Shenhua Mountain.
Qingxu Palace was quiet and ethereal. Yu Rong, who had been cultivating, suddenly sensed something.
She turned to look toward Chang'an, her fingers rapidly tapping in calculation. After a long while, Yu Rong smiled when she sensed something, then used a spell to send a message to the Chunyang outpost in Chang'an...
Morning.
Amid clashing weapons, Crown Prince Li Zhang once again met his father, the reigning Emperor.
Father and son stood face-to-face. Clad in armor, Li Zhang looked at his crazed father and did not know whether he should strike. The old Emperor cursed loudly. Aside from several of the Crown Prince's trusted aides, no one else remained in the hall. Clearly, many people were hinting that Li Zhang should hurry and kill the old Emperor. At worst, they could follow the precedent of the previous dynasty and declare that the old Emperor had fallen ill and passed away.
"Rebellious son! I should have drowned you back then!"
His words were vicious. Though the old Emperor had been muddleheaded, he knew that if the new Emperor wished to ascend the throne, he himself would surely die. Since he was doomed anyway, he might as well stand tall for once. It was a rare display of backbone.
After lowering his head in silence for a long time, Li Zhang raised it, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
Then he drove his sword into the old Emperor's chest...
"Father, forgive me..."
The old Emperor stared in disbelief at the sword in his chest, feeling his strength drain away. His legs gave out, and he could not help kneeling. One hand grasped the sword as he looked at the son he had once cherished without limit. Suddenly, he came to his senses, recovering from days of unrestrained debauchery.