Chapter 18

This time, he acted after careful consideration to stand up against the Tenth Prince.

Firstly, after the news of Emperor's order for Lou Baiyue to get closer to him spread, he became the target of everyone's attacks. Even if he tried to hide his abilities, some people would not let him off. For example, today, the Tenth Prince's pressure was unavoidable. If he continued to pretend, he might really be crippled by him.

Secondly, he was about to come of age, a critical time for the bestowal of a noble title. If he could demonstrate his martial prowess, he might receive a good title.

Thirdly, he could attribute the increase in his strength to the Giant Spirit God bloodline, which would give him a chance to explain and make himself highly valuable.

Of course, after showing his strength, he could no longer pretend. It would definitely attract even more intense plots and retaliation, but there was no other way. He could only deal with each situation as it came, blocking the soldiers and the water.

In short, not showing his strength meant death, but showing it gave him a glimmer of hope. Why not take a chance?

"Damn it!"

The Tenth Prince, Gu Zhensha, felt his arms go numb, never dreaming that the usual fool could have such strength, able to withstand his Five Ghost Great Seize.

"I have fought on the battlefield and killed hundreds. How can I not take down this waste of space? What face will I have left?" Anger rose in his heart, and his body emitted a rumbling sound as he activated the Thunder Slash Technique.

"Hmm?" Gu Chensha, seeing this momentum, also prepared himself.

The opponent had rich combat experience, evident from the start. Under the Five Ghost Great Seize, there was a taste of ghostly wailing and divine howling. If not for his cultivation of the Heavenly Son Sealing God Technique, his mind might have been seized, leaving him at the mercy of the opponent.

The two stood facing each other, a life-and-death battle about to break out.

At this moment, a voice came from afar, a eunuch shouting, "The Emperor has arrived!"

Thud!

Everyone fell to their knees, ignoring the commotion.

Gu Chensha and Gu Zhensha also hurriedly knelt, prostrating themselves in the snow, unwilling to be accused of disrespect at this moment.

In the distance, the imperial carriage approached, with over a hundred imperial guards riding horses and carrying swords, and forty-nine men in yellow robes pushing a bright yellow carriage forward slowly.

The carriage was lifted by these men and glided smoothly on the ground, as steady as if flying.

These men were the "Yellow Turban Warriors," trained by the court to emulate the divine generals of ancient emperors.

According to legend, the ancient emperors had giants with boundless strength, who protected the law and subdued demons, wearing yellow turbans. In ancient historical records, they were known as "Yellow Turban Warriors."

After the Heavenly Talisman Emperor ascended the throne, he unified the four seas and subdued a hundred countries. His entourage began to emulate the ancient emperors, selecting a large number of master-level experts and training them for years to become "Yellow Turban Warriors."

This was not a luxury but a way to cultivate the spirit through ceremony.

Beside the Yellow Turban Warriors, palace maids moved about, carrying golden lamps and incense burners, thirty-six in total. Additionally, seventy-two eunuchs held banners.

Seated on the bright yellow carriage in the center was the first person in the world, the ruler of the Great Yong Dynasty, the Heavenly Talisman Emperor.

"Long live the Emperor, may he reign for ten thousand years, ten thousand, ten thousand more years."

All the princes, nobles, and soldiers shouted in unison.

"Rise," the Heavenly Talisman Emperor said, getting off the carriage and entering a large tent that had been set up in advance. The princes entered one by one, followed by the nobles and ministers, while lower-ranking officials stood outside.

The tent was warm, but no charcoal was burned. Instead, a fire-red pearl, the "Fire Pearl," hung from the ceiling.

The "Fire Pearl" was carved from ten-thousand-year-old warm jade, with a strong yang energy. It could drive away cold and dampness, strengthen the body, and fortify the soul and will when in contact with the human body for a long time.

This was a rare item, and only the royal family could use it.

Gu Chensha stood behind the other princes, feeling the warm air massaging his body, dispelling the cold from his bones.

Some princes glanced at him with surprise, seriousness, hostility, or deep thought.

Lou Baiyue stood on the other side, looking at him as if he had discovered something new, his eyes full of meaning.

"I have to be careful about people causing trouble for me," Gu Chensha thought.

At this moment, the Heavenly Talisman Emperor spoke, "Today's hunt, I believe you all understand. Next spring, the court will launch a campaign against the barbarians, aiming to completely destroy them."

"Your Majesty has far-reaching plans. The court is now strong and the country is more prosperous than ever. This is a great opportunity for a campaign," Lou Chongxiao said first.

"This time is different," the Heavenly Talisman Emperor waved his hand. "In the past, many generals led the troops, attacking from all sides. This time, I want the princes to lead their own armies to encircle and suppress the barbarians, to see which prince is the most outstanding. What do you think?"

"We will follow Your Majesty's orders," the ministers bowed.

"Very good," the Heavenly Talisman Emperor looked around, satisfied. His gaze suddenly fell on Gu Zhensha, "Little Ten, you just used the Thunder Slash Technique? Your blood and qi have not yet calmed, and your killing intent is strong. What were you doing? Who provoked you?"

"Father,"

The Tenth Prince, Gu Zhensha, stepped forward and knelt, "Your son was sparring with the Nineteenth Brother. I never thought the Nineteenth Brother's martial arts had advanced to the master level, even I could not handle him. I believe that with time, the Nineteenth Brother will enter the Dao realm and become the foremost among the princes. The Nineteenth Brother practices the Giant Spirit God Technique of the Xian Dynasty, which seems to have awakened the Giant Spirit bloodline, making him incredibly strong. It is said that if someone from the Xian Dynasty can activate the Giant Spirit bloodline, the Xian Dynasty will rise again. I wonder if this is true."

