In Order to Live as an Immortal, I changed a martial artist world to a xianxia world

Chapter 52: The Court in Shock

The grand hall of the Yuan Palace was cloaked in tense silence, save for the occasional, sharp raps of Emperor Kublai Khan’s fingers drumming the golden armrest of his throne.

“Still no news?” he demanded. His tone was icy, his displeasure palpable.

A month had passed since Kublai Khan had commanded his court to scour the Yuan Empire for any trace of celestial inheritance, but every report brought nothing but disappointment.

Three of the Five Dynasties—the Qin, Ming, and Sui —had already made their mark in the celestial realm. Only the Yuan and Song remained in the shadows.

“Speak up!” Kublai growled, scanning the ranks of his ministers and generals. “Are my officials truly so useless?”

The officials, heads bowed in unison, trembled beneath their emperor’s searing gaze. None dared to be the first to speak.

“Your Majesty!”

A soldier burst into the hall, his hurried footsteps echoing in the vast space. All eyes turned toward him, a flicker of hope breaking through the oppressive tension.

“What is it?” Kublai’s voice was sharp, but beneath it lay an undertone of desperation.

“Reporting to Your Majesty,” the soldier stammered, his face pale but resolute.

“A messenger from the Prince Consort’s Manor has arrived with news: Lady Zhao Min has received celestial fortune!”

The hall erupted.

“What?”

“Celestial inheritance? Here, in Yuan?”

“This… could this be true?”

The stunned officials murmured among themselves, their earlier despair transformed into incredulous excitement.

Kublai Khan’s initial surprise quickly gave way to exhilaration. He rose from his throne, his imperial demeanour momentarily forgotten.

“Bring him in at once!”

The soldier scurried out, and moments later, a man entered, bowing deeply before the emperor.

“Your Majesty,” the messenger, A-San (阿三), began, still breathless from his journey.

[Ā Sān: A (阿): A common prefix used in Southern Chinese dialects (e.g., Cantonese, Hokkien) to show familiarity or affection. It is often placed before a name or nickname.

San (三): The number three; often signifies stability, completeness, or a sequence.]

“Our lady, the Princess Zhao Min, was alone in the Prince Consort’s Hall when a strange light engulfed her jade pendant. The light formed a glowing orb, and shortly after, the princess was enveloped within. As I left the manor, the orb continued to expand, its brilliance reaching across the entire estate.”

“An orb of light?” Kublai murmured, his mind racing.

“And the princess? Is she unharmed?”

“The Princess was unharmed when I departed, Your Majesty,” A-San confirmed. “The light seemed… protective.”

Kublai leaned back, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

“Good, very good,” he said, nodding. His tone was calmer now, but his excitement was unmistakable.

The court erupted into shouts of congratulations:

“Congratulations, Your Majesty!”

“This is a great fortune for the Yuan Dynasty!”

“Long live the Emperor!”

Among the throng, the Prince Consort of Zhao Min stepped forward. His expression was a mixture of joy and apprehension.

“Your Majesty, as the Princess’s father, I humbly request permission to return to the estate. I wish to ensure her safety during this extraordinary event.”

Kublai waved his hand magnanimously.

“Go,” he said. “See to her well-being. And when this is over, bring her here. The Yuan Court must witness the rise of its celestial heir.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” the Prince Consort said, bowing low before hastily departing.

As the Prince Consort exited the hall, whispers spread among the court officials.

“He’s about to rise in prominence,” one muttered.

“We can no longer treat him as we did before,” another agreed.

A general gritted his teeth. “Of all people, why him? And why her?”

Despite their personal frustrations, none dared to speak ill openly. The Princess Zhao Min’s celestial inheritance had elevated her—and by extension, her father—to an untouchable status.

Kublai, sitting once more on his throne, tapped his fingers against the armrest, his mind already working.

“Once she completes the inheritance, she’ll be the first celestial cultivator of the Yuan Dynasty,” he murmured.

“And as her emperor, I will have access to the celestial path.”

A satisfied smile crossed his face.

“This… this is only the beginning.”