustomed to their master’s unruly ways, so they were not affected.

"That person, you should recognize him, Master Yao, he’s a Yan person."

"Zheng Fan?"

"He holds a title now."

"Lord Pingye."

"The emperor of Yan State is still petty. If Zheng Fan were to come to our Qian, I wouldn’t hesitate to grant him the title of duke."

"Such generosity from Your Majesty."

"Because I know he would never come, so it’s just talk for fun."

"Your Majesty..."

"Regarding the matter of the Tri-border Commissioner, Master Yao, you should not feel burdened. Firstly, this move is to quell the criticism from the court and the public. The policy of prioritizing civil officials over military ones has been in place for over a century. Any change cannot happen overnight, as I previously said, it must be gradual.

Secondly, I understand your nature, Master Yao. You can certainly take the position of Tri-border Commissioner, and for any matters, you should consult more with Zhong Wenhao."

These words almost explicitly stated that it’s precisely because you don’t know military affairs, and you are aware of your own shortcomings, that’s why I’m sending you there.

"I understand, and I am willing to go."

"Thank you for your hard work, Master Yao."

"You’re too kind, Your Majesty. I actually feel that most of my life, my poetry has been too gentle and lacking in vigor. This has been a lifelong regret, so I thank Your Majesty for giving me this opportunity."

"Then I shall look forward to Master Yao’s new work in the imperial capital, which will surely depict a vast scene like a solitary smoke in the sunset."

"I will certainly live up to Your Majesty’s expectations."

At that moment,

a report came from outside the warm room:

"Your Majesty, Mr. Xundao from Houhai has arrived with three main officials from the Astronomical Bureau to seek an audience."

Houhai is not a sea but a mountain south of the capital. The mountain is not high, yet it is floral and lush all year round. Master Zang hailed from Houhai.

After Master Zang cut the Dragon Vein in Yanjing, he left only a half-open white lotus, which Baili Sword brought back. Since that day, the leader of Houhai has been Mr. Xundao, the eldest disciple personally passed down by Master Zang.

The trend of Qi refining in Qian is prevalent, as can be seen from the attire of the ruler at this moment.

"Oh, since Mr. Xundao has come, something must have happened. Master Yao, come with me."

...

In the pavilion outside the warm room, the ruler, now changed into a different set of clothes, slowly approaches, accompanied by Yao Zizhan.

Mr. Xundao looks to be just over thirty, which logically makes him too young to be Master Zang’s eldest disciple, as Master Zang’s second disciple is already over seventy.

But Master Zang, having discovered this child, believed his fortune was extraordinary and made an exception to take him as a direct disciple on behalf of the master.

This exception sparked much controversy, and later, all of Master Zang’s original students chose to step back and allow Mr. Xundao to become the senior brother.

"Your Majesty."

Mr. Xundao did not kneel but made a hand gesture as a salute.

The three main officials from the Astronomical Bureau behind him, however, prostrated themselves before the ruler.

Before the ruler could inquire,

Mr. Xundao spoke directly:

"A few days ago, observations from Houhai revealed a starfall in the southern frontier of the state, adjoining the South Sea."

"Starfall?"

The ruler felt a headache upon hearing this.

They don’t really believe in ghost and deity tales, nor do the ministers, but that doesn’t stop the ministers who do not believe from using such stories to criticize him, accusing him of going against heavenly will and so forth.

Coincidentally, in recent years, his promotion of military figures has already made the civil officials uncomfortable.

Mr. Xundao, without such roundabout tactics, has never come to flatter the ruler when visiting the palace. The relationship between Houhai and the Qian royal family has always been one of equality.

Furthermore, there has long been a rule that each generation of the Qian royal family sends princes to Houhai—although what started as a good rule, eventually degenerated into a place akin to Yan State’s Lakeside Pavilion, where princes who failed in political struggles were sent to become Qi cultivators.

"Your Majesty, this starfall is no ordinary event. The numerous practitioners of Houhai have deduced that the starfall in the southern frontier of our Qian is not singular, but the Qi of the Four Starfall is connected."

"The Qi of the Four Starfall connected?" The ruler asked curiously, "Does that mean there are three more?"

"Yes, a star has fallen in the western frontier of Yan, one in the eastern frontier of Jin, and one in the great marsh of Chu;

Though these three stars have not been personally observed, the presence of the Qi of the Four Starfall assures it."

The ruler frowned slightly, asking, "What is the meaning of this phenomenon?"

Mr. Xundao took a deep breath,

spread his arms,

and said aloud:

"The Four Starfall summons the Great Strife Era! According to ancient texts, this celestial phenomenon has appeared twice before. Once, during the Xia Dynasty, when this sign appeared, the Xia emperor claimed that where the starfall occurred, was the boundary of the empire;

thus came to be the Marquis of Yan, Lord Jin, and Duke of Chu, who held the Xia emperor’s edict for Zhuxia to expand territory.

When it appeared the second time, within half a year, two generations of Xia emperors died shortly after ascending the throne, chaos ensued in the Xia palace, the Xia cauldron was lost, leading to the downfall of Xia.

The Marquis of Yan, Lord Jin, and Duke of Chu established their nations and founded their ancestral temples!"

The Qian State was founded later than these four major states and does not belong to the same category.

The ruler said in a deep voice,

"So, according to Mr. Xundao, what does this recurrence of the Four Starfall signify? The ’great strife era’ you mentioned, I’m already aware of. What I’d like to know is more specific details."

"Your Majesty, heavenly intentions are immeasurable."

"Oh? Then did Mr. Xundao come today just to say this to me?"

Mr. Xundao prostrated himself, yet not towards the ruler, but facing the east: