Chapter 1380: Never See Each Other Again

Once more, I saw Lei Zhangan, but this time, it was at the Platform of Bestowal,during the ceremony of commendation.Though Jiang Wang claimed his merits and demerits cancelled each other out,as the one who held the most significant sway in the battle of Xingyue Plain,he could not simply absent himself from the ceremony, adding his presence to the ranks...Even if the commendations on this day were not for him.

Since the conclusion of the Xingyue Plain conflict, Lei Zhangan had vanished,not showing his face before others again.One must know that in days past, he always sought to gather all eyes upon himself.To speak truly, he had only joined this Xingyue Plain battle at its very end,just before Jiang Wang, who entered the fray mid-way, and his spirits had been low throughout.Connecting this to the matter of Jiang Wuqi, it was abundantly clearthat this "cousin" knew something in advance.

Seeing him again today, he appeared worn and haggard, lacking any semblance of his former might.The valor displayed in the divisional camp of Xingyue Plain, when he challenged three at once,and the awe-inspiring power upon the battlefield,wielding the Divine Judgment as heavenly punishment, were nowhere to be found.His unbound long hair hung listlessly, his eyes dry and vacant.Even as he received his commendation, his mind seemed adrift, his spirit elsewhere.Shi Mingcheng, who presided over this bestowal, did not fault him,simply running through the motions before allowing him to step down.With the demise of a Prince showing the potential for a sage ruler like Jiang Wuqi,and the subsequent removal of Yan Tu, the commander of the Rain-Slaying Army,one could hardly guess the mood of Shi Mingcheng, himself a commander of one of the Nine Legions.

"Alas," Chong Xuan Sheng sighed, "Brother Wang, how can we bear to bully him again in the future?"His expression was truly exceedingly benevolent.It was as if the one who, with a single letter, had enraged Lei Zhangan into hastening to the capital overnight,and had profited greatly from him, was not he himself.Jiang Wang rolled his eyes at the corpulent fellow.Here he was, a promising youth, yet this fellow spoke of him as if he were a ruffian or villain, truly detestable.When had I, Jiang Wang, ever bullied anyone? Was it not always in forced retaliation?"If you speak two words less, that would be helping others," he coldly snorted.

They glared at each other, then turned their gazes away,and almost at the same instant, instinctively cast their eyes upon Xie Baoshu.In this war, the might of Qi greatly increased.The esteemed prodigies who participated in the battle of Xingyue Plain,based on their varying performances in the war, received different degrees of commendation.With the family backgrounds of these individuals,the merits that belonged to them would not be lessened by even a fraction.Any issues attributed to them would be minimized as much as possible.After this great battle, at the very least, they could serve as deputy generals of the Nine Legions.Of course, when it came to official ranks, they were all below the third-rank Golden Gourd Warrior that was Lord Jiang.With a cultivation level below Divine Ascension, holding a third-rank official position,Jiang Qingyang was currently still the foremost individual in Qi.

Xie Baoshu stood on the platform at this moment receiving his reward, his spirits high.After the tumultuous battle at Xingyue Plain, facing life and death, and earning honor,he had finally come to terms with things.If he couldn't defeat Jiang Wang, then he couldn't.A good man's ambition lies a thousand miles away, how can he be confined by petty grudges and resentments!If Miss Wen marries, then she marries.What need does a great man have to worry about not having a wife!

He descended from the high platform, his proud gaze sweeping around,and when he saw Chong Xuan Sheng and Jiang Wang, he even nodded his head with great grace.The meaning was clear – I, Xie Baoshu, am magnanimous, I have forgiven you!Chong Xuan Sheng below the platform furrowed his brow:"Is this Xie Xiaobao provoking us?""There's a hint of that!" Jiang Wang said, "Look, he even condescendingly nodded his head!"They exchanged glances, having already reached a tacit agreement on their next objective.

Shi Mingcheng's time was precious, so the entire commendation ceremony was kept simple and swift.In truth, were it not for the political significance of "defeating the State of Jing",the scale of the Xingyue Plain battle alonewould not have warranted the presence of the God of War to oversee the conflict,nor the commanders of the Nine Legions to preside over the post-war commendation ceremony.This could be seen from the location of the commendation ceremony,the Platform of Bestowal, not the Imperial Ancestral Temple,indicating that the symbolic significance of this battle outweighed its practical importance.The true key lay in the power struggle behind the war, between Qi and Jing.

Soon, the commendation ceremony concluded.Li Longchuan, who had performed brilliantly, was granted a military post as a general of the Nine Legions.Chong Xuan Sheng, who had not had much opportunity to showcase his abilities, received a military post as a deputy general of the Nine Legions.As for Yan Fu, who had decorated the war with Dao Yuan Stones,he secured a lucrative position in the Ministry of Revenue.Of course, this concept of "lucrative" was only relative to others;for Young Master Yan, there was no such thing as lucrative or not, as he always subsidized his appointments.After the entire battle of Xingyue Plain, disregarding the political significance,among all the prodigies in the Qi contingent, only Yan Fu had suffered losses!And the deficit was simply impossible to fill.However, this "deficit" was only relative; for others, it would be a gaping hole,but for him, it was probably just a pinhole, and he didn't care anyway.

Chong Xuan Sheng was also not at all dissatisfied; at this moment,he and Jiang Wang were already contemplating where to waylay Xie Xiaobao –anyway, they all resided in Yaoguang Ward, so meeting up was quite convenient.

Just at this moment, Lei Zhangan walked directly towards the two of them.Chong Xuan Sheng and Jiang Wang exchanged glances, both a little puzzled.Aside from the times he sought a beating, Lei Zhangan had never initiated conversation with them.Lei Zhangan, however, only looked at Jiang Wang, and spoke concisely:"Jiang Qingyang. Wuqi... left a dying wish with me,asking me to invite you to the Palace of Longevity, saying there is a gift for you."Jiang Wang was very surprised, but still nodded:"Many thanks, Brother Lei, for leading the way."

Chong Xuan Sheng said nothing from the side.Jiang Wuqi was already dead, so even if he grew closer to the Palace of Longevity now,he would not be suspected.Going to the Palace of Longevity was merely for remembrance or to pay respects,there would be no major issues."You've been to the Palace of Longevity before, you should know the way...That's how it is, I'll head back first."Lei Zhangan turned and left after speaking.Jiang Wang was even more surprised: "Brother Lei, are you not going?"Lei Zhangan did not turn back, merely waved his hand listlessly:"Tired, going home to sleep."

He, Lei Zhangan, was not truly foolish.Jiang Wuqi had left a gift for Jiang Wang, and there were plenty of people in the Palace of Longevity,so why specifically name him, Lei Zhangan, to extend the invitation?It was clearly intended to use this opportunity to resolve the conflict between him and Jiang Wang.Jiang Qingyang was now like the sun at its zenith; looking across the young generation of prodigies in Qi,only a single Chong Xuanzun could compare with him.To speak truly, after Jiang Wuqi's death, he, Lei Zhangan, could no longer contend.The Lei family was only a second-rate aristocratic clan, incomparable to any of the Chong Xuan, Li, or Yan families.He, Lei Zhangan, had been defeated by Jiang Wang three times in a row, losing more miserably each time.The defeat at Qixing Valley, the second defeat at the Invincible Martial Arts Arena,the third defeat during the Master's Ceremony, had left him almost devoid of confidence.Now Jiang Wang had entered the Outer Tower, and had defeated Chen Suan with his sword at Xingyue Plain,contending for the title of invincible below Divine Ascension.Without Jiang Wuqi to support him, what could he, Lei Zhangan, contend with?

Jiang Wuqi's request for him to invite Jiang Wang was in the hope of gaining Jiang Wang's understanding for him.It was to use the remaining face of a deceased person to smooth the rough patches for him, this cousin.He could too clearly understand Jiang Wuqi's intentions.He had always held himself in high regard, looking down on others.But why was it that he, as the elder cousin, always needed Jiang Wuqi, this younger cousin, to come to his aid?He had already grown accustomed to that voice, always interspersed with coughing,reminding him time and again, from dealing with others to cultivating and fighting.Though his age was a whole section younger than his, he had been old-fashioned since childhood.Always telling him this was not good, that was not good.Pointing out his problems, and yet always mindful of his face as the elder cousin.

Even when they were very young, his grandfather had told him that his younger cousin had no mother,and he should take good care of his younger cousin.But why was it that after so many years, he, Lei Zhangan, was always the one being taken care of?Even now, that young man wrapped in snow-white fox fur had departed forever,yet from that eternally unreachable distance, he cast a gaze of concern,resolving the conflict for him, this elder cousin.

