Ninth Prince

Jade Capital, Evergreen Temple.

Heavy snow fell, blanketing everything in silver.

The sky was dim, the clouds pale, and the light cold.

Inside the temple's wing room, an ancient fragrance wafted from the incense burner.

A youth of sixteen or seventeen sat on a yellow meditation cushion.

His bare upper body was covered in fine silver needles.

The silver needles trembled slightly, pulsating with a profound frequency, like the sound of the Great Dao itself.

Seven dragon-patterned glazed lamps were arranged around the cushion, forming the shape of the Big Dipper, resonating with the qi of heaven and earth.

Outside the array, a middle-aged Daoist priest, clad in a black and white robe, held a silver needle in his right hand, his brow slightly furrowed, his expression grave.

A moment later.

The youth within the array slowly opened his eyes.

After putting on his top, Fang Heng felt his body lighten considerably.

"Thank you, Master, for healing me."

"Alas—the Seven Stars Life Extension Array only treats the symptoms, not the root cause."

"It cannot remove the Ten Absolute Poisons from your body, my disciple."

Daoist Xuanqing sighed, shaking his head slightly.

"Master, you needn't blame yourself. Your disciple has long grown accustomed to it over these past dozen years."

Fang Heng chuckled self-deprecatingly. Far from being disappointed, he even comforted Daoist Xuanqing.

The Ten Absolute Poisons in his body had been with him since birth.

If they could truly be cured, why would he, as the Ninth Prince, be in such a state?

He had transmigrated sixteen years ago.

Just as his birth mother was in labor, the Emperor was assassinated. His mother had stepped forward, taking a blow for the Emperor.

Though the Yinglong Guard arrived in time and slew the assassins.

The Ten Absolute Poisons had still entered his body through the mother-child bloodline, like a persistent, bone-deep affliction.

Removing the Ten Absolute Poisons was both difficult and not difficult.

If he could cultivate to the Ninth Realm, the Ten Absolute Poisons would heal themselves.

In the current era, the mainstream cultivation methods were Martial, Daoist, and Buddhist.

Because of the assassination during his birth.

Fang Heng's martial bones were shattered, meaning he was destined to be unable to practice martial arts.

Nor did he possess an immortal root, making Daoist cultivation impossible.

As for dedicating his life to the ancient Buddha?

The Ten Great Dao Courts were deeply rooted within the Great Qian Dynasty.

How could they allow those bald monks from the West to meddle in the imperial family?

All three paths of cultivation were blocked.

His birth mother, unwilling for Fang Heng to die young, made inquiries and found a glimmer of hope.

Evergreen Master, the founding patriarch of Evergreen Temple, was originally a woodcutter in the mountains.

By chance, he acquired a Life-Nourishing Art.

After ten years of arduous cultivation, when the Life-Nourishing Art reached perfection, he actually managed to condense an immortal root post-birth.

Later disciples of Evergreen Temple tried to emulate their patriarch, but none succeeded.

Yet, this legend still circulated.

With a hopeful attitude of "just trying their luck," his birth mother brought the infant Fang Heng to Evergreen Temple and apprenticed him to Daoist Xuanqing.

For the past sixteen years, Fang Heng had visited Evergreen Temple every month.

He used the Seven Stars Life Extension Array to draw life force into his body, suppressing the Ten Absolute Poisons.

As for the Life-Nourishing Art reaching perfection and condensing an immortal root post-birth?

He hadn't seen even a shadow of it.

Fang Heng had more than once suspected that Evergreen Temple was simply trying to embellish their founding patriarch's reputation.

He left the meditation chamber and entered the outer room, taking a sip of spiritual tea to moisten his throat.

Daoist Xuanqing stroked his beard, then abruptly changed the subject to the war in the Northern Border.

"Disciple, have you heard the news about the Northern Border war?"

"Master, are you referring to Shang Hongye's decisive victory at Wind and Snow Pass, reclaiming three thousand li of lost territory?"

Fang Heng set down his teacup and said calmly, the Northern Border's war coming to mind.

"Precisely!"

"Like father, like daughter!"

"Shang Hongye truly is Prince Zhenbei's daughter. In terms of military strategy, she's probably no less skilled than Prince Zhenbei himself."

Daoist Xuanqing's eyebrows danced as he spoke, filled with emotion and showering her with praise.

Prince Zhenbei was the head of the Great Qian Dynasty's four non-imperial kings.

