Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Prime Minister's Birthday Celebration

During those days on the road, Zhu Yu finally came to a realization: Would letting Jiang Yuyan suffer a loss be unfair to her? Not at all! First of all, with this, Jiang Yuyan would no longer become the assassin of the Emperor as in the original plot, which was a relief. Besides, she was a formidable villain! If she developed as she had in the original story, it was uncertain whether Zhu Wushi would be able to defeat her in a confrontation.

However, one thing was certain: in the original plot, Jiang Yuyan's early life was truly tragic, and her descent into darkness was a result of her single-mindedness. Now, he had to decide whether to provide her with the best resources and nurture her directly, or let her experience her lowest point in life first, and then descend from the heavens to save her at the critical moment.

Time was running short. By tomorrow, they would arrive at the Jiang residence, which meant that from then on, Jiang Yuyan would enter the darkest chapter of her life.

Zhu Yu pondered throughout the night and finally made up his mind just before dawn. After delivering Jiang Yuyan back to her family, he would head to Dali to retrieve the Northern Darkness Divine Skill. On his return journey, he would check in on her, provide some care, or even take her away if necessary.

This was the best plan Zhu Yu could devise. After all, without enduring these hardships, how could Jiang Yuyan ever grow into the ruthless demoness she was meant to become? If he simply took her away now, she might only become a concubine embroiled in the petty intrigues of the harem. Besides, the Jiang family still awaited her to unlock the Secret Dice of Six Rens, which contained the Art of Shifting Flowers and Substituting Trees—a peerless martial art rivaling even the Northern Darkness Divine Skill.

...

The next day, in Weicheng.

Upon entering the city, Zhu Yu found an opportunity to bid farewell to Hua Wuqie and Jiang Yuyan, explaining that he had already been delayed too long and needed to hurry to Dali, so he would not accompany them to the Jiang estate. He promised Jiang Yuyan that after completing his business in Dali, he would return to see her.

Whether it was the prospect of meeting her biological father or sensing a change in Zhu Yu's attitude, Jiang Yuyan could not hide her joy after hearing his promise.

Though Zhu Yu couldn’t recall all the details of what Jiang Yuyan would go through next, seeing her smiling face suddenly filled him with guilt. Still, for his own sake, he steeled himself and warned her, "Even after recognizing your family, you must be cautious. The affairs of great households run deep."

Hearing this, a gentle warmth rose in Jiang Yuyan’s heart. Was Young Master Zhu showing concern for her?

...

After parting with Jiang Yuyan, Zhu Yu’s journey went smoothly. He arrived at Langhuan Paradise just as the Infinite Sword Sect and the Shennong Gang were about to clash.

...

The only notable thing was that Zhu Yu did not take the Northern Darkness Divine Skill with him, but instead made copies of both it and the Ripple Step technique to bring back.

Why didn’t he study them on the spot? The Northern Darkness Divine Skill was full of Daoist classics, utterly incomprehensible—it was impossible to practice something he couldn’t understand! The Ripple Step seemed nothing more than a patchwork of Daoist aphorisms, as impenetrable as the stars above.

In Zhu Yu’s hands, the Northern Darkness Divine Skill was as inscrutable as a heavenly tome; it would require careful study back at the palace. What he wanted was a technique to rapidly increase his inner strength; the Ripple Step was more for enriching the imperial collection. Whether to study it further could be decided later, for Zhu Yu lacked no other martial arts—he coveted only the Northern Darkness Divine Skill.

Of course, the reason he didn’t take the originals was to avoid disrupting the plot of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. There were regrets in that story he hoped to rewrite.

On his way back, Zhu Yu kept debating whether to take Jiang Yuyan away when he saw her next. Before he could reach a conclusion, Yuhuatian brought new tidings.

“In a few days, Grand Preceptor Murong Invincible will celebrate his birthday. The Imperial Consort will also leave the palace to visit her family. Would you care to attend?”

The reminder jogged Zhu Yu’s memory—Murong Invincible’s birthday was part of the story of Little Fish and Hua Wuqie, though he couldn’t recall the details.

“How far is Murong Invincible’s home from the Jiang family?” Zhu Yu mused.

“Not far, just three days’ journey,” Yuhuatian replied after thinking.

“Very well. Since there’s nothing urgent, let’s visit the Grand Preceptor’s estate.” After a moment’s thought, Zhu Yu had Yuhuatian alter their route.

As if recalling something, Zhu Yu asked, “What level is Murong Invincible’s martial arts?”

“Your Majesty, he is at the lower first-class level,” Yuhuatian answered without hesitation.

Lower first-class? And he calls himself invincible? Zhu Yu couldn’t help but feel it was a waste of such a bold name—he felt sorry for Dugu Qiubai and Dongfang Bubai.

...

A few days later, at the gates of the Murong estate.

The Imperial Consort, Murong Invincible, his family, and all their servants waited at the entrance.

...

While waiting, the servants in the back began to gossip.

“Who are we waiting for? Such a grand display—even when the Imperial Consort returned home a few days ago, it wasn’t like this.”

“Who knows? But it must be someone important. I heard someone visited the Consort and Master yesterday, and after he left, the whole household sprang into action.”

Hearing the chatter, Little Fish, who had blended in among the servants, said nothing, shrinking into a corner and muttering inwardly, I only wanted to steal a Fire Lingzhi, why has it turned into such a mess?

After a while, a carriage appeared in the distance, approaching slowly. As soon as it came into view, Murong Invincible and his entourage began tidying their appearance.

Seeing the masters’ actions, the servants and maids fell silent, becoming cautious and attentive.

Only Little Fish frowned at the carriage, thinking, Why does that carriage look so familiar? Where have I seen it before?

Before he could finish the thought, he saw the person disembark—it was Zhu Yu!

Recognizing an acquaintance, Little Fish's heart leapt. Judging by the grand welcome Murong Invincible was giving Zhu Yu, perhaps there was no need to risk stealing the Fire Lingzhi. He just needed to find an opportunity to ask Zhu Yu for it.

Before his daydreams could run any further, something unimaginable happened.

The moment Zhu Yu stepped down, Murong Invincible led everyone to kneel, shouting, “Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years!”

At this, everyone behind him fell to their knees.

Little Fish, too, knelt with the crowd, his heart surging. Zhu Yu is the Emperor? How could that be?

But the scene before his eyes was undeniable. Thinking back, he realized—he had joked with the Emperor, traveled with him, eaten and slept with him for days. Who would believe it?

He couldn’t help but laugh foolishly. Now, the Fire Lingzhi was the least of his concerns. He was already dreaming of a future filled with prosperity and ease.