"What, why?"
Upon hearing Fang Zelin's words, the princes standing nearby were all stunned for a moment, and even the princesses who hadn't spoken much caught their breath.
Originally, they heard the other party say that he was a good friend of the ancestor, and now that the Great Qian was about to be destroyed, he personally came here.
If that's the case, then the other party should at least offer assistance.
Why is it that at this moment, he says he won't intervene?
They even said things like, "If the descendants are vicious and wicked, I won't save them either."
Saying things like that, how can you not feel at all how deep the feelings are between the two of you?
Thinking of this, Princess Pingyang couldn't help but step forward and bow gracefully before asking, somewhat puzzled.
"I've seen some secret texts in the palace that say that Emperor Taizu also received help from immortals, which enabled him to quell the chaos and subsequently establish the Great Qian Dynasty."
"If I'm not mistaken, that immortal must be you. Since you helped the founding emperor seize the throne back then, you now have a part in this world as well."
"Now that there are treacherous officials plotting to seize the throne, how can you sit idly by? Besides, you are a close friend of the founding emperor."
The princess did not refer to herself as "this palace" or similar terms in front of Fang Zelin.
She knew that her own status was insignificant in front of the other person, especially since the other person had lived for so long.
He was already alive before the establishment of the Great Qian dynasty.
Now, the thousand-year-old dynasty is about to collapse, and the other party remains unchanged.
She would naturally not dare to offend such immortals.
Even so, she was still puzzled, not understanding why the other party was unwilling to help save the current Great Qian Dynasty.
Logically speaking, the establishment of the Great Qian Dynasty did indeed have a part in it.
Given their close friendship, they should at least have looked after each other and not let the Great Qian Dynasty fall so easily.
The others nearby nodded in agreement after hearing this.
Yes, things are indeed as my younger sister described.
My younger sister really knows how to talk; after hearing her words, surely the immortal in front of me will make a move?
Thinking of this, they immediately looked at Fang Zelin one by one, wanting to see how he would respond.
Looking at the princess in front of him, Fang Zelin couldn't help but shake his head inwardly. She truly lived up to her royal status.
She's quite eloquent.
Unfortunately, no matter how eloquent he was, it was of no use to him.
"The establishment of your Great Qian Dynasty was indeed partly due to my influence, because the frequent changes in dynasties led to the emergence of numerous monsters."
"Then they prayed for peace and stability throughout the land, and thus the Great Qian Dynasty was established, its reign lasting for a thousand years."
"But now, the Great Qian Dynasty's fate is sealed. Even if I could intervene, I wouldn't, because the Great Qian's demise is the will of the people. Seeking immortality or others is not as good as relying on oneself."
"If you had noticed this during your reign, perhaps the Great Qian Dynasty could still have been saved, and it might have been able to continue for another hundred or twenty years."
"Now, there's no point in harboring any illusions."
"As for your past relationship with your ancestors, even your ancestors knew back then that the Great Qian Dynasty would not last forever. Your ancestors were able to let go of it gracefully, so why can't you?"
In other words, these people are, after all, the descendants of his old friend.
So Fang Zelin said a few more words at this moment.
Another reason is that these guys seem like decent men.
Otherwise, Fang Zelin wouldn't be so easy to talk to.
They've probably already turned and left.
The group initially had some confidence, thinking that Fang Zelin would be willing to lend a hand.
However, the other party's next few words also made them pause in surprise.
From these words, they could clearly tell that the other party truly had no intention of making a move.
So, are they really left with no choice but to accept the demise of the Great Qian Dynasty?
Upon realizing this, everyone's expressions tightened.
Fang Zelin observed the expressions on these people's faces but said nothing.
The fate of the Great Qian Dynasty seems to be set for a thousand years, but if the other side can really change it, it may be able to buy themselves a few decades, or even more.
Heavenly Dao, after all, left a glimmer of hope.
However, by this point, it was too late to say anything.
"Alas, in that case, it's troubled for you to make this trip, Immortal Master."
After a moment of silence, Mu Huan was the first to compose himself and bowed to Fang Zelin.
The other party was a close friend of his ancestor. Putting aside the fact that the other party was an immortal, just the fact that he was a close friend of his ancestor alone meant that he had to act like a junior.
"Since I was instructed by Jiuchuan, there's no need to say 'trouble'."
Upon hearing this, Fang Zelin waved his hand, about to say something more, when he suddenly paused, realizing the underlying meaning of the other person's words.
What are you planning to do?
Fang Zelin looked at the other person, his expression slightly hesitant.
Seeing that Fang Zelin had already seen through his thoughts, Mu Huan smiled slightly, but didn't find it strange at all.
He then declared nonchalantly, "The nation is already in such a state; it cannot be humiliated any further. I am the last emperor of the Great Qian; I should have some backbone. I will die for my country."
Mu Huan spoke casually, without a trace of fear or panic on his face.
He had originally intended to summon his children and concubines to this place.
If Fang Zelin's arrival can save the Great Qian from collapse, that would be a good thing.
If that's not the case, his decision won't change because of it.
Indeed, there are immortals here. If he wanted to live, it would be extremely simple; it would only take a single word.
But he didn't want to, and he wasn't willing to.
It would be better to just go with the flow of this land.
As soon as he finished speaking, the princes and princesses standing to the side were stunned, staring blankly at their father.
They hadn't expected the Emperor to make such a decision.
With just a word, the immortal would have led them away from this place!
When they fled, they could easily take some things with them from the palace and find a place to live a wealthy life.
If that's the case, why die?
Seeing his children looking at him with a hint of surprise in their eyes, Mu Huan knew exactly what they were thinking.
He immediately spoke up, "You have been princes and princesses of the Great Qian Dynasty for so long. Since you have enjoyed these royal treatments, you must also shoulder the responsibilities that come with royalty."
"As the Great Qian Imperial Family, we must live and die with the Great Qian. If the Great Qian is gone, what face will you have left to live?"
"You'll just live on until you're old, let's see how you face your ancestors in the underworld then!"
The words startled the princes and princesses.
In the past, they would have thought, "How am I supposed to face our ancestors?"
When a person dies, they have nothing left.
If that's the case, what's there to worry about!
But now that he's seen Fang Zelin, such a celestial being in front of him, those thoughts have completely vanished.
If there are immortals, then there should be an underworld as well.
If that's the case, they might indeed see their ancestors when they turn around.
"Father, we are willing to die for our country."
After a brief silence, everyone quickly responded in unison.
Their expressions became much more serious at this moment.
Perhaps influenced by Mu Huan's words at that moment.
After thinking about it, I realized that was indeed the right thing to do.
Since the nation is already in such a state, and I am unwilling to live a life of humiliation, I will go with it!
"Yes, very good."
Seeing that his children made a decision quickly, Mu Huan was extremely satisfied.
He knew that if his children were afraid of death, they wouldn't be willing to die just because of a few words.
While it's understandable to be afraid of death, the people in front of him are his own children and members of the royal family, which makes things different.
Fang Zelin watched this scene quietly, unsure of what to say.
After a long pause, he finally sighed inwardly, "Old friend, your children certainly have backbone."
"If these people had lived a few generations earlier, perhaps the Great Qian would have been quite different."
Fang Zelin murmured to himself, and then he saw Mu Huan looking over.
"Elder, if possible, please protect our corpses and prevent them from being desecrated."
Mu Huan was somewhat worried that the enemy might do something after he died.
He wasn't afraid of dismemberment or anything like that, but he was worried that the other party might do something else.
Upon hearing this, Fang Zelin immediately nodded and replied, "I will take care of this matter."
Upon seeing this, Mu Huan immediately smiled, then took out the poison he had prepared beforehand and distributed it.
"Don't worry, this poison works quickly and isn't painful."
As Mu Huan spoke, he distributed the medicine to everyone.
Fang Zelin's expression shifted slightly at that moment, and he looked towards the door.
A group of underworld officials had already arrived at the entrance of the Heavenly Emolument Pavilion.
A whole host of underworld officials, including those holding umbrellas, supporting sedan chairs, and carrying placards, arrived before him.
