Chapter 99: Don't Disgust Me Here

Zhang Shunlong’s figure vanished from the capital.

The next instant, he appeared beside the peach blossom tree.

The aura around him began to wane, and simultaneously, the golden radiance that had enveloped him gradually dissipated.

Zhang Shunlong stood blankly beneath the peach blossom tree, gazing up at the blossoms at the very peak.

He felt a sense of loss and murmured to himself, “Compared to the nobility, ordinary people like us—even if we die, not a single ripple is stirred.”

“Yet the powerful, even if only their pride is wounded, find it unacceptable.”

“If there were no more nobility in this world…”

“There would be far fewer people like you and me.”

With this thought, Zhang Shunlong’s fingers clenched tightly.

He cast his gaze toward the capital and took a deep breath.

Seeming to recall something, he lowered his eyes in contemplation, then began to walk slowly toward the city.

“I should go see the Heir. This Heir has shown me kindness, and this kindness must be repaid.”

Zhang Shunlong walked slowly toward the capital. With every step, his aura weakened. By the time he re-entered the city, his aura was no different from that of an ordinary, weak scholar.

Even if Zhang Shunlong were to appear before the Emperor of Great Zhou now, unless the Emperor looked closely at his face, he would never believe that this frail, weak-aured scholar was the peerless powerhouse who, like a god, had stormed the capital alone and suppressed the Prime Minister with a single hand.

Zhang Shunlong raised his hand to examine it, feeling his body strangely heavy, as if shackled. He shook his head with a bitter smile.

“If not for such haste, relying on the memories and merits of my past life, I could have reached the Celestial Realm in a few years. But now that my merit is exhausted, returning to that realm will not be easy.”

Zhang Shunlong muttered, looking up at the heavens once more.

“The world turns, another cycle begins. The gods are all dead, yet I, a mere local deity, have survived…”

He spoke to himself, his expression tinged with loneliness. He walked slowly toward the Duke’s Mansion. Standing before the gates, looking at the entrance which was far more imposing than the Prime Minister’s residence, he felt a complex mix of emotions.

The Heir to the Duke, despite standing at the pinnacle of Great Zhou’s power, was truly a man of genuine character and integrity, unlike Lin Yunzhen, whose status and power were inferior yet who was arrogant and tyrannical.

The guards at the Duke’s Mansion saw Zhang Shunlong in his plain cloth robes and were about to drive him away, but they felt a strange hesitation. His eyes did not look like those of a commoner; they were exceptionally calm.

A single glance from him made the guards’ breathing falter, as they felt an inexplicable pressure.

Zhang Shunlong looked at the guards and said, “I am here to see the Heir.”

The guards looked at one another. After a brief inquiry, they realized this man seemed to know the Heir, so they led him toward the Wanxiang Garden.

Inside the Wanxiang Garden, Cheng Guang was in his bedroom, checking the rewards he had just received for completing his mission.

The reward for becoming acquainted with Zhang Shunlong seemed ordinary, but its effect should be quite good.

*Prosperous Martial Arts*: The effect of enlightenment lasts for three hours.

It seemed to be a buff.

Cheng Guang rubbed his chin, pondering, then triggered his intent, speaking to the system in his mind:

“System, claim the reward.”

The moment the words were spoken, Cheng Guang felt mysterious forces emerging within his body. Simultaneously, he noticed his thoughts becoming much sharper; many principles he had failed to grasp before now became clear.

With just a moment of reflection, he realized that his progress on the *Tiangang Star Battle* technique, which had been slow, seemed to surge forward instantly.

A torrent of information flooded Cheng Guang’s mind.

In no time, he felt that his *Tiangang Star Battle* had transcended the initial stage of comprehension, reaching the stage of practical application, and was not far from mastery.

This *Prosperous Martial Arts* buff was no simple thing.

If he could use these three hours to push his *Tiangang Star Battle* to mastery or even perfection, he could step into the Divine Ability Realm, and the Opening Divine Realm would not be far behind.

Cheng Guang felt a surge of joy. He pushed open the bedroom door and stepped into the courtyard to practice.

His body moved, and with every action, there was a subtle sense of enlightenment. His comprehension of the *Tiangang Star Battle* was improving rapidly.

His aura surged, and starlight floated around Cheng Guang, forming a brilliant galaxy. As his movements opened and closed, his blood and energy grew steadily, and the essence within him became incredibly concentrated.

Suddenly, Cheng Guang felt a sensation.

His body paused.

The *Tiangang Star Battle* technique seemed to transform into streams of light flowing through his heart, gathering and condensing within his Purple Mansion.

It formed a complex, obscure mark of divine ability.

*Divine Ability Realm!*

Cheng Guang was delighted. The technique had just reached the stage of application, and it had pushed his cultivation all the way to the Divine Ability Realm. If he comprehended more, could he break through to the Opening Divine Realm?

Full of anticipation, he did not stop, continuing his practice.

At this moment, he also began practicing the *Divine Emperor Cultivation Method*, visualizing the statue of the Pure Origin Sage Monarch in his mind.

Although this system reward, *Prosperous Martial Arts*, was meant to improve his understanding of martial arts, it also acted upon his spiritual cultivation.

Under the buff, Cheng Guang found that visualizing the Pure Origin Sage Monarch was much easier.

As he practiced, he did not notice his primordial spirit glowing. The power of the spirit leaked out, faintly outlining the figure of a deity around him.

When this divine image took a vague shape, Cheng Guang felt his primordial spirit shudder, as if undergoing a transformation. The original fiery red color gradually turned into a platinum-gold.

*Out-of-Body Realm!*

Spiritual and martial cultivation had broken through simultaneously!

This was an unexpected surprise.

Cheng Guang felt more powerful than ever. If he were to participate in the tournament between Great Zhou and Great Wei now, he would not even need to hide his strength to take the top spot.

However, there were few opportunities for him to show his strength. His status was simply too high; he didn’t need to handle trivial matters himself.

Cheng Guang couldn't help but smile, not feeling that this was a bad thing. He could focus on his cultivation, complete system tasks, gain rewards, and slack off—a steady development was quite good.

While Cheng Guang was practicing, Qingluan and the Princess of Nanming were cooking. The two had been getting along well lately, and the Princess had learned many dishes from Qingluan. The taste wasn't bad; it just had a unique flavor.

Cheng Guang didn't want to waste a second of the three hours. When the food was served, he didn't stop until the last moment of the buff had expired.

Immediately after, he sensed something and cast his gaze outside the courtyard.

He saw a guard leading Zhang Shunlong along the shaded path. Seeing Cheng Guang already looking their way, and noting that he showed no displeasure, the guard realized Zhang Shunlong was indeed an acquaintance and left.

Zhang Shunlong entered the Wanxiang Garden alone.

“Heir.”

Zhang Shunlong bowed to Cheng Guang.

Cheng Guang looked at him with a flash of surprise; clearly, he had not expected Zhang Shunlong to come to the Duke’s Mansion at such a time.

What surprised him even more was that Zhang Shunlong, who had just caused such a stir at the Prime Minister’s residence with such formidable momentum, now appeared even weaker than a frail scholar. His aura was extremely hollow, as if a single breath could knock him over.

Cheng Guang looked him up and down and smiled warmly, “Why have you come here?”

Zhang Shunlong smiled, a bitter smile, but devoid of the deathly despair from before. He seemed to have found a new goal, a support for a man who had felt dead inside.

“Heir, I came today to thank you for your help during this time.”

“I, Zhang Shunlong, believe in karma. A kindness must be repaid, and a grudge must be avenged. You have shown me kindness, and it is my duty to repay it.”

Cheng Guang shook his head, “No need. I lack nothing.”

Seeing this, Zhang Shunlong knew this noble Heir likely didn’t think he had anything of value to offer, so he smiled without explaining further.

After a moment of silence, he reached to his brow, extracted a bit of golden radiance, held it in his palm, and offered it to Cheng Guang.

“Heir, I have nothing of value, only some merit from my past life. The power of merit is of great benefit to those in the Celestial Realm. With it, your cultivation speed will increase significantly.”

“Merit?” Cheng Guang was stunned, not quite understanding what Zhang Shunlong meant.

