Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

"Let's hope so," the old man murmured, his voice full of exhaustion. They had persevered in this world for far too long, so long that they had forgotten their original intentions. Unknowingly, protecting the First Emperor's Mausoleum had become an obsession deeply rooted in their hearts, serving as their motivation to persist. Otherwise, the moment the schemes of the Qi Cultivators failed, they would have perished in martyrdom.

Huan Xingzi could not understand the old man, just as he could not imagine what a mad era it had been. The First Emperor had been so close to overturning the order of heaven and earth, to stand in place of Heavenly Court, and to accomplish the grand feat of defying fate. Alas, fortune was not on his side; it was not the right time, and in the end, his efforts came to nothing due to the intervention of All Saints.

"Are you certain Ying Xi is beyond help?" the old man changed the subject.

"Certain. His three souls have already begun to destabilize; he likely won't live much longer," Huan Xingzi said with conviction.

"Don't be careless; I always feel as if there is still something hidden within this, especially with Xu Fu's arrival, which makes me even more uneasy. I hope it's just me being overly suspicious," the old man murmured, his somewhat hunched figure gradually disappearing at the end of the corridor, as if he had never been there at all.

Watching the old man leave, Huan Xingzi heaved a slow sigh. He didn't understand the old men's persistence, yet he felt sorrow for them. Bearing a hope that would never be fulfilled, they had dedicated their long years to it.

Shaking his head gently, Huan Xingzi walked toward his own residence. It was time for some changes to start in this decaying Dynasty. This was not just his own sentiment but also that of the younger generation of Qi Cultivators.

To them, the First Emperor was but a distant legend, while the Common People living in this world were like their own families and siblings. They wished to change this sorrowful world, to allow everyone to have a better life—a concept the three princes, preoccupied with vying for power and profit, could never comprehend.

They were too far removed from the Common People, so distant that they could not understand their suffering, nor could they feel true empathy. Such people, even if they ascended the throne, would be nothing more than another tyrant.

As he entered his home, someone was already waiting inside. "Master Huan Xingzi!" exclaimed the person with surprise upon his arrival.

This individual removed their hood, revealing a face hidden underneath, young and brimming with smiles. However, a fleeting glimpse of brutality in his eyes did not escape Huan Xingzi's sharp notice.

"It turns out to be the Third Prince. To what do I owe the honor of your visit in the dead of night?" Huan Xingzi asked casually, his tone lacking the respect one might expect for a prince.

Unexpectedly, the dignified prince fell to his knees with a thump, his face streaming with tears as he pleaded, "Master, please save my life!"

"Your Highness jests. You are among the most privileged in all the land; why would you need the help of an old man like me? Moreover, with the Illustrious Sage Emperor reigning, what worries could you possibly have about your life?"

"People say we are nobility, high and mighty, with inexhaustible wealth and glory. Yet, they do not see that the throne is like a vortex, and we are but involuntarily caught within. Now, with the Emperor gravely ill, my two elder brothers glare hungrily at the throne. As the youngest and weakest, I fear for my life and beg you, Master, to save me," the Prince said earnestly, with endless grief and tears flowing down his face.

"If that's the case, why not cultivate with me, disregarding worldly affairs? I am sure the two princes would then leave you be," Huan Xingzi gently helped the Prince to his feet and said softly.

The Third Prince's crying expression halted abruptly, and a flash of barely perceptible annoyance flitted across his eyes. However, it quickly dissipated, and he stammered, "I'm afraid my two elder brothers don't see it that way. They probably think I'm sitting on the hill watching the tigers fight, taking the opportunity to eliminate me first."

"Alas, Your Highness, you are overthinking it. The affection within the Heavenly Family isn't so lacking."

Afterward, the two idly chattered about unification, but no matter what, Huan Xingzi never relented to express his stance, and in the end, the Third Prince could only leave in disgruntlement.

As soon as he exited Huan Xingzi's residence, subordinates who had been waiting approached him with concern, asking, "Your Highness, was your visit successful?"

"Hmph! An old fox, stubbornly withholding his support. But seeing how he acted, I doubt he will turn around to support my eldest brother or second brother. He's probably determined to support whoever the Emperor appoints. These Qi Cultivators all possess such character, and sooner or later, I'll have to sweep them all away," the Third Prince said in a lowered voice, completely different from his humbleness and fear in front of Huan Xingzi. His words overflowed with murderous intent, showing no regard for life.

"So what should we do now?"

"What to do? Go spread rumors in the streets that I, the Third Prince, had an extremely cordial talk with Master Huan Xingzi, and it was not until late into the night that I left his mansion."

"Ah! Your Highness, what do you mean by this? Didn't he refuse to agree?"

"Whether he agrees or not is not important. What matters is how my two brothers will see it. Can they influence what's melted by everybody's tongues?" A hint of ruthless determination flashed across his still somewhat juvenile face.

Huan Xingzi sat quietly in the hall, accompanied by Zhao Pu who had come to the capital with him, both sipping hot tea.

"This Prince is quite adept at the art of power. I suspect by tomorrow, the news that he and I enjoyed a hearty conversation will spread throughout all the streets and alleys. You come from the Common People and love to protect them, yet you might find it difficult to be exposed to these manipulative tactics. Take this opportunity to observe and listen more; it will benefit you greatly in the future," Huan Xingzi softly said to Zhao Pu.

"Alas, I certainly didn't expect such a youthful-looking Third Prince to be that kind of person," Zhao Pu said, shaking his head.

Had it not been for Huan Xingzi's Spell allowing him to hear the Third Prince's words upon departure, Zhao Pu would have continued to believe the young boy was just a helpless, pitiable person, even feeling compassion for him.

"They've been trapped in that vast palace for too long, so long that they've forgotten the Common People who still struggle on this great land. In some sense, they've become pure political creatures, which isn't good. Being too high above can make one forget the hardships of the lower classes, taking everything for granted. If you ever sit in that position, you must always stay vigilant," Huan Xingzi solemnly stated.

Zhao Pu understood that Huan Xingzi was teaching him, and stood up to bow deeply in sincere gratitude.

Seeing this, Huan Xingzi smiled and stroked his beard. So far, he was quite pleased with Zhao Pu—of noble lineage yet experienced in the hardships of the populace, harboring a heart for the people. Although still naive and with limited perspective, the young man's eagerness to learn was a redeeming quality. In the brief time they had spent together, he had made significant progress. In Huan Xingzi's eyes, there was hope that he would eventually become a competent ruler, bringing a glimmer of hope to this world.