Judging from their appearance, they knew that the Great Qian Imperial Family was about to pass away and had come specifically to welcome them.
It's clear that the City God still hold the last emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty in high esteem, sending so many underworld officials in a display that doesn't diminish the dignity of the imperial family at all.
We have come to pay our respects to the Immortal Master!
The underworld officials had just arrived and were waiting to receive the person.
Suddenly noticing Fang Zelin beside them, they were stunned for a moment, and then quickly spoke in unison.
Although the group of Fang Zelin officials did not recognize Fang Zelin's identity, they still showed him great respect.
As long as you know the other party is an immortal, you should simply show them respect.
Upon hearing this, Fang Zelin slowly nodded to the underworld officials, his expression amiable.
"Immortal Master, what's wrong with you...?"
After distributing the poison, Mu Huan turned around and saw the other person nodding towards an empty corner. He couldn't help but wonder.
"It's alright, you can continue."
When Fang Zelin saw the other person looking at him, he didn't want to tell them that the person who came to pick him up had arrived, so he changed the subject.
Hearing Fang Zelin say this, Mu Huan didn't say anything more.
He picked up the poison in his hand and swallowed it in one gulp.
Seeing Mu Huan do this, the others followed suit.
Seeing this, Mu Huan relaxed and summoned several guards, saying, "Go and tell the rest of the palace staff to disperse."
"As for the soldiers who are still resisting, tell them to lay down their weapons and that there is no need for further resistance."
He had already decided to die, so there was no need to urge the soldiers to put up a futile resistance.
The guards, all trusted confidants, trembled upon hearing this. Just as they were about to say something more, they saw Mu Huan wave his hand.
The guards remained silent upon seeing this, then rose, responded, and turned to leave.
After a short while, the shouts of battle outside ceased.
Mu Huan was talking to his wife and daughters about everyday matters.
After the shouts of battle outside stopped, his voice gradually faded and then disappeared.
When they looked again, everyone present was already lifeless.
The leading underworld official stepped forward, shook the soul-locking chains, then, feeling it was somewhat inappropriate, put them away.
"We are underworld officials from the Jian'an City, here to escort you to the City God. Please follow us."
The underworld official was quite polite, and upon seeing the people who had already left their bodies, he said softly.
It was the first time anyone had become a ghost, and they were still somewhat curious.
When they saw the group of underworld officials who suddenly appeared in front of them, they were stunned for a moment, and then they understood.
It turns out that the immortal was looking at these underworld officials.
Thinking of this, they couldn't help but glance at Fang Zelin again, only to find that Fang Zelin was also looking at them.
But there's nothing strange about it.
The other party was, after all, an immortal; it was perfectly normal for them to be able to see them.
Let's go!
Mu Huan quickly recovered, nodded slightly, and strode outside.
Although the underworld official lowered the sedan chair, Mu Huan did not get in. Instead, he said, "This should be the last time I see Jian'an City and the Great Qian Dynasty."
"Let me walk there."
This journey will naturally take a considerable amount of time.
However, the underworld official did not refuse such a request. Instead, he nodded and said "okay," then cupped his hands in farewell to Fang Zelin before taking his leave and escorting the members of the Great Qian Imperial Family away.
Fang Zelin watched the other person leave, feeling a little emotional.
At this moment, Yunzi finally spoke up, saying, "This generation of the royal family certainly has backbone and spirit; it's a pity."
If these people had been born during the prosperous era of the Great Qian Dynasty, they would probably have thrived.
Unfortunately, these generations of royalty all met their end at the very last moment, and the dynasty could not be held onto.
Fang Zelin nodded with a touch of emotion upon hearing this, and then stood aside without leaving.
He would stay here for a while to make sure no one desecrated the corpses.
As for simply taking these bodies away, that won't work.
Since the other party has chosen to end their life here, they should let the world know how the last emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty acted.
If Fang Zelin takes the body away, people will say that Mu Huan is just trying to survive and has fled.
That would be somewhat insulting to the other party.
So the body should remain here, just to make sure no one disturbs it.