Zhang Shunlong didn’t explain much, pushing his hand forward, and the golden light seeped into Cheng Guang’s body.

Cheng Guang felt a sudden, inexplicable closeness to the world. The ancient Great Xia royal bloodline within him seemed to accelerate, cheering as it absorbed the light. The bloodline, already brilliant, grew even more radiant.

With every breath, Cheng Guang felt he could absorb the essence of heaven and earth. He was stunned. How could his ancient royal bloodline absorb merit? What was merit? Was it gained by doing good for the world and its people?

He looked at Zhang Shunlong, full of questions.

Zhang Shunlong seemed to see his confusion and said with a smile, “The world has changed. The gods are dead, demons are rampant, and the source of heavenly merit is long gone.”

“This bit of merit was accumulated from my past life. Although I spent much of it to settle my grievances, some remains.”

“The debt is repaid. I bid you farewell.”

After leaving him with these cryptic words, Zhang Shunlong bowed slightly and walked step by step toward the gate. He didn't care if Cheng Guang understood or not.

His figure was solitary. He came in a hurry and left in a hurry.

Only after Zhang Shunlong had left did Cheng Guang react. He looked at the golden bloodline within him, realizing that the origin of the imperial bloodline was not as simple as he thought. It seemed deeply connected to the merit that had vanished from the world.

What was merit? What was the change in the world? What were the dead gods?

Cheng Guang was full of bewilderment. He knew Zhang Shunlong might have had an epiphany, but he didn't know why. Listening to him, it sounded as if he were an ancient monster who had lived since before the world changed.

That was impossible.

***

Cheng Guang’s thoughts became inexplicably complex; it all felt absurd. After thinking for a while, he gave up.

Just then, Qingluan called out, “Heir, time to eat.”

Cheng Guang replied, putting Zhang Shunlong out of his mind and walking to the stone table to eat. Qingluan had cooked many dishes, and Cheng Guang enjoyed the meal thoroughly.

After the meal, Qingluan cleared the table. “Heir, why did that Zhang Shunlong come here?”

She was curious, having seen him arrive but not hearing their conversation. She didn’t know it was Zhang Shunlong who had flattened the Prime Minister’s residence, thinking instead that he had run into trouble.

Cheng Guang smiled, not explaining, “He just told me some things and repaid a favor.”

“Repaid a favor?” Qingluan’s beautiful face showed confusion, then she covered her mouth and chuckled. “That Zhang Shunlong is interesting. What kind of favor could he repay? You never ask for anything in return.”

Hearing this, Cheng Guang’s face flushed slightly. He wasn’t a saint who didn’t want rewards. Moreover, Zhang Shunlong’s identity didn’t seem simple, and what he could offer was likely invaluable.

With Zhang Shunlong leaving, there might not be chaos in the short term, but who knew what waves he would stir up in Great Zhou in the future?

He was building a country without nobility. While he wouldn't target the Duke’s Mansion, it was certain that Great Zhou would undergo a massive reshuffling. This was a good thing for the dynasty. Perhaps the Lamp-Lighting Division would be very busy in the future.

Cheng Guang mused, finding it interesting.

After eating, he rested briefly, then went to the Lamp-Lighting Division to chat with Cheng Zhihai. Cheng Guang had made great contributions recently, solving the big trouble of the Crown Prince, so Cheng Zhihai’s mood was much better.

Seeing Cheng Guang, he smiled and immediately promoted him. Cheng Guang, who had joined the division for barely a month, was already a Gold-Lamp Constable. His rise in rank was as fast as possible. If Cheng Zhihai weren't afraid of tiring Cheng Guang out, he would have handed the whole division to him.

Cheng Guang laughed and shook his head; he wasn't as desperate for rank as others.

He wandered the division, familiarized himself with the reporting process, and took a few Silver-Lamp Constable teams under his command. He planned to spend his spare time in the coming days completing tasks for the division. Raiding corrupt officials’ homes was quite fun.

He left the division before the hour of *You* (5-7 PM).

Walking down the street, he saw an old man lying on a recliner under a hillside, reading carefully. The man’s eyes were not cloudy but shining with light. His aura was strong.

