A golden escape light rose from the midst of the vast army, blocking the path ahead in the night sky.
Focusing his gaze.
He saw an old man in a Daoist robe, standing atop an immortal crane. His frame was not imposing, yet he stood tall and unwavering like an ancient pine. His robe was simple and elegant, its dark azure fabric giving off a soft sheen beneath the moonlight, cloud patterns drifting across its surface as though in Unity of Heaven and Man. The old Daoist's beard and hair were grizzled white, but his face showed no sign of age—crane-haired and child-faced. His eyes shone like Xing Hui, yet were deep and tranquil.
The night wind brushed past, stirring his beard and hair, making his robes flutter. Amid his immortal bearing and Daoist bones was an authority that seemed to overlook all living things.
The mortal emperor of the Eastern Continent, Cao Kai, Emperor Longqing of Great Sheng.
"King of Northern Liang."
Emperor Longqing's deep, solemn voice sounded out. His teasing tone carried mockery, every word he uttered seeming like an invisible hand clamping tightly around one's throat. "Though you have deceived me time and again, I have still looked upon you with favor. I shall grant you one final opportunity.
"Stop here and now. I will preserve your title, your status, and even... your military authority!
"What you wish to accomplish.
"Only with me can it succeed.
"And only I can provide everything you need from this point onward."
"And then?"
Chen Sanshi quietly listened until the other man had finished before slowly speaking. "Then everything from before is simply forgotten?"
"Since ancient times, those who achieve great deeds do not fuss over trifles."
Emperor Longqing recited unhurriedly in a long, authoritative tone:
"An ancient poem says:
"Southern