Jiang Wang also saw this meaning.Jiang Wang's attitude was also very good.But how could he accept it?Could it be that he, Lei Zhangan, had never helped Jiang Wuqi at all,but instead had always been his burden?He was saddened by Jiang Wuqi's sudden departure,tormented by his own powerlessness,and utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally, because all of this was irreversible.He had once sworn to clear all obstacles for his younger cousin,and for this, he had not hesitated to attack everyone in Qixing Valley,risking provoking Jiang Wuxie.But had he truly accomplished anything?He was tired.

Jiang Wang could roughly perceive one or two of Lei Zhangan's complex emotions,but he said nothing, only looking at Chong Xuan Sheng:"Would you like to accompany me to the Palace of Longevity?""I wasn't invited," Chong Xuan Sheng pouted,"Don't even think of making me your charioteer and standing guard outside the palace for you!"Jiang Wang was rather regretful: "Then I shall take my leave, Brother Chong Xuan.""There's no need for such a formal farewell, Fourteen and I will be waiting for you at your place,"Chong Xuan Sheng grinned again.Unable to get a ride in a carriage, Lord Jiang could only walk on foot.Walking and contemplating Dao techniques at the same time could be considered a different kind of pleasure,dispelling some of the melancholy.Now that he had entered the Outer Tower,the super-grade Yellow-tier Dao techniques "Dragon and Tiger" and "Blazing Flowers Burning the City"that he had obtained earlier could all be attempted for study.Although Yellow-tier Dao techniques generally required cultivation at the Divine Ascension realm as a threshold,whether it was "Dragon and Tiger" inherited from the old Yang or "Blazing Flowers Burning the City" inherited from Zuo Guanglie,Jiang Wang had some foundation in both.Furthermore, in cultivating "Blazing Flowers Burning the City", he possessed the fire-element divine ability, True Fire of the Three Flames.As for "Dragon and Tiger", it was said that "in the human body, the spine is the dragon, and it can summon the eight winds as the tiger",and his Undulating Wind was precisely one of the eight winds.However, it was still at the super-grade level,and although he had pondered it for a long time before the Outer Tower realm,and had not slackened throughout the journey from Xingyue Plain to Qi,he still had not been able to master it.Cultivation was a long process, and powerful Dao techniques were not acquired overnight,so Jiang Wang was not in a hurry.He was just standing outside the entrance, slowly exploring.

The Platform of Bestowal was in the west of Linzi City, quite a distance from the Palace of Longevity.After walking for a while, Jiang Wang had to put on his cloakto avoid being recognized and surrounded again.Now in Linzi, through one incident after another, his reputation had long reached its peak.Few would disagree if he were called the foremost prodigy of Qi.It was difficult to wander around leisurely anymore.Speaking of which, he was also very curious about what gift Jiang Wuqi had left him.He asked himself, he actually didn't have much connection with Jiang Wuqi.Their limited interactions were either related to Jiang Wuyong or Lei Zhangan,and could hardly be described as pleasant.The only time they were alone together was during that spar to verify who was first in the Inner Mansion.To say they cherished each other, yes, that was true.To speak of personal friendship, it had not had the chance to be established.Of course, Jiang Wuqi was Jiang Wuqi after all.Even if this gift was just a pretense to mend the conflict between him and Lei Zhangan,it should still possess something extraordinary.Or rather, no matter what it was.Because of the name "Jiang Wuqi", it naturally elicited anticipation.

Among the palace complexes of the entire Qi Imperial Palace,the Palaces of Changle, Huaying, Yangxin, and Changsheng were also quite special existences.Standing on the outer layer of the palace complex, they each subtly formed a central point.When Jiang Wang arrived at the Palace of Longevity,there were still many guards outside the palace gate; though the person was gone,the tea had not yet cooled so quickly.It was said that the Emperor had ordered the Palace of Longevity to be permanently preserved,so this place should not change...

Waiting outside the palace gate was precisely Eunuch Feng.After just a short while, this old man with a pair of dark eyes appeared even older.And that feeling of subtle danger he carried was no longer present.Sorrow was hard to conceal between his brows, but his courtesy was still meticulous:"Lord Jiang."Jiang Wang humbly returned the greeting, then said:"Brother Lei told me that the Eleventh Highness left a gift for me."Feng Gu glanced a few times behind him: "Did Young Master Lei escort you?"Jiang Wang said indifferently: "He is a little tired and went back to rest first."Feng Gu probably also knew Lei Zhangan's temperament, only sighed lightly, and said:"Please come this way."