Cheng Guang felt a surge of respect. “To be so old yet still hold a book and possess such deep cultivation—it seems the capital is full of hidden talents.”

He didn't disturb the man and walked on.

As he neared the Duke’s Mansion, he felt a gaze upon him. Cheng Guang stopped and turned to see a tall, young man in extravagant clothes standing with his hands behind his back, watching him.

The man was handsome and carried an air of nobility. He watched Cheng Guang quietly and said softly, “Greetings, Heir to the Duke.”

Cheng Guang looked at him with confusion; he didn't know this man.

“Heir, I am Qin Gaozhi, the foster son of Qin Beifeng. The woman you are to marry soon is my sister. Shall we have a talk?”

Qin Gaozhi looked at him calmly. Though his tone was respectful, his eyes lacked reverence.

Lin Cheng, Cheng Guang’s subordinate, had wanted to rebuke him, but upon hearing he was the foster son of General Qin and the brother of the famous Valkyrie Qin Yanqiu, he held his tongue.

The two stood at opposite ends of the street, looking at each other.

“Qin Gaozhi? You traveled thousands of miles to the capital—what do you want to talk about?”

Qin Gaozhi smiled. “Naturally, about my sister. Would you like to hear it?”

Cheng Guang frowned, not understanding what Qin Gaozhi was thinking. After a few moments, he nodded and stood his ground, waiting.

Seeing this, Qin Gaozhi chuckled and walked over. He had to admit that the Heir deserved his reputation; he lacked the arrogance of typical nobles and acted more like an easygoing young gentleman.

Qin Gaozhi stood before him. He was handsome, but compared to Cheng Guang, he was nothing. He felt a slight stagnation in his heart but didn’t show it.

“My father says you are to head north in two days to marry my sister. Your statuses are well-matched, so no one can complain. But I am worried, so I came to see you. My sister’s character is decisive and cold; she is not like typical noblewomen.”

Cheng Guang listened quietly.

Qin Gaozhi continued, “You may not be able to handle her personality. If you find out you don’t like her after the wedding, it will be too late. Why not call off the marriage now? It would be better for you. With your status, you can have any woman you want; why marry someone from the military like her?”

Cheng Guang looked curious. “You don’t want Qin Yanqiu to marry me? Is this concern for her, or because you like her yourself?”

Qin Gaozhi said honestly, “I am not worthy to like her.”

Cheng Guang looked at him, unable to fathom his thoughts. If anyone else asked this, Qin Gaozhi would be furious. But because it was Cheng Guang, he kept his composure.

“I am just an orphan my father picked up from the battlefield. Everything I have depends on him. Even if I had thoughts about my sister, I would kill them. I am not worthy.”

Cheng Guang laughed. “So, you feel unworthy, and you come to tell me to let go because you feel I am unworthy too?”

Qin Gaozhi’s face stiffened, but he quickly returned to normal. He wouldn’t admit that. If the Heir didn't let go, Qin Yanqiu would never call off the wedding herself.

Cheng Guang found it boring. He yawned and said, “It’s late. Go back and wash up for bed. My marriage is not something for a brat like you to worry about.”

He waved his hand and turned to leave.

Qin Gaozhi inhaled sharply, a surge of frustration rising in him. But he had snuck out of Zhenbei City alone to come here. If he angered the Heir and was killed, he would have no one to blame.

He suppressed his anger and lowered his head respectfully. “Heir.”

Cheng Guang paused and looked back.

“My sister, Qin Yanqiu, is the most talented person in the Northern Expedition Army. She will surely become a Celestial in the future.” Qin Gaozhi spoke with admiration, though not for Cheng Guang, but for her. “You may just want to marry someone powerful, but why delay her? If you care for the Northern Expedition Army and the bigger picture, I hope you consider choosing someone else.”

Cheng Guang looked at him, feeling even more puzzled. “Are you saying that if I marry her, I am disregarding the bigger picture?”

Qin Gaozhi lowered his head. “I dare not say that.”

Cheng Guang laughed again. “Why are you trying to persuade me? If you care about the bigger picture, go talk to the Duke, go talk to Qin Beifeng, go talk to Qin Yanqiu. I am a man who only cares about his own comfort; I am the least concerned with the bigger picture.”

