At some point, the alley and its surroundings had emptied of people... of passersby, at least.
This had clearly been arranged deliberately. Numerous powerful imperial immortal masters lay hidden nearby.
The Emperor of the Great Feng Dynasty would practically have been embarrassed to leave home without at least this much pomp.
Imperial Advisor Huanghua leaned against the carriage, making no move to approach. He merely watched intently—the emperor was seated at the physician's stall.
Their conversation continued.
The physician said slowly, "Mortals always think they can defy heaven and change their fate."
The emperor's resolve remained firm and unshaken. "Whether we can or not is something we can only know by trying. Even if my body perishes and my cultivation vanishes, I will have no regrets."
"That is the best part." The physician suddenly chuckled.
The emperor asked in puzzlement, "What is so good about it?"
"The beginning of things." The physician smiled faintly. "Like a scholar entering a classroom for the first time, a recruit joining the ranks for the first time, meeting someone you like for the first time, learning to read for the first time... everything, at its beginning, always comes with something beautiful."
The emperor frowned. "Are you implying that I cannot persevere to the end?"
The physician shook his head. "The end? I fear Your Majesty will suffer a bloody calamity within the next few days."
The emperor chuckled. "From what you say... besides your superb medical skills, do you also read faces?"
"I merely know a little of the Qi Gazing Technique." The physician stroked his long beard. "Your Majesty's brow is darkened. I fear a great disaster is at hand."
"Oh?" The emperor pondered. "Do you mean that the thing I... intend to do will bring disaster upon me?"
"No." The physician waved