Following behind Feng Gu, this was the second time coming to the Palace of Longevity.It was still such a grand and magnificent palace,but no matter how Jiang Wang searched, he could no longer see that bright feeling from his first visit.It had nothing to do with the light or the furnishings.The spirit of this palace had indeed departed with that sickly Prince.On the long corridor, Feng Gu's footsteps were silent,while Jiang Wang's steps were clean and steady.He had come here openly, to fulfill the appointment of Jiang Wuqi's dying wish.It was also a completion of that evenly matched battle on that day, bidding farewell to this startling rainbow that streaked across the sky.

Feng Gu walked ahead, and suddenly spoke:"His Highness actually always thought very highly of you, Lord.He often said that for someone of your talent to come east into Qiwas a great fortune for Great Qi.It was just because you were close to the Third Highness that he did not wish to make things difficult for you,which is why he did not seek closer relations."Jiang Wang was somewhat at a loss for words, only saying:"I also greatly admire the Eleventh Highness."

Feng Gu no longer spoke.Unlike the last time, when he was eager to introduce Jiang Wang everywhere they went,his words filled with pride.He looked very old. And like this palace, he had been drained of a certain support.Regarding Jiang Wuqi, he clearly had countless topics to elaborate on...But what was there to say?The person was no longer here.

Still leading Jiang Wang to the side hall from last time,Feng Gu took a deep breath before stopping at the doorway,turning sideways and gesturing for him to enter:"His Highness said that any item in this hall,if Lord finds it desirable, you may take it.Since we will not meet again, consider it a memento for you."Jiang Wang remembered, this was Jiang Wuqi's study.A place where the Master of the Palace of Longevity often resided,naturally it would not lack valuable items.The value of these two words, "take any", was therefore difficult to measure.Thereafter... no longer meeting.

The news of Jiang Wuqi's death had actually always felt somewhat unreal to Jiang Wang,with an inexplicable sense of unreality.Although he knew such news could not be false,he always felt as if there might be some change.Such a brilliant figure, how could he just die?It wasn't until he heard Eunuch Feng's words that he truly realized—Jiang Wuqi had indeed departed.Death did not grant any leniency because of his brilliance.

Jiang Wang walked into the hall, and the first thing he noticed was still that desk.In the upper right corner of the desk, a stack of leisurely books was piled up.Jiang Wuqi had once introduced them, saying they were stories of benevolent scholars,and ferocious ghosts and heroes, which he read when he had a rare moment of leisure.Thinking about it now, for someone like him, who had the world in his heart,leisure was truly the greatest suffering.Therefore, he needed to seek some solace in those so-called leisurely books.If he hadn't been born into the imperial family,perhaps he would have wielded a sword at his waist,traveling the world acting as a chivalrous hero, and settling grudges and grievances to his heart's content.Just like that day when he was eager to test his individual courage against Jiang Wang.He was also only seventeen years old.

In the upper left corner of the desk was a bowl of medicinal soup.It had been cold for a long time, but one could still smell the bitterness.In the center of the desk lay a stack of pure white Xuan paper.In addition, the brush was placed on the inkstone, and the ink had already dried."His Highness left in a hurry, I didn't tidy up much," Feng Gu explained from behind.This study had two entire walls filled with bookshelves,with all sorts of books displayed in dazzling array.Feng Gu walked to the wall directly opposite the desk, and introduced:"These are classics of the Hundred Schools, basically covering works from various schools of thought.Those left behind are mostly those that His Highness has studied and deemed worth discussing."Jiang Wang only scanned them briefly, and felt a sense of admiration for the sheer volume.

Feng Gu then walked to the other wall, and introduced seriously:"These are some Dao techniques, secret arts, as well as His Highness's cultivation notes,some articles written by His Highness, and some poems, calligraphy, and paintings."The bookshelves on this wall were also packed extremely full,clearly showing the accumulation of Jiang Wuqi.Feng Gu raised his hand and pointed to the opposite side:"These are some delicate objects that His Highness liked,and among them are some Dharma artifacts with considerable power...Whichever one Lord takes a fancy to, simply take one."On the shelves against this wall, various objects were placed,most of which Jiang Wang had never seen before.He had only glanced at them briefly last time, but looking closely this time...he could still see them but not recognize them.

