Undying Life

Chapter 104: Ascension

"From this day forth, Zhong Tian and Zhong Zheng shall be crowned Princes of the Great Zong Dynasty," Zhong Shan declared solemnly.

"Yes, Father," Zhong Tian and Zhong Zheng responded immediately.

At the same time, on the Divine Decree Scroll, from left to right, the character for 'Prince' slowly appeared beside the character for 'King.' Beneath the title 'Prince,' the names 'Zhong Tian' and 'Zhong Zheng' emerged respectively. In the unique structure of the Great Zong Dynasty that Zhong Shan envisioned, the title of Prince was not merely a position of succession, but a recognition by the Emperor himself. Once acknowledged, both individuals became Princes, with Zhong Tian taking precedence.

"From this day forth, Lin Xiao shall be the Commander of the First Legion of the Great Zong Dynasty," Zhong Shan continued.

"From this day forth, Ying Lan shall be the Commander of the Second Legion of the Great Zong Dynasty."

The Great Zong Dynasty, as long as it remained unchallenged and unrivaled, would forever be known as a dynasty. Gradually, the titles 'First Legion,' 'Second Legion,' along with the names 'Lin Xiao' and 'Ying Lan,' appeared solemnly on the Divine Decree Scroll.

"From this day forth, Wei Taizhong shall be the Chief Steward of the Great Zong Dynasty."

...A series of announcements followed, reassigning officials, all sanctioned by the heavens.

Once all appointments were finalized, Zhong Shan slowly rolled up the Divine Decree Scroll. In the future, it would be enshrined in the yet-to-be-constructed Observatory of Heavenly Mandates, where the mandate of heaven and the registry of deities would be kept.

"Long live our Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years!" The officials and the million-strong army once again prostrated themselves.

"Rise," Zhong Shan commanded solemnly.

With the officials escorting him, Zhong Shan descended the high platform. They moved towards the center of Xuan City, near the Zhong Residence, where a grand palace had been constructed.

The palace was named the Hall of Eternal Life. From this day forth, it would serve as the main venue for Zhong Shan's court meetings. Inside the Hall of Eternal Life, the Nine-Dragon Throne stood majestically. Zhong Shan stepped forward, ascended the throne, and took a deep breath before sitting down. On both sides of the hall, civil and military officials stood in orderly rows.

"Long live our Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years!" The officials paid their respects. Even the Princes joined in the reverence.

"Rise," Zhong Shan said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," the officials responded in unison.

Since witnessing the celestial dragon earlier, no official dared to show anything but complete reverence.

"Lin Xiao," Zhong Shan called out.

"Your servant is here," Lin Xiao responded, stepping forward promptly.

"The Song Dynasty has invaded. You are to lead the First Legion and crush the invaders," Zhong Shan commanded gravely.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lin Xiao replied.

"Ying Lan," Zhong Shan continued.

"Your servant is here," Ying Lan stepped forward.

"The Kun State has fallen into chaos, and the nation is not at peace. You are to lead the Second Legion to quell the rebels and stabilize the Four Great Clans," Zhong Shan ordered.

"As you command," Ying Lan responded immediately.

Next, Zhong Shan issued a series of orders aimed at stabilizing the lives of the common people, surveying the land, and conducting a population census. He decreed that the capital be established in Xuan City, renaming it 'Xuankin,' and ordered the expansion of Xuankin. The citizens within the city would be relocated outside the expanded area, with all their losses compensated by the Great Zong Dynasty. This comprehensive plan aimed to reorganize and redevelop the capital city of the dynasty.

With the foundation of the Great Zong Dynasty just laid, there were countless tasks to be addressed. However, under Zhong Shan's meticulous planning, the remnants of the former Kun State would soon be efficiently managed and integrated.

"Court is adjourned!" Wei Taizhong announced.

"Long live our Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years!" The officials retreated.

Zhong Shan also gradually retreated from the Hall of Eternal Life back to the Zhong Residence. With the nation's affairs in order, Zhong Shan summoned Zhong Tian that evening.

"Father," Zhong Tian greeted respectfully.

"Hmm, you will return to your sect and travel with your master across the Divine Land. There is no need to worry about matters here. Remember, no matter what happens in the future, you are always the Crown Prince of our Great Zong Dynasty," Zhong Shan stated solemnly.

"Yes, Father," Zhong Tian replied immediately.

"Here are five hundred spirit stones. They are essential for your cultivation, keep them for now," Zhong Shan said.

He then produced a large quantity of spirit stones and placed them on the table.

"Thank you, Father," Zhong Tian said, nodding earnestly.

"Go on," Zhong Shan commanded.

"Yes," Zhong Tian responded and left promptly.

As the Yilan Hall fell silent again, Zhong Shan spoke softly, "Dark Emperor, come forth."

"Yes, Master," the Dark Emperor emerged from the shadows.

Looking at the Dark Emperor, Zhong Shan said, "In today's court session, I established the Imperial Guard Bureau. It has two departments. The first is the Jinyiwei, responsible for monitoring the realm. The second is your Dark Night Hall, now integrated into the Imperial Guard Bureau as the 'Shadow Guard.' You are appointed as the Chief Commander of the Shadow Guard."