"Devious!"

Gu Chensha knew at once that the Tenth Prince, though seemingly rough and competitive, was actually deeply calculating. This response immediately put him in the spotlight.

Talking about how he would become the foremost among the princes and the Giant Spirit bloodline awakening, these were all words to strike at his heart.

"Father," he hurriedly stepped forward and knelt, "The Tenth Brother suddenly attacked me. Seeing the fierce momentum, I had no choice but to resist. I have no intention of competing with my brothers."

"Why are you so anxious?" The Heavenly Talisman Emperor was not angry, "I instructed you to practice the Giant Spirit God Technique. My son, Gu Tashen, is not weak. Besides, people say you have the bloodline of the Xian Dynasty and that the remnants of the Xian Dynasty will contact you. These are all baseless rumors. I trust that you can distinguish right from wrong."

"Father is wise," Gu Chensha breathed a sigh of relief, "Your Majesty, the world is now peaceful, and the people are content. This is a solid foundation for the ages, all due to Your Majesty's efforts. Even if the remnants of the Xian Dynasty try to cause trouble, they cannot make a big wave. If they contact me, I will capture them and hand them over to the court. I have received great favor from Your Majesty for many years, yet I have not achieved anything, which makes me uneasy."

Hearing Gu Chensha's response, the surrounding princes and nobles were greatly surprised.

"This boy is cunning, indeed hiding his abilities. He immediately showed his usefulness to the court. Indeed, the remnants of the Xian Dynasty have always been a major threat to the court. Now that this boy has awakened the Giant Spirit power, he will likely attract many remnants, allowing him to easily gain a position by exposing them."

Lou Chongxiao suddenly realized he had underestimated Gu Chensha.

"Very well!" the Heavenly Talisman Emperor praised, "Since you have the intention to serve the court, I will naturally support you. The remnants of the Xian Dynasty, though they do not submit to me, I do not wish to kill them. When we conquered the Xian Dynasty, too many people were killed. For example, the Grand Tutor Wen Hong is a rare talent. If he could serve me, it would save much trouble. Nineteenth, listen, and all the court officials, I can be tolerant. The world can accommodate all. As long as it benefits the state, you can act freely."

"Father is a true emperor," Gu Chensha bowed repeatedly, "The ancient emperors governed the world, closest to the heavens. I have been studying ancient books and have gained some insights. If the Grand Tutor Wen Hong really contacts me, I will persuade him to serve the court."

"You see, the Nineteenth is not foolish," the Heavenly Talisman Emperor said to Lou Baiyue, "By my order, the Nineteenth Prince has excelled in his studies and martial arts and has come of age. He is granted the title of Duke of Chenshanguo, a mansion, fifty armored soldiers, and thirty thousand coins. He is also tasked with pacifying and investigating the remnants of the Xian Dynasty."

"Your son thanks Your Majesty!" Gu Chensha was overjoyed, knowing he had made the right bet.

He had simulated the Giant Spirit bloodline using the Heavenly Son Sealing God Technique, gaining great value in his father's eyes.

"Gaoling, present."

The chief eunuch of the Six Palaces knelt silently.

"The Inner Treasury has been deducting the Nineteenth Prince's expenses. I know this to some extent. It is outrageous to bully the master. The Nineteenth is my son, and no matter how unpopular he is, it is my right to deal with him, not yours," the Heavenly Talisman Emperor's tone was stern.

"Your Majesty is right, this is my mistake," the chief eunuch, Gaoling, said, "I will deal with the eunuchs who deducted the Nineteenth Prince's expenses tomorrow. I will ensure that the matters concerning the Nineteenth Prince's mansion and rewards are handled properly."

This conversation made the princes and ministers exchange glances.

Previously, the Nineteenth Prince was unpopular, but today he seemed to have gained favor, a clear signal.

The key was that Gu Chensha had been given a task, to pacify the remnants of the Xian Dynasty, which was essentially the right to build his own power base, to recruit advisors and achieve great things.

Many princes were secretly wary, realizing they had a new competitor.

"Father, I have something to say."

The Tenth Prince, Gu Zhensha, stepped forward and knelt two steps.

"Speak," the Heavenly Talisman Emperor seemed to be in a good mood today, his face gentle.

"The sparring with the Nineteenth Brother was not decisive. Let us have another match here," the Tenth Prince, Gu Zhensha, had a cold look, with a hint of killing intent, "Today, during the hunt, we can spar to entertain Your Majesty."

He knew that the Heavenly Talisman Emperor valued martial prowess and enjoyed seeing the princes compete.

"No need for another match. Today, I have bestowed the Nineteenth Prince, and I know you may not be convinced. Little Ten, you are the most accomplished among the princes, except for a few older princes. You have led troops in battles against the barbarians and killed many of their generals," the Heavenly Talisman Emperor stood up, "The Marquis of Jishi has captured many barbarian experts, who are now kept in the mountains. Today, I will test your combat skills. Princes should not kill each other, but you can freely use your skills against these barbarians. Understand? You must train and see blood. Righteousness is for humans, but the barbarians are like beasts and demons, eating people. They must be eradicated."

"Your son obeys Your Majesty's order."

All the princes knelt.

---

The page turns, and the advertisement begins.

The page turns, and the advertisement ends.