In the entire study, only the wall behind the desk was blank.Behind the desk, on the large chair where Jiang Wuqi usually sat,there was a white, slightly worn cushion, which Feng Gu did not introduce.Jiang Wang walked to the bookshelf where Jiang Wuqi's articles and notes were placed,and asked aloud: "May I read them?""You may do as you please," Feng Gu said.

He did not look at the precious secret cultivation methods,nor did he flip through the cultivation notes of this peerless prodigy.Jiang Wang simply quietly read some of the articles written by Jiang Wuqi.The Eleventh Prince's reflections on this country, on this world, and on lifewere all reflected in these articles.Reading his texts was like associating with the person himself.He read for a long time, going through the articles one by one.Feng Gu did not urge him, merely accompanied him in silence.

After reading some articles, Jiang Wang went to look through Jiang Wuqi's calligraphy and paintings.The scroll placed on top was clearly finished recently,and had not yet been mounted and framed.Jiang Wang unrolled it, and saw a piece of calligraphy with a magnificent aura—"Heaven does not abandon my Great Qi, giving birth to me, Jiang Wuqi!"The spirit displayed in this piece of calligraphydid not match the Eleventh Prince's usual sickly appearance.But it better matched the image of the Master of the Palace of Longevity,who used himself as bait to eradicate the spies of the State of Equality within Qi.

"I shall take this piece of calligraphy," Jiang Wang said."Of course you may..." Feng Gu was a little surprised.There were countless treasures in this study,many secret techniques and precious artifacts, famous works of the Hundred Schools.Yet Jiang Wang chose none of them, only selecting the piece of calligraphythat Jiang Wuqi had written in his final moments.Although it was written by Jiang Wuqi, it contained no divine abilities or hidden secrets,and was truly not more valuable than other items.He couldn't help but remind him: "Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?"

Jiang Wang carefully rolled up the calligraphy,placed it into his storage box, and said seriously:"His Highness said to leave me a memento,and this piece of calligraphy best reminds me of him."Feng Gu was somewhat moved, but quickly composed himself, only saying:"Lord may take whatever you wish, this is His Highness's dying wish.""Thank you." Jiang Wang looked around,everywhere in this study bore the traces of Jiang Wuqi,so vivid and clear, perhaps this was also the reason Feng Gu was unwilling to tidy up."I hope His Highness obtained what he desired when he departed," he said finally.Feng Gu lowered his gaze.

The calligraphy was put away, and Jiang Wang prepared to leave.But at this moment, Feng Gu suddenly remembered something else."Oh, yes." He turned back to the bookshelf and searched, taking out a book, and walked over."After Lord visited the Palace of Longevity last time,His Highness specially prepared this gift to give to you...Later, he didn't have the chance."Jiang Wang knew that he had left Qi shortly after, and had been pursued..."What book?" He took it with some curiosity.He saw that it was a beautifully bound book, with five large characters on the cover—《Chronicles of the Thousand Beauties of the States》.Jiang Wang then dimly remembered that he had indeed,it seemed, perhaps, vaguely, actually, chatted about this book with Jiang Wuqi last time.In the lower left corner of the book, there was also a seal, stating: "Tiandu Collection".Lord Jiang, who had been reading quite a lot recently,of course knew that "Tiandu" was a long-established and reputable brand in the book industry,and "Tiandu Collection" had always been synonymous with classics.He couldn't help but mutter a little.How could there be a misspelling in the Tiandu Collection?

He could fully sense the intention of Jiang Wuqi, as the Master of the Palace of Longevity,to find the Tiandu Collection edition of "Chronicles of the Thousand Beauties of the States"simply because of his casual remark.But he had truly just made a casual remark; he had never read any leisure books since childhood.However, in this situation, facing the intention of a deceased friend,how could he refuse?He could only accept it, and said with emotion:"His Highness took great pains."Feng Gu bowed respectfully: "Lord, please go slowly, I am old and frail, I will not see you off.""There is no need to see me off, please rest... Please accept my condolences."Jiang Wang bowed sincerely, then left alone.Although the Palace of Longevity was vast,after coming and going a few times, he had memorized the way.Walking and casually opening the book given by Jiang Wuqi,he also wanted to see what this leisurely book, which the Eleventh Prince had painstakingly collectedand which Chong Xuan Fenghua was so engrossed in, was actually about...After two pages.He quickly closed it.His steps quickened, his face red.