"Yes," the Dark Emperor responded immediately.

"Hmm, deploy some Shadow Guards to secretly protect Ying Lan," Zhong Shan ordered.

"Yes," the Dark Emperor replied without hesitation.

At Kaiyang Sect, within Kaiyang Peak, inside the Kaiyang Hall.

Tian Xingzi sat at the main seat, with Xuan Xinzi and Gu Shuangzi on either side of him. Below them sat a visibly excited Tian Ling'er and an extremely solemn Nie Qingqing. Nie Qingqing's brows were slightly furrowed, as if she was unwilling to be there. If not for Ling'er, Nie Qingqing might have left in a huff.

In the hall stood another individual, Zhong Shan, now cleansed and dressed in pristine white robes. Zhong Shan stepped forward, and according to Kaiyang Sect's rules, bowed three times and kowtowed four times before Tian Xingzi.

"Disciple Zhong Shan pays respects to Master," Zhong Shan said solemnly. He then carefully picked up a cup of tea and presented it to Tian Xingzi.

Today was the day Zhong Shan performed the disciple acceptance ceremony. Zhong Shan was a proud man, having founded the Great Zong Dynasty and becoming its ruler. But what did that matter? Cultivation still required guidance. In the Kaiyang Sect, Zhong Shan would be immensely grateful if even a Golden Core stage expert were to guide him. Now, with Tian Xingzi, a Nascent Soul stage master, Zhong Shan was utterly satisfied.

Bei Qingsi was at the Golden Core stage, but Zhong Shan knew their relationship was at best ordinary, perhaps even peculiar. Expecting her to guide him wholeheartedly was unrealistic. Now, with the sect master's guidance, Zhong Shan felt deeply content.

After sipping the tea offered in respect to his master, Tian Xingzi smiled and said, "According to the rules of the Kaiyang Sect, since you are still in the Innate stage, you will be considered a third-generation disciple. For now, I will accept you as a registered disciple. Once you reach the Golden Core stage, you will become a formal disciple."

"Yes, Master," Zhong Shan responded immediately.

Everyone in the hall was a witness to this event.

"These two jade talismans are my gifts to you as a token of your acceptance. I believe you have seen Ling'er use them," Tian Xingzi said, handing two jade talismans to Zhong Shan.

"Thank you, Master," Zhong Shan replied excitedly, accepting them eagerly. One was an Ice Phoenix Talisman, the other a Fire Phoenix Talisman.

Zhong Shan had seen Tian Ling'er use them before, knowing their power could threaten even a beginner at the Golden Core stage. In his hands, their potential would undoubtedly be even greater.

"Since the ceremony is over, I shall take my leave. Ling'er, we're leaving," Nie Qingqing said, rising abruptly and showing no courtesy to Tian Xingzi.

"No, Auntie, you go ahead!" Tian Ling'er shook her head immediately.

Since the incident with the Thunder Scorpion Eggs, Tian Ling'er had come to understand her true desires and what she sought. There was no way she would leave now.

Nie Qingqing glared at Zhong Shan.

"Hmph!" With a cold snort, Nie Qingqing turned and left the Kaiyang Hall.

Inside the hall, Gu Shuangzi looked on coldly, clearly not welcoming Nie Qingqing. Xuan Xinzi remained expressionless, giving nothing away. Tian Ling'er, however, seemed oblivious to everything except Zhong Shan. As for Tian Xingzi, he sighed softly, feeling a slight pang of guilt towards Nie Qingqing.

"It seems, senior brother, you have a keen eye for talent. It hasn't even been two years since Zhong Shan first brought the jade slip to Kaiyang Sect, and no one expected his cultivation to advance so quickly. Reaching the fifth level of the Innate stage is quite rare among the new disciples, isn't it?" Xuan Xinzi suddenly remarked.

"This has nothing to do with me. It's all Zhong Shan's own effort. Without strong willpower, such achievements would be impossible," Tian Xingzi said.

"It's all due to luck," Zhong Shan said humbly.

Everyone looked at Zhong Shan with satisfaction and nodded approvingly.

"It's time for us to return as well," Gu Shuangzi said, rising.

"Hmm," Tian Xingzi nodded.

"Farewell," the others echoed, taking their leave.

Xuan Xinzi and Gu Shuangzi both took their leave. Tian Xingzi merely nodded, seeing them off.

Returning to the grand hall, only three people remained: Tian Xingzi, Zhong Shan, and Tian Ling'er.

"Zhong Shan, I examined your body last time. You are at the peak of the fifth level of the Innate stage, just a hair's breadth away from condensing true essence. Continue your cultivation diligently. Once your true essence forms, I will arrange the sequence for opening your meridian points according to your physique," Tian Xingzi instructed.

"Yes, Master," Zhong Shan responded.

"Ling'er," Tian Xingzi called out.

"Huh?" Tian Ling'er paused, looking at Tian Xingzi with some confusion.

