Chapter 97

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In the Immortal Realm, since the establishment of centralized imperial power, almost every emperor has undertaken large-scale construction to build imperial tombs—often the first order upon ascending the throne is to construct the imperial tomb. There are also many requirements for the construction of these tombs.

Feng Shui is a given; sometimes, wars are even waged to secure a good site for the imperial tomb!

Apart from Feng Shui, another important point is that it is best not to use magic in the construction of the imperial tomb! Why? Because all cultivation is practiced by the living, and all magical techniques, powers, and true essence belong to the "Yang" realm. Therefore, using magic to construct the imperial tomb can affect it.

Additionally, there are evil techniques like those used to create zombies, but these are considered dark arts and are clearly incompatible with the dignity of an emperor.

Furthermore, if possible, it is best to dig as deep underground as possible.

Another point is that the more luxurious and grand the imperial tomb, the better.

Another important aspect is preventing tomb robbery, which goes without saying.

However, why do they build imperial tombs?

His Majesty the Emperor revealed this secret to Li Xian: it is the "Heavenly Words"!

Every emperor, upon ascending the throne, has a so-called "auspicious time," and emperors who ascend during this auspicious time, strictly following the rules, will hear the "Heavenly Words"—if they ascend hastily, they can later hear the Heavenly Words through a supplementary enthronement ceremony. Therefore, emperors are also called the "True Son of Heaven" or simply "Heavenly Son."

No emperor knows where the Heavenly Words come from, and only emperors can hear them. Regardless of the size of the empire, as long as it is a centralized state, and the emperor is qualified and ascends strictly according to the rules, they can hear the Heavenly Words.

Li Xian's heart was tumultuous, like a stormy sea. The Emperor spoke vaguely, only hinting that as long as the imperial tomb is constructed properly, the emperor's true spirit will enter another world, a world after death, possibly a world of spirits, to continue the struggle; and the imperial tomb can provide the spirit with continuous vitality, a foundation for cultivation, and even fortune.

Finally, the Emperor finished speaking and looked at Li Xian, "Xian, I wanted to defy fate, but fate is unyielding. Thus, I have wasted time until now, with less than three years left."

Li Xian tried to suppress his shock, "Father-in-law, apart from not using magic, are there no other restrictions?"

"Yes. Actually, it's not that magic cannot be used, but it's best not to. If absolutely necessary, it can be considered." The Emperor was also aware that with less than three years, or even possibly only two years left, completing the imperial tomb would indeed be very difficult.

"Father-in-law, I guarantee that I will complete the imperial tomb within two years, and it will surpass the scale of all previous imperial tombs of the Great Xia Dynasty!"

"Oh?" The Emperor was genuinely interested, looking at Li Xian for a long time, seemingly finally convinced that Li Xian was not just talking. He waved to Fu Minghui.

Fu Minghui turned and took a large chest, about the height of a person, from a nearby room and gently placed it in front of Li Xian.

Li Xian was curious; this was the first time he had received a gift at the palace.

Fu Minghui put down the chest and stood up, saying, "This contains 500 blank imperial edicts, all with the imperial seal already affixed. You must ensure that the imperial tomb is completed within two and a half years!"

Five hundred blank imperial edicts?! Li Xian was startled, then overjoyed. He immediately swore with great enthusiasm, "Certainly, I swear. If I cannot complete the imperial tomb within two and a half years, may my soul be scattered!"

The Emperor immediately became pleased, "Xian, you are too serious. Tell me, what have you brought to the palace this time?"

Li Xian inwardly despised the Emperor—could you be any more hypocritical? But no matter how much he despised him, Li Xian did not forget his "duty." "Father-in-law, what I have brought is a substance called gunpowder. I believe you have heard of the new things that appeared in the battle between Anyang and Cai. This new thing is gunpowder.

Because of gunpowder, I have the confidence to complete the imperial tomb within two years. I plan to directly excavate mountains and open caves. Using the mountain as the tomb and the high mountain as the gate!"

"Gunpowder? Let me see! Let me see!"

Of course, there was no problem with the Emperor wanting to see it. Immediately, the palace guards began to set up a simple experimental site under Li Xian's guidance. These palace guards were all experts, and magic was at their fingertips, making the setup quick and efficient.

Fuzzy clay figures were set up, small walls were erected, and soon a miniature city model appeared. Magic was indeed convenient.

Li Xian placed a fist-sized gunpowder package in the small model, attached a fuse, and handed it to the Emperor. "Father-in-law, just use magic to light it. You will see the power of gunpowder."

The Emperor shook his head, "Xiao Fu, you do it. I can't use any magic now."

Li Xian quickly added, "Using incense is also fine."

A guard immediately lit the incense and handed it to the Emperor. The Emperor happily lit the fuse, watching the sparks quickly move forward.

As the fuse was about to ignite the small gunpowder package, Li Xian suddenly stepped in front of the Emperor, creating a small true essence shield.

Boom!

A loud explosion, the power of the fist-sized gunpowder package was not to be underestimated, instantly leveling half of the small city model; dirt and debris flew everywhere.

The Emperor exclaimed, "Excellent! Xian, don't block me. Do it again!"

The guards were experienced, and the Emperor soon became addicted. The scale of the explosions grew larger, and the cart of gunpowder Li Xian brought was quickly depleted.

"Such a good thing!" Looking at the devastated ground, the Emperor was deeply moved, "Magic is good, but it consumes a lot and cannot last long. Talismans are also good, but there are too few, the production is too low, and they are expensive. This explosive is excellent."

The Emperor's insight was sharp. After a moment of contemplation, he suddenly said, "Xian, this gunpowder is good. How about preparing ten thousand stones for the Imperial Guard?"

Ten thousand stones of gunpowder? That's about 50,000 to 60,000 tons! Your Majesty, what are you planning? Li Xian was so shocked by the number that he broke out in a cold sweat. 50,000 to 60,000 tons of gunpowder exploding together would have the power of a Tsar Bomba, enough to wipe Wuyang City off the map in the Immortal Realm.

The power of a large-scale gunpowder explosion could rival destructive immortal techniques—Li Xian had never seen an immortal technique, but he imagined it would be something like that.

No!

Li Xian quickly understood. Asking for ten thousand stones of gunpowder was unreasonable; the Emperor wanted not the quantity of gunpowder but its formula.

Li Xian was speechless: Damn, you people have to twist things around so much when you speak. Do you not find it exhausting? Fortunately, he had already prepared to reveal the secret of gunpowder before coming.

"Father-in-law, ten thousand stones of gunpowder is too much; I'm afraid I can't prepare it all at once. Actually, the formula for gunpowder is very simple: seven parts saltpeter, two parts sulfur, and one part charcoal. The purer, the better."

"Is it that simple?"

"Yes, it is that simple!"

The Emperor immediately instructed the guards to prepare the materials. Saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur were not lacking in the palace. The results were excellent, and the explosive power was no less.

"Excellent! Excellent! Ha ha..." The already aged Emperor's laughter was surprisingly loud.

"Xian, tell me, what reward do you want?"

"This... I don't have any for now."

"Truly an honest child."

Li Xian: ...Can I be a dishonest child...

Seeing Li Xian's stunned expression, the Emperor was even more pleased, "I will give you some rewards that you will definitely find useful. Draft an edict: appoint Li Xian as the Governor of Anyang, the Eastern Governor of the Great Xia Dynasty, and the Minister of Revenue of the Great Xia Dynasty."

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