Establishing the Heir Apparent
For two consecutive months, Gu Yuanqing did not notice anything unusual, and he even thought that the warning from his Dao Heart that day was a misunderstanding.
However, during the Great Qian, a major event occurred.
That was the establishment of the crown prince by the Great Qian Dynasty, and this person was Li Chengyi, the son of the Eldest Princess.
In the imperial palace, the imperial edict was read aloud, and all the officials kowtowed.
Subsequently, Li Haotian, accompanied by Li Chengyi, paid homage to the Imperial Family ancestors.
The entire ceremony proceeded smoothly without any problems; all troubles had already been resolved beforehand.
At the time, Li Haotian was at the height of his power, and all the military generals under his command were people he had promoted. With the support of the imperial clan, such as Li Shi'an and Prince Qing, all voices were silenced.
Moreover, just one day before the crown prince was to Establishing the Heir Apparent, fourteen-year-old Li Chengyi ascended to the twelfth level of the Heaven Ladder Rankings and achieved the Dao Fire Realm, which became known throughout the world.
Dao Fire Realm at the age of fourteen is astonishing even in this golden age of cultivation.
"His Imperial Grandson truly lives up to his reputation as the son of the Eldest Princess. In terms of talent, he surpasses even the Eldest Princess at that age. To have such cultivation at such a young age is truly a blessing for our Great Qian Dynasty."
"I heard he has been cultivating under the tutelage of Immortal Gu of North Spring Mountain since childhood; what a Creation of good fortune."
"By the way, do you know where the Eldest Princess has gone? Why haven't you seen her even for such an important matter?"
"You don't even know this? It's said that the eldest Imperial Grandson went to the Lingxu Sect the year after giving birth to the crown Eldest Princess in pursuit of the Dao Path, and eventually obtained Immortal Destiny to World-Breaking and leave."
"The prince consort? I heard that after the Eldest Princess left, he fell ill from longing and died less than a year later."
"Ah? Such a thing exists. I never imagined His Imperial Grandson was so unfortunate, suffering since childhood... Alas!"
The Dynasty was abuzz with discussion.
That night, Li Haotian and Li Chengyi, who had already established their own residences outside the capital, were in the Imperial Study. They dismissed everyone except for Xu Lianying, who had reached the Peak the Dao Embryo, who stood guard outside the door.
After hesitating for a long time, Li Chengyi finally asked, "Imperial Grandpa, I have something to ask you."
Li Haotian laughed heartily, "Just say what you want to say. It's just the two of us, grandfather and grandson, no need for beating around the bush."
Li Chengyi said, "Grandson would like to ask about my parents. I have checked the Imperial Chronicles. In the 584th year of the Great Qian Dynasty, the eldest princess of the Great Qian Princess's Wedding. I was born in the 585th year of the Great Qian. But I know that my father is in North Spring Mountain, not Li Kangwen as recorded in the Chronicles. What about my mother? What exactly happened back then?"
Li Haotian's expression paused slightly, then he sighed deeply, "I originally intended to tell you this after you came of age, but since you've asked, I won't hide it from you now. Back then, your father and mother met by chance and had you. Your mother, Miaoxuan, had to leave this world a few months after your birth. Because of the Imperial Family, she had to have someone impersonate her and get married. Looking back now, it seems absurd, but since things have come to this, we can only continue to keep it a secret."
Li Haotian suddenly reached out and wiped his hand, his True Essence condensing in the air and transforming into the appearance of a woman.
Is she the grandson's real mother?
Li Haotian stared blankly at the scene, raised his hand, and then lowered it again.
"It's her. She looks exactly like your mother back then. Before she left this world, she came back to see you. The rare treasure in your Divine Court should be the one she left behind."
Li Haotian stared blankly at the woman in front of him.
"So she really is my mother."
"No, where have you seen her before?" Li Haotian stood up.
Li Chengyi pointed to his brow. "This bead appeared when I broke through to the Dao Fire Realm."
Another half month has passed.