Qin Gaozhi’s expression changed, and he looked at Cheng Guang in disbelief. He hadn't expected the Heir to be so carefree and detached.

Cheng Guang found it tedious. If not for the fact that he was Qin Beifeng’s foster son, he wouldn't have bothered to speak at all. He started walking toward the mansion again.

Qin Gaozhi gritted his teeth and chased after him. “Heir, my sister is a year older than me. Since she was young, she has practiced martial arts, hunted demons, and vanquished monsters. In less than twenty years, she has made great contributions. In less than a century, she will become a Celestial like the Duke. Beneath the Celestial Realm, all are mortal; even if they can extend their lives, they cannot compare to a Celestial. With your aptitude, you may achieve much, but you will never reach the Celestial Realm.”

“Besides, my sister is cold and rarely talks, but she is pure. If you only marry her, that’s fine, but if you take many concubines and cause infighting, she will never be able to handle it. She will only suffer grievances. Not to mention, if you make her stay home to raise children, you will be burying a future Celestial of our Northern Expedition Army.”

Qin Gaozhi spoke urgently, his tone almost pleading, as if he were about to kneel.

Cheng Guang turned his head. “You are the foster son of Qin Beifeng; you should know that my marriage is not up to me. Whether I like her or how I treat her—that has nothing to do with you. The future of the Northern Expedition Army has nothing to do with you. If you are bored, go hit a tree; don’t disgust me here.”

Qin Gaozhi was humiliated. As Cheng Guang stepped into the mansion, he couldn't help but shout, “Heir!”

Cheng Guang ignored him, feeling he had met a brain-dead fool.

Qin Gaozhi likely loved Qin Yanqiu, was obsessed with her, but never dared to express it, only daring to love her in secret. Perhaps he had waited for a chance to ask Qin Beifeng to let him marry her, but before that chance came, he heard she was to be married to the Heir. He couldn't accept it.

He couldn't persuade the Duke or Qin Yanqiu, so he came to pester him.

It was truly absurd.

Cheng Guang shook his head, left Qin Gaozhi behind, and entered the mansion.

Qin Gaozhi wanted to follow but was stopped by the guards. A heavy pressure fell upon him, making his breathing falter. He retreated, shocked that the guards at the Duke’s mansion were so strong.

He stood outside for a moment, sighed helplessly, and turned to leave. He had snuck out; he had to return as soon as possible. If his father found out, it would be difficult to explain.

Since he couldn't persuade the Heir, he decided he would have to work on his sister.

***

Inside the Wanxiang Garden, Cheng Guang went to the pavilion and poured himself a cup of tea.

Qingluan saw that his expression was gloomy after returning from the division and asked curiously, “Heir, what happened?”

“Nothing, just met a brain-dead fool,” Cheng Guang replied.

Qingluan didn't understand the term but could feel his annoyance. Just as she was about to comfort him, the voice of Steward Wang came from the garden path.

“Heir, the Madam wants to see you.”

Hearing this, Cheng Guang realized his marriage was likely being scheduled. He set down his cup, adjusted his clothes, and walked to the Southeast Courtyard.

Wu Yuemei was sitting in the parlor. Seeing Cheng Guang, she put down her teacup and gestured for him to come over.

“Guang’er, come.”

Wu Yuemei looked at him and petted his forehead. “Guang’er, news just came from your grandfather. He wants you to set off north in the coming days to marry Qin Yanqiu.”

“We will hold two weddings. One in Zhenbei City, and then another in the capital.”

Cheng Guang wasn't surprised. He just asked, “Mother, are you coming with me?”

Wu Yuemei shook her head. “I won’t go. The wedding in the capital will be the official one. The one in Zhenbei City is just so your grandfather can see it.”

Cheng Guang pressed his lips together, suppressing a laugh. *Good grief.* So the old Duke just wanted to see a wedding. Otherwise, the "ice block" Qin Yanqiu would have had to come to the capital herself.

He looked at his mother. “When do I leave?”