He had guarded the Northern Border for sixty years, commanded a million soldiers, and wielded immense power, earning him the title of Military Sage among the populace.

Every few years, the Northern Barbarians, the Great Qian's mortal enemy, would invade the Northern Border, causing widespread devastation.

This year, Shang Hongye led a northern expedition, decisively defeating them at Wind and Snow Pass and reclaiming lost territory.

It was a cause for national celebration and immense satisfaction.

She was subtly building momentum to become the next "Military Sage."

"News from the palace says Shang Hongye is to enter the capital for a marriage selection."

"It's a pity. Such a formidable general, confined within the Jade Capital."

Daoist Xuanqing frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure in his tone.

Fang Heng had already heard about Shang Hongye entering the capital for a marriage selection.

It was his imperial father's decree.

A blatant open conspiracy.

Named a marriage selection, but in reality, a hostage situation!

If he were in his imperial father's shoes, he would do the same.

Shang Hongye was young, yet brilliant in military strategy. Now, she had achieved great merit and was highly esteemed.

Two Military Sages from one family.

No emperor would tolerate that.

Summoning Shang Hongye to the capital for a marriage selection was a brilliant move by Emperor Yuanchu.

To confine her in the Jade Capital, blunt her edge, and temper her ambition.

Once she bore imperial offspring and had ties, she would be considered half a member of the imperial family.

Only then could she be safely allowed to lead troops outside.

This scheme was an open secret among the court officials.

Therefore, the scope of Shang Hongye's marriage selection was actually very narrow.

She could only choose from Emperor Yuanchu's sons.

"Master, do you intend to stand up for Shang Hongye?"

"Hahaha—quite the opposite!"

"Shang Hongye's arrival in the capital is a heaven-sent opportunity for you, my disciple!"

At his words, Fang Heng was momentarily stunned before immediately understanding.

He realized what Daoist Xuanqing meant by a heaven-sent opportunity.

Fang Heng's expression shifted twice, looking a bit strange.

"Master, please don't try to play matchmaker."

"While Shang Hongye is excellent, she's a hot potato right now."

"Just a few days ago, the Eastern Palace even spread news that the Crown Prince thinks of her day and night."

"He dreamt of Shang Hongye, fell in love at first sight, and wishes to make her a concubine."

"If not for the Crown Princess's background from one of the Ten Great Dao Courts, with such strong backing, my elder brother might have even been willing to offer her the position of Crown Princess for Shang Hongye."

Fang Heng quickly took a sip of fragrant tea to calm his nerves and compose himself.

That woman, Shang Hongye, was involved in too much; he couldn't afford to get entangled with her.

"The Crown Prince?" Daoist Xuanqing shook his head, a playful smile on his face. "Absolutely impossible!"

"If the Eastern Palace and Prince Zhenbei were to join forces, hehe… your imperial father might not even be able to eat."

Fang Heng nodded slightly, agreeing with Daoist Xuanqing.

Prince Zhenbei, who commanded a large army, joining forces with the Crown Prince…

That image was too beautiful!

"However…"

"Even if my elder brother has no chance, there are still my other imperial brothers."

"My second imperial brother has an innate sword-bone, possessing the bearing of a Sword Immortal."

"My third imperial brother has bones like a dragon, capable of pulling mountains and exuding an aura that dominates the world."

"My fourth imperial brother possesses the Divine Firmament Lightning Body, capable of wielding all lightning arts of heaven and earth."

"My fifth imperial brother has seven exquisite apertures, giving him photographic memory and the ability to infer from one example."

"These imperial brothers are truly exceptional individuals, all excellent prospects."

Fang Heng continued his analysis.

These imperial brothers, whether in terms of talent or maternal family background, far surpassed his own insignificant standing.

Daoist Xuanqing smiled mysteriously and said with certainty, "The mothers of these princes all hail from the Ten Great Dao Courts."

"If it were any of these princes, the Crown Prince would never agree."

"He would undoubtedly try everything to sabotage their marriage alliance."

"The current situation at court is quite unstable!"

Fang Heng remained silent.

Just thinking about the volatile and unpredictable situation at court gave him a massive headache.

The Great Qian Dynasty's founding ancestor, at the beginning of the empire, left behind eight true words:

The emperor and the sects share the world!

The number of sects across the land was countless, like carp crossing a river.

Only the Ten Great Dao Courts had continuous legacies and deep-rooted foundations.