Hao Deyang entered Fengtian City. He was Traveling Merchant from the Western Regions' Shuiyue Kingdom, who came to Great Qian to trade and also to meet the masters of the world.
"Brother He, look at this is my Fengtian City. How does it compare to your Shuiyue Kingdom Kingdom?" said a man dressed in a dark blue robe.
"Naturally, there's no comparison. My Shuiyue Kingdom's city walls are barely over ten feet high, yet my cultivation level is already considered high. Only after coming to Great Qian did I realize what a great nation it is, rich in resources and blessed with outstanding people."
"Haha, Brother He, you're too modest. Even in our Great Qian, Dao Embryo Cultivator is a rare expert. If it were a decade or two ago, they would have Grandmaster in their own right."
The two talked as they toured Fengtian City.
At lunchtime, Hao Deyang casually remarked, "I've heard that the Immortal Gu of North Spring Mountain was originally from Fengtian City?"
"You've come to the right person. Young Master Gu is indeed from Fengtian City. Back then, Xia Yanjie also met him, but he was too blind to recognize him as Immortal. Otherwise, I might have ascended to North Spring Immortal Mountain as well."
"Oh? Tell me about it. I have long admired Immortal Gu, and I came to the Great Qian to witness his demeanor!"
The man immediately began to talk at length, saying that such things were not uncommon, and that people from other places would almost always ask about Gu Yuanqing.
The two clinked glasses, exchanging toasts and compliments, enjoying each other's company.
Hao Deyang deliberately flattered him.
Xia Yanjie felt as if he were flying. No matter what, Hao Deyang was Dao Embryo Cultivator, while he was only at the True Martial Seventh Layer. He had never been flattered by Dao Embryo Cultivator like this before.
At the end, Hao Deyang smiled and said, "It's a pity that my fortune is too shallow, unlike Brother Yanjie, and I didn't have the chance to see the Immortal's true face. In my Shuiyue Kingdom, there are many people who believe in Immortal Gu and have even erected Longevity Memorial Tablet for him. I have a favor to ask, and I need Brother Xia's help with something."
"What is it? Just tell me. We hit it off immediately, we're brothers and friends. At home you rely on your brothers, and when you're out in the world you rely on your friends," Xia Yanjie said, patting his chest.
"It's nothing really, just that since I'm in Fengtian City, I wanted to learn more about Immortal Gu. If I could get one or two of his items..." Hao Deyang lowered his voice and continued, "To be honest, before coming to Great Qian, the King personally sought me out. This was a task he assigned me. Seven years ago, the King's most beloved concubine fell seriously ill and was on the verge of death. It was only after she prayed to Immortal Gu that she was saved. Hearing that I was coming, she specifically asked the King to find me and request an item from Immortal Gu to take back and worship. Brother Yanjie, if you can accomplish this, I guarantee you'll be satisfied. This is just a small token of my appreciation."
As he spoke, Hao Deyang pushed a box over.
Xia Yanjie, slightly tipsy, boasted, "Don't worry, leave it to me. This thing... um? Qi-Increasing Yuan-Returning Pill?"
Hao Deyang laughed and said, "That's right. My Shuiyue Kingdom may not be as good as the Great Qian Kingdom in other aspects, but we happen to have someone who obtained a technique for alchemy from the Heavenly Ladder, so we don't lack Restoration Pill for cultivation. I think Brother Yanjie should find these useful."
"It will be useful, it will be useful. Thank you, Brother Hao. Don't worry, I'll find a way to help you with what you asked for. It just so happens that the servant in the courtyard where Immortal Gu once lived is from my hometown. It's just a few items, I'll take care of it." Xia Yanjie's eyes lit up. This Restoration Pill was one of the best Restoration Pill for cultivating the True Martial Realm, each one was very valuable, and there were six in the box.
Hao Deyang smiled immediately. There must have been a reason why he had created this opportunity to meet this person. He still had some things to inquire about, but there was no rush. He had to take it slowly, otherwise it would arouse suspicion.