“Don’t rush. It’s already late; leave tomorrow morning. Your father will be back soon; he might have some advice. But whether he does or not, it’s just the usual warnings to stay safe. Be careful, don’t rely on your guards and lose your vigilance.”

Cheng Guang smiled. “I know, Mother. I’m not a child.”

“Not a child? Even after you’re married, you’re still my child,” she retorted. She then looked at him. “Have you eaten? I have some food here.”

“I’m full, Mother.”

After chatting for a while, Cheng Guang left.

Back in the Wanxiang Garden, he told Qingluan they were leaving for Zhenbei City tomorrow. She looked surprised. “So soon?”

Cheng Guang smiled. “It’s fine. It was already decided that after the imperial rituals, I would get married. Qingluan, come with me.”

“Okay,” she replied with a smile.

Cheng Guang then looked at the Princess of Nanming. It wasn't safe to leave her at the mansion. Should he take her too? He clicked his tongue—that didn't seem right. *Forget it, I’ll have Blackie watch over her. The servants will bring her food; she won’t starve.*

***

Night fell, and the Duke’s Mansion was quiet.

At midnight, Cheng Guang lay in his bedroom, and the emotionless voice of the system sounded as expected.

*【The 25th day of the eighth month, 34th year of the Sage, the 50th day since you became a Celestial. You have become acquainted with Zhang Shunlong, the True Yang Martial God. You feel more confident about building your own dynasty in the future.】*

*【Furthermore, in your interactions with him, you discovered he knows far more than you.】*

*【This True Yang Martial God seems to be the reincarnation of an ancient deity. Other than him, the other deities seem to have died. What kind of existence these "gods" were, you do not know.】*

*【The divine images visualized in spiritual cultivation seem inseparable from these ancient gods.】*

*【You feel you have opened the door to a new world. Why did the gods die? Why is the world in chaos? Where do the demons come from? These questions linger in your mind.】*

*【Though you know many secrets, you find more mysteries appearing. You feel a headache and stop thinking about it.】*

*【Returning to the side of the Princess of Nanming, you have more plans for the future. For some reason, you suddenly remember Qin Yanqiu, the woman you were betrothed to in childhood.】*

*【It is a pity that this woman died. If she were alive, she would be a Celestial now, a great help to you.】*

*【You sigh, your thoughts complex. If she hadn't encountered that secret realm, she wouldn't have died.】*

*【According to the True Yang Martial God, that secret realm was a fragment of an ancient world. Many treasures are linked to it. The realm is full of treasure but also hidden dangers.】*

*【One wrong step in the realm means death. Even you, as you are now, would not dare say you could enter an unknown realm. But if it were the realm Qin Yanqiu entered, you could now.】*

*【That realm is called the Tushita Palace. As long as you wear a Taoist robe and do not use essence energy, you will basically not encounter life-threatening danger. There are supposedly Nine-Turn Golden Pills there, divine pills that can infinitely improve cultivation. Recalling this, it is a pity the Tushita Palace only appeared once. If it appears again, you certainly won’t miss it.】*

*【Three-Star Task: Re-explore Tushita Palace.】*

*【Task Reward: Taiji Diagram (King Grade)】*

Cheng Guang read the system prompt word by word. He froze, unable to believe his eyes.

A secret realm? What was that?

*Tushita Palace?* Wasn't that the palace of Taishang Laojun in mythology? And what about the local deity? Was this world once home to the gods he was familiar with? Why had they all disappeared, leaving only a reincarnated local deity—the weakest among them?

Cheng Guang stared at the prompt, his gaze landing on the name "Qin Yanqiu." He hadn't expected to see her name again in a death notice. Such a brilliant person had died in a secret realm.

He knew that if the realm was a fragment of an ancient world, her death wasn't unjust. It was dangerous.

He knew she hadn't entered the realm yet; she was about to get married. He planned to find the realm after the wedding. If he wore a Taoist robe and didn't use energy, it would be like finding a treasure vault.

His gaze fell on the reward: *Taiji Diagram (King Grade).*

*King Grade.* Above the Heavenly Grade. His *Breath-Restraining Bead* was only Heavenly Grade. How powerful would a King-Grade treasure be?

Cheng Guang felt a surge of anticipation.