Undying Life

Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Explanation

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Public decorum? Decorum be damned! Imperial dignity? To hell with it! As long as Bao'er can return, I can rebuild my lost image. I don't care what others think of me, be it good, bad, majestic, or stern, I am still Zhong Shan.

In front of the Longevity Hall, the ministers watched from afar, their eyes filled with confusion. Who was that, causing His Majesty to abandon the court meeting and rush out?

After their initial shock, the members of the Tai Dan Sect became somber. Their sect leader? How would the sect leader handle the deaths of fifty-three Tai Dan Sect members?

Ying Lan continued to stare enviously, a look of longing flashing in her eyes. Even the distant Qing Yun, the Wolf General, hadn't yet recovered from his daze. Zhong Shan was simply too peculiar. Extremely peculiar!

Zhong Shan held Bao'er tightly, as if trying to fuse her into his own body.

"Master, Bao'er has returned," Bao'er said, tears of excitement glistening in her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Zhong Shan inhaled Bao'er's fragrance and said, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

Such simple words, yet they carried immense emotion, a feeling that could melt the heavens and earth.

"Sect Leader," Elder Yao Yu called out inappropriately.

At his call, Bao'er realized how embarrassing the situation was. Reluctantly, she snuggled in Zhong Shan's embrace for a moment longer before gently pulling away.

Holding Bao'er's hand, Zhong Shan lightly leaped, and they landed in the square.

The Tai Dan Sect members all descended to the ground, while Ying Lan waved her hand, dismissing all the guards.

Zhong Shan continued to hold Bao'er's hand, as if afraid that letting go would make her disappear. Feeling his grip, Bao'er's heart felt sweet.

"Sect Leader, the Heaven and Earth Cauldron is here. What about the great enmity of the Tai Dan Sect?" an elder asked in a deep voice.

Hearing this, Bao'er's brows furrowed, and her eyes turned cold as she glared at the elder. Revenge? Was that more important than the Master?

Zhong Shan quickly assessed the situation, frowning as he saw the elder pressuring Bao'er. "Bao'er, did you join the Tai Dan Sect?" he asked.

Ignoring the elder, Bao'er gently answered Zhong Shan's question first, "Yes, my master passed the position to me. I am now the leader of the Tai Dan Sect."

Bao'er spoke very tenderly, as if to assure Zhong Shan that it didn't matter if he had killed Tai Dan Sect disciples; she would support him.

The three elders looked on with grim faces, coldly watching the scene.

Hearing Bao'er's words and seeing the expressions of the Tai Dan Sect members, Zhong Shan's brow raised, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes. He quickly understood the situation.

"It seems the great enmity of the Tai Dan Sect cannot be avenged. The massacre of the Tai Dan Sect members has already been avenged by the Sect Leader of the Kaiyang Sect, and this Heaven and Earth Cauldron was something I found later," Zhong Shan immediately explained. Partly to dispel the hostility of the Tai Dan Sect members, and partly to help Bao'er gain better acceptance from them.

Upon hearing Zhong Shan's explanation, the Tai Dan Sect members frowned, glaring coldly at him. Clearly, the deaths of fifty-three Tai Dan Sect members could not be dismissed with just a few words from Zhong Shan.

"Who are you?" an elder asked coldly, glaring at Zhong Shan.

All three elders could see that Zhong Shan's cultivation was only at the ninth level of the innate stage, and even then, his foundation was poor. If not for the sect leader's earlier display, they would have killed him already.

"I am the ruler of the Great Zheng Dynasty and the husband of your sect leader," Zhong Shan declared firmly.

"You..." The elder glared at Zhong Shan, at a loss for words.

Seeing the indignant expressions of the Tai Dan Sect members, Zhong Shan's expression softened. "It's understandable for you to have doubts about my words, but everything I've said is true. If you wait a few days, I can provide evidence to prove the events of that day."

Zhong Shan's softer tone indeed calmed the crowd somewhat, though the enmity of the Tai Dan Sect was not something that could be dismissed by a change in tone alone. The sect members were still wary, their expressions uncertain.

"How do you plan to prove it?" Elder Yao Yu asked.

"I have a memory crystal from that day, but it's in another place right now. Give me a few days, and I will bring it to you. Then you can judge right from wrong for yourselves," Zhong Shan explained.

The elders exchanged glances, then Elder Yao Yu nodded, "Very well."

With their agreement, Zhong Shan smiled slightly. "In that case, please stay here for now. The Heaven and Earth Cauldron is located in our Imperial Hospital. You can guard the cauldron while waiting for the memory crystal."

"You may stay here," Bao'er immediately instructed.

"Yes," the three elders replied, looking at Zhong Shan with furrowed brows, while the other disciples obediently settled down.