Without exception, the imperial consorts of Great Qian's emperors throughout history all originated from the Ten Great Dao Courts.

Therefore, the succession to the throne of the Great Qian Dynasty did not follow the system of primogeniture, as in ancient China.

Instead, it adhered to the principle of 'the strong reign supreme,' where the capable ascend and the incapable fall.

Consequently, every succession struggle was accompanied by a bloodbath.

The Ten Great Dao Courts all entered the fray, supporting their respective princes.

In a sense, From the moment he was born, Fang Heng was destined to be an idle prince.

Because his mother was from a military background and had no connection whatsoever with the Ten Great Dao Courts.

Fang Heng still remembered a small rumor that circulated in the palace a few years ago.

Emperor Yuanchu was displeased with the Crown Prince, publicly accusing him of being harsh, ungenerous, and lacking the qualities of a ruler.

Since then, many princes had been eager to try and replace him.

This also intensified the factional struggles within the court.

Daoist Xuanqing took a sip of spiritual tea and spoke slowly.

"Disciple, after excluding the Crown Prince and all the princes from the Ten Great Dao Courts,"

"Won't your chances greatly increase?"

"This matter holds great promise!"

"Master, my life is short; I don't even know how many years I have left. Why burden someone else?"

Fang Heng shook his head, sighed, and showed no interest in the matter.

"Heh heh!"

"For Shang Hongye, a short life might actually be better."

Fang Heng was speechless for a moment but also felt that Daoist Xuanqing was right.

Shang Hongye might actually take a liking to him, this sickly prince.

After all, he conspicuously posed no threat.

But…

Fang Heng was unwilling!

Shang Hongye was clearly at the center of a whirlpool.

Once entangled, he would lose all control.

Fang Heng just wanted to be an idle prince and enjoy a few more years of peace.

"Master, please, don't try to help and make things worse."

"I, your disciple, cannot handle a woman like Shang Hongye."

Fang Heng waved his hand, speaking quickly, wanting to dispel Daoist Xuanqing's idea of interfering.

Daoist Xuanqing sat next to Fang Heng, patted his shoulder, and spoke earnestly.

"Disciple, young people should act like young people."

"You're so gloomy all the time; you don't act like a young man at all," Daoist Xuanqing said, shaking his head.

"Young men should be full of vigor and spirit."

"Drink the strongest wine, ride the finest horses, and sleep with the most beautiful women."

"Only then will you not waste your youth."

"Shang Hongye is hailed as the Northern Border's most beautiful woman and a prodigious talent of her generation. Don't you truly desire a woman like that?"

Seeing Daoist Xuanqing's mischievous grin, Fang Heng suddenly asked, "Master, who's prettier—Mistress or the courtesan Miss Guanguan?"

"Shh—shh—"

"Lower your voice, don't let your Mistress hear you."

Daoist Xuanqing's face instantly changed, filled with anxiety and worry.

The next moment, a cold female snort came from outside.

"Who is Guanguan?"

"Come out and explain yourself."

Daoist Xuanqing immediately looked as if he'd lost his parents.

He glared at Fang Heng, as if to say, My disciple, you've killed your master!

Fang Heng spread his hands, giving his master a look that said he couldn't help.

Leaning back, hands clasped behind his head, his face turned upwards, revealing a hint of melancholy.

"It's been sixteen years!"

"Sixteen years since I transmigrated!"

"I wonder how my parents are doing?"

"I hope the 'study materials' on my hard drive weren't discovered."

"Dying is a small matter; losing one's integrity is a big one!"

For the past sixteen years, Fang Heng had been afflicted with a potent poison.

At first, he held onto hope for a golden finger.

But now, he no longer harbored any expectations.

Just then, Suddenly!

A loud sound abruptly echoed in his mind.

It came swiftly and suddenly.

Extremely abrupt.

Like a great bell, shaking his very soul.

Within his sea of consciousness, everything was turned upside down, winds and clouds surged.

Within the endless darkness, A brilliant, dazzling, mysterious golden light pierced through the void.

Like the glorious sun in the sky, It illuminated his entire sea of consciousness, turning night into day.

Following closely, under Fang Heng's shocked gaze, An ancient scroll slowly unfurled.

Vast and boundless, It seemed to cover the sky and obscure the sun, intending to encompass his entire sea of consciousness.

A profound, ancient, timeless, and eternal essence emanated from the scroll.

A torrent of information, like ten thousand horses galloping, surged into his mind.

"A Fate Map?!"