"This time out, your greatest achievement was reaching the tenth level of the Innate stage. In half a month, you will begin a closed-door retreat to advance to the Golden Core stage," Tian Xingzi said solemnly.

"What? So soon?" Tian Ling'er exclaimed, looking quite reluctant.

Zhong Shan, hearing this, felt a pang of frustration. Was rapid progress in cultivation really something to be troubled about?

Tian Xingzi also felt a sudden block in his chest, an indescribable feeling of helplessness flooding his mind.

"Why? Advancing to the Golden Core stage isn't good?" Tian Xingzi asked.

"Once I start, it will take at least a year. Being confined to a small room for a whole year, how boring!" Tian Ling'er complained, glancing occasionally at Zhong Shan.

"You have to face it sooner or later. Besides, in half a month, there will be a spirit tide in that secret chamber, which will be the best aid for your breakthrough," Tian Xingzi said sternly.

"Alright," Tian Ling'er nodded reluctantly.

"Master, does the sect have records of celestial treasures, elixirs, and rare beasts?" Zhong Shan asked.

"You wish to read them?" Tian Xingzi looked at Zhong Shan with a smile.

"Yes, disciple wishes to familiarize myself with them in advance. It would be a great pity to encounter such things in the future and miss out on them," Zhong Shan explained.

"Very well. Ling'er, take Zhong Shan to the Hall of Rare Treasures," Tian Xingzi instructed.

"Yes," Tian Ling'er responded enthusiastically.

"Master, disciple takes his leave," Zhong Shan said respectfully.

Under Tian Ling'er's guidance, they swiftly traversed several mountains, making their way towards the Hall of Rare Treasures.

Standing atop a mountain, Tian Xingzi watched the pair descend. Observing Tian Ling'er's excitement and then glancing at Zhong Shan, a gentle smile appeared on his face.

The Hall of Rare Treasures was a grand hall situated in a secluded mountain valley. The valley was serene, featuring a bamboo forest and a small lake, exuding tranquility yet also an air of isolation.

However, as Zhong Shan and Tian Ling'er arrived at the valley, they found two elderly men engaged in a lively discussion.

From a distance, Zhong Shan immediately recognized one of them—Shou Shan, the old man who guarded the mountain gate when Zhong Shan first entered the Kaiyang Sect. Although Shou Shan appeared frail and aged, Zhong Shan had always sensed an unfathomable depth in him.

At that moment, Shou Shan was playing a game of chess with another elderly man. Perhaps due to a dispute over the placement of a piece, neither was willing to back down.

"Grandpa Shan, Grandpa Zong, are you two arguing again over who placed the last piece?" Tian Ling'er cheerfully ran towards the two elders, her words full of playful teasing. Yet, her innocent and lively demeanor, resembling that of a porcelain doll, could never provoke anyone's anger.

"Your Grandpa Zong is cheating again. Honestly, he plays chess without any integrity," Shou Shan immediately complained.

"You're the one cheating! You just placed a piece and now you want to place another. Your mind is muddled," the other elder retorted.

"It's clearly you who has no integrity in chess. Ling'er is here, so don't embarrass yourself," Shou Shan retorted without hesitation.

Tian Ling'er merely giggled, watching the two elders bicker.

"Disciple Zhong Shan greets the two elders," Zhong Shan said respectfully.

The two elders paused and looked at Zhong Shan.

"You're the one who brought the jade slip last time?" Shou Shan asked after some thought.

"Yes, that's me," Zhong Shan replied promptly.

"No need to address us as 'disciples' and such. I'm just a gatekeeper, and he's just a keeper of the Hall of Rare Treasures," Shou Shan said, shaking his head.

"Grandpa Shan, Grandpa Zong, Zhong Shan has been accepted as a registered disciple by my father. He asked me to bring Zhong Shan here to read some books," Tian Ling'er explained.

"Oh?" Both elders glanced at Zhong Shan, a hint of surprise in their eyes.

"Well, we won't disturb your game any longer. Zhong Shan and I will head into the Hall of Rare Treasures. Oh, by the way, I think it's Grandpa Shan's turn to place a piece," Tian Ling'er said playfully, pulling Zhong Shan towards the hall.

Her final remark seemed to invigorate Shou Shan as if she had given him a magical elixir, making him forget Zhong Shan and Tian Ling'er's presence altogether.

"Hahaha, see? Even Ling'er noticed it should be my turn. The words of a child are the most honest!" Shou Shan said excitedly.

"Ling'er wasn't even here when the piece was placed. And besides, is Ling'er still a child? She's a grown woman now. It doesn't count; it's my turn," the other elder argued immediately.

As the two continued their debate, Zhong Shan and Tian Ling'er arrived at the entrance of the Hall of Rare Treasures.

"Ling'er, who are those two?" Zhong Shan asked.

"You mean Grandpa Shan and Grandpa Zong? I'm not sure either. I've seen them since I was little. Grandpa Shan is called Shou Shan, and Grandpa Zong is called Shou Zong. They don't talk to anyone else, only me. Impressive, right?" Tian Ling'er said with a proud smile.

"Impressive," Zhong Shan nodded.

Shou Shan? Shou Zong?