"Ying Lan, assign quarters to our guests," Zhong Shan instructed.

"Understood," Ying Lan nodded promptly.

Zhong Shan and Bao'er then left together. Having been separated for many years, the couple had much to discuss.

In the five-story pavilion of the former Zhong Mansion, which had been preserved even after becoming part of the royal palace, Bao'er nestled in Zhong Shan's arms, watching the sights of the capital.

"Bao'er, this is my avatar. My true body is at the Kaiyang Sect and will return soon," Zhong Shan said softly.

"Mm," Bao'er nodded happily.

Only two people knew about Zhong Shan's avatar ability: Bao'er and Kuier. But with Kuier gone, only Bao'er remained. Despite the distance and years of separation, Zhong Shan had always trusted his wife, believing she was the most reliable person he had chosen in this world.

"Tell me about your life over these years," Zhong Shan gently stroked Bao'er's hair.

"Mm," Bao'er responded, enjoying the moment.

At the Kaiyang Sect, Zhong Shan's true body quickly packed his belongings and hurried out, filled with excitement. Bao'er, Bao'er had finally returned.

At the sect's entrance, Zhong Shan saw Shoushan sitting in front of his small house, sipping tea with a contented expression.

Zhong Shan approached Shoushan, feeling grateful. If it hadn't been for Shoushan's intervention when the Thunder General chased him to the sect's gate, he wouldn't be where he was today. Moreover, Shoushan had saved Ling'er by infusing her with energy, allowing her to survive until Nie Qingqing's arrival.

As Zhong Shan neared, Shoushan looked up.

"Senior," Zhong Shan greeted respectfully.

Shoushan smiled slightly, "It's a miracle. With your poor foundation, you've reached the ninth level of the innate stage in seven years. Ling'er had a good eye."

"Thank you for the praise, Senior," Zhong Shan replied immediately.

"Are you heading out?" Shoushan asked.

"Yes," Zhong Shan responded earnestly.

"Yes, go ahead. It's good to go out and relax. But remember to return in four years for the Kaiyang Sect Grand Ceremony. It might be an opportunity for you," Shoushan advised after a moment's thought.

"I will," Zhong Shan responded promptly. Four years later? The return of the Kaiyang Sect elders?

"Oh, I almost forgot. In three years, the Kaiyang Sect will experience the once-every-seven-years Spiritual Tide. If you can reach the tenth level of the innate stage within these three years, come back early. The Spiritual Tide is the best opportunity to break through to the Golden Core stage. Don't miss it," Shoushan added.

"Spiritual Tide?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.

"You can ask Xuan Xin Zi about it when the time comes," Shoushan said, shaking his head and closing his eyes again in contentment.

"Thank you, Senior," Zhong Shan bowed slightly to Shoushan before quickly heading back to the Great Zheng Dynasty.

In the Great Zheng Dynasty, Zhong Shan's true body and avatar merged into one.

Inside the Longevity Hall, the ministers waited patiently. However, unlike his usual punctuality, the emperor did not arrive today.

The head eunuch entered through a side door and announced, "Everyone, His Majesty will rest for the day. The morning court will resume tomorrow."

The ministers glanced at Wei Taizhong, discussed among themselves briefly, and then dispersed in small groups.

At this moment, the palace maids and eunuchs had been cleared out of Qianzheng Palace, leaving only two people inside.

Under the warm brocade canopy, Zhong Shan lay on the bed, his muscular chest exposed, looking tenderly at his beloved, Bao'er.

Bao'er was asleep, her face sweet and serene like a blooming magnolia. Her soft chest pressed against Zhong Shan's strong body, causing her breasts to deform under their weight but feeling incredibly tender against his muscular chest.

Her beautiful, rounded hips revealed a deep, enticing cleft. Even after a night of reunion, Zhong Shan still felt a sense of intoxication.

Of course, this intoxication was unique to Bao'er. Even if another equally beautiful woman were in her place, Zhong Shan would not show such an expression, because this feeling was infused with his love for Bao'er. It was this love that softened Zhong Shan's otherwise rock-solid heart.

His rough hand gently caressed Bao'er's smooth, fair back. Zhong Shan took a deep breath, looking up at the green canopy above, his eyes filled with satisfaction and relaxation. After so many years of living a tense life, Bao'er's return allowed Zhong Shan to finally breathe a sigh of relief, making him feel that what he had now was the best.

Despite his gentle movements, Zhong Shan's actions woke Bao'er. Her long eyelashes fluttered, and she rubbed her sleepy eyes before waking up.

As Bao'er woke up, she quickly realized their current situation. Her smile remained, even growing a bit dreamy. She gently stroked Zhong Shan's broad chest with her soft hand.