CHAPTER 191: 132, I’M SU, NOT WRITING POEMS ANYMORE (6K CHAPTERS)

Fengxi Country was not far from the Flying Feather Immortal Palace.

But... this was from the perspective of Cultivators.

Between the two, there were seven kingdoms, including Baoxiang Country, Lanyue Country, and the Country of Flowing Light. After reaching the northern bank of Baoxiang Country, one had to cross a wide expanse of water stretching over a thousand miles. Only then could Lingnan Road in Fengxi Country be reached.

To a Mortal, this journey, even if one rode a swift horse capable of covering a thousand miles a day, would consume a lifetime of effort.

Xu Xing stopped intermittently on his journey, experiencing the different customs of each nation.

Cultivation also required a balance between tension and relaxation. Constant tension, like a taut bowstring, was not beneficial to Cultivation.

「About five days passed.」

Xu Xing, having traversed Lingnan Road, Jiangxi South Road, and Luonan Road, arrived at Shenjing City in Fengxi Country. He stood atop a watchtower built into the blue-black city wall. His feet planted on a corner of its flying eaves, he gazed out at the inner and outer cities.

One hundred and eight Markets were neatly arranged. The east and west Markets bustled with citizens, a lively atmosphere painting a vibrant scene of peace and prosperity.

Gongyang Yi certainly has a knack for governance. Xu Xing praised inwardly. Never mind that Gongyang Yi, as his enemy, had repeatedly suffered setbacks. Before Xu Xing went to Mount Siming, Gongyang Yi, serving as Monk Shang’s chief strategist, had been almost invariably successful. Heyang Mountain was the seat of power for the Alliance Leader of the eighteen feudal lords! It could be said that Gongyang Yi’s administrative abilities were absolutely first-rate.

First, to the Kun King Mansion.

Third Brother, the Heavenly Kun King, is the most sincere and also my sworn brother; he values the bonds of brotherhood above all.

After descending from the watchtower and casually applying a breath-concealing technique, Xu Xing headed directly towards the Kun King Mansion in Shengkang Square.

He did not plan to go directly to the Imperial Palace. Twelve years had passed since his departure. While it wasn’t enough time for seas to turn into mulberry fields and landscapes to drastically alter, twelve years were certainly sufficient to change many things. This was especially true given he had claimed illness and had not appeared before the Civil & Military Officers for a long time. Gongyang Yi and Chang Ji, his trusted confidants, knew Emperor Tiande was not gravely ill but had gone to the Flying Feather Immortal Palace to seek the immortal path. However, he had been unseen for so long. Who could say whether, during such a prolonged absence, some Civil & Military Officers or various Feudal kings had developed dissentious thoughts...

He’s a distinguished Prince... Why is it so deserted in front of his mansion?

「A moment later, Xu Xing arrived at a grand residence with high gates.」

The mansion Emperor Tiande had bestowed upon Heavenly Kun King Chang Kun was formerly the Royal Mansion of Prince Yong, one of Emperor Chongming’s sons. This Royal Mansion covered about a hundred acres. Its entrance featured a large, vermillion-lacquered door adorned with gleaming bronze beast-head knockers. Two majestic white jade lions guarded the door-plinths. Through the main doors, which stood over two men tall, one could glimpse the various Pavilions within, their ornate eaves reaching high, showcasing the Royal Mansion’s splendor.

However, the area before this residence was noticeably desolate. This was true for both the main and side entrances. The main entrance was shut tight. At the side entrance, two burly family servants in blue robes stood guard. Near the hitching post by the side door, fresh mud was scarce, and a thin layer of dust covered the ground. A glimpse was enough to understand the whole picture. If the Heavenly Kun King frequently received guests, the hitching posts should not be all empty; there certainly wouldn’t be a complete absence of horses.

I’ll go in and take a look.

With a flicker, Xu Xing slipped past the two courtyard guards and entered the Royal Mansion. Entering unannounced was contrary to etiquette. But he was the founding Emperor; such minor proprieties could not restrain him.

Moments later, Xu Xing found Heavenly Kun King Chang Kun in an Ice Room in the rear residential quarters of the mansion. Chang Kun was reclining on an Arhat Bed, eyes narrowed, snoring lightly. His chest was bare, and two concubines vigorously fanned him with cattail fans. Inside the Ice Room, two large tubs of ice were placed. Wisps of cool air, stirred by the cattail fans, drifted over Chang Kun.

Xu Xing was not surprised by this sight. Fengxi Country was currently in the height of summer. It was common for dignitaries and nobles to procure ice from ice cellars to create Ice Rooms for cooling off. Chang Kun’s current indulgence could hardly be considered excessively extravagant or debauched.

「Not long after, Xu Xing revealed himself.」 He looked at the white-haired Chang Kun with a smile. "Third Brother," Xu Xing said, "It’s been many years. Third Brother, you’ve certainly put on some weight, living a life far more comfortable than your Fourth Brother. It truly makes this Fourth Brother of yours quite envious."

The two concubines fanning Chang Kun suddenly saw Xu Xing appear. Initially mistaking him for an assassin, they nearly screamed for the Bodyguards. However, when they heard Xu Xing refer to himself as "Fourth Brother," they quickly stifled their cries to avoid offending the Emperor. King Kun had no other ’Fourth Brother’ except Emperor Tiande.

"We servant girls greet Your Majesty..." The two Servant Girls knelt, their delicate frames trembling slightly. The man before them was Emperor Tiande, who held the power of life and death over them. How could they dare to be disrespectful?

This commotion instantly startled Chang Kun from his slumber. He swiftly rose from the Arhat Bed. Then, his eyes fell upon Xu Xing, standing calmly in the room.

"Your minister, Chang Kun, greets Your Majesty." Chang Kun stared for several heartbeats, then rubbed his eyes to ensure he wasn’t mistaken. Immediately, he lifted the front of his long robe, preparing to kneel before Xu Xing.

The duty between sovereign and minister came first, surpassing brotherly affection. Having been a minister for a long time, Chang Kun knew the proprieties.

"Third Brother, why such excessive ceremony?" Xu Xing instantly appeared before Chang Kun, bending slightly to stop him from kneeling with both arms. He then shook his head and said, "Third Brother, we are sworn brothers. Such courtly etiquette is unnecessary between us. Besides, now that I have embarked on the Immortal Journey, some formalities of the Mortal World can be dispensed with if possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chang Kun did not insist on kneeling. However, he did not change his form of address, still calling Xu Xing "Your Majesty" rather than "Fourth Brother."