Chapter 323: He Never Knelt, He Never Pleaded
Hearing the phrase “great Creation,” the many spirits began discussing among themselves. Some thought it was probably just a polite response from the Dragon Princess to save face, not any real blessing. Others believed Mr. Chen had surely gifted something truly remarkable.
In short, opinions were divided.
Yingyuan leaned close to Ying En and quietly asked, “Little sister, what really is it?”
Ying En opened her mouth and said, “Actually… I don’t know yet. I must see what happens tomorrow…”
“Tomorrow?” Yingyuan didn’t understand.
“Mhm.”
Ying En didn’t explain further. She still found it rather hard to believe.
Could the path of faith and incense truly achieve such a thing?
The Old Dragon King looked at Chen Changsheng and asked, “Is it something extraordinary?”
“You could say it is,” Chen Changsheng said. The Old Dragon King smiled. “That statement from you is enough.”
Chen Changsheng grinned. “Would I give you something you’d look down upon? Rest easy. Today you managed to trick me — just you wait until next time. Whenever I have need of something, I’ll be coming to find you.”
The Old Dragon King’s eyes lit up. He glanced at Ying En beside him and said thoughtfully, “Seems this isn’t just a gift… but likely a great favor I’ll owe you.”
Chen Changsheng smiled without responding. He never let himself be at a disadvantage.
“Drink up, drink up,” Chen Changsheng raised his cup.
Seeing this, the Old Dragon King said no more and clinked cups with him.
After a few cups of fine wine, the banquet grew even livelier.
In that circle, perhaps only Ying Tianze felt out of place.
He was still deeply worried, trying to figure out how to explain things to his father later.
The great feast continued for several days.
“Where is Father?”
“Where is Mr. Chen?”
The Dragon Lord who was hosting the event disappeared after one particular drinking session.
That Mr. Chen who had caused such a stir was also nowhere to be found.
Moyuan, noticing Mr. Chen was gone, prepared to go out and search.
But Hu Junhan beside him said, “Mr. Chen left with the Old Dragon King. Probably off sightseeing somewhere.”
“They just left like that?” Moyuan asked.
Tao’er blinked upon hearing this. “What about us then? What should we do? Do we just leave now?”
Leave?
Hu Junhan’s eyes lit up at the words, but the gleam faded quickly.
He coughed lightly and said, “You two should hurry back quickly. Wouldn’t want Mr. Chen scolding you later.”
Moyuan thought for a moment and asked Tao’er, “Is it really alright?”
Tao’er blinked. “This… don’t ask me. But if we stayed a bit longer, it would probably be fine. The master wouldn’t say anything.”
Hu Junhan waved a hand dismissively. “Alright, alright. Do what you want.”
“What kind of talk is this…”
Moyuan caught on, narrowing his eyes. “Now I see. You’re trying to chase us away, aren’t you?”
Hu Junhan coughed again. “What nonsense. I’m just worried you’ll get scolded.”
Moyuan declared, “Then I’m definitely not leaving now!”
“…”
Hu Junhan sighed inwardly. “Just my luck.”
“I’m not only staying, but I’ll leave when you leave.”
“…”
Hu Junhan grieved silently. It seemed this River and Sea Grand Banquet wouldn’t be enjoyable after all.
—
The Mortal Realm was filled with bustling prosperity.
Shangjing City was immensely lively, filled with endless shouts of vendors hawking their wares.
The Old Dragon King, in human form as an elderly scholar’s attire, walked beside Chen Changsheng. He looked kindly, resembling a wise literary master. Yet his stride was firm, his head held high. The clash between his scholarly attire and this posture felt awkward.
Chen Changsheng chuckled. “Just walking down the street makes you stand out already.”
The Old Dragon King laughed. “Can’t hide it. That’s just my nature.”
His gaze swept over the bustling street.
He couldn’t help remarking, “Haven’t walked the Mortal World in years. It’s much livelier than before.”
Chen Changsheng said, “Da Xiang’s administration is far more organized than during the Jing Era. Merchants are thriving again, making it much more lively.”
The Old Dragon King mused, “To achieve this in just over a decade… the new Human Emperor must have some skill.”
Chen Changsheng recalled the Da Xiang Emperor and added, “The current Human Emperor is indeed extraordinary.”
“Oh?”
The Old Dragon King was surprised. “Mr. Chen has met him?”
“Once.” Chen Changsheng replied.
“To earn such praise from Mr. Chen…”
The Old Dragon King stroked his chin. “I’ve often heard this man called a tyrant. It seems that label isn’t entirely fair. Makes me want to meet him too.”
Chen Changsheng stated, “He’s decisive and resolute, that’s true. But his thirst for execution is excessive. As they say, every gain comes with a loss. Under Da Xiang’s iron laws, the Northern Wastes certainly are more stable. But head south — rebel armies rise everywhere. The remnants of the Jing people stationed there have grown powerful. Ultimately, major chaos will erupt.”
“So that’s how it is…”
The Old Dragon King mumbled. “Then what did Mr. Chen actually admire about him?”
Chen Changsheng smiled faintly. “Just a single incident.”
“I’m quite curious.” The Old Dragon King grinned.
Seeing this, Chen Changsheng explained. “He once came to the Flowing Cloud Temple. At first he thought I was just an impostor. But later, he suddenly understood.”
The Old Dragon King’s eyes lit up. “Really? Did he kneel and plead with you then?”
Chen Changsheng shook his head. “He did not.”
“Huh?”
“He never knelt before me. He never pleaded with me. Once he understood, he simply ran down the mountain. He mounted a fast horse and never once looked back.”
The Old Dragon King was momentarily stunned.
“After that? He never returned?”
“Never.”
Chen Changsheng said, “His ambition lies in unifying the world. Pursuits like eternal life would only disrupt his focus.”
The Old Dragon King’s heart skipped a beat.
He halted his steps, gazing towards the Imperial City.
In that one glance, he seemed to glimpse the Mortal Emperor sitting upon the Dragon Throne.
—
In the Imperial Court.
Ministers debated state affairs.
Zhao Zhen felt a gaze settle upon him. That feeling of being watched sent a chill down his spine.
He sat silent for a long time, lost in thought.
“Your Majesty? Your Majesty?”
A eunuch beside him prompted, but Zhao Zhen remained immobile.
—
On the long street, the Old Dragon King retracted his gaze.
He turned to Chen Changsheng. “No wonder Mr. Chen esteems him so. Truly a man of immense determination.”
Chen Changsheng said, “Whether he succeeds depends entirely on himself.”
The Old Dragon King followed, “Will the world truly unify?”
Chen Changsheng replied, “Now with two rival kingdoms plus the remnants of the old era… three forces grasping blindly amidst chaos. No one can predict the outcome. We are just mere spectators.”
The Old Dragon King nodded. “Leave it to Providence.”
His gaze drifted towards a Pleasure Boat on the lake nearby. “Pavilions on pleasure boats… the flavor of mortal life. Looks like a fine place. What’s your view, Mr. Chen?”
“You enjoy that sort of thing?”
“Surely appreciating the scenery is worthwhile?”
“I’ll just listen to the tunes.”