Chapter 607: Conference of Immortal Enfeoffment

Physician Wenzhu had already spoken conservatively. Three to five years was probably the longest estimate.

He observed Imperial Majesty’s expression, but heard only a soft mmm.

“Mmm…”

Yan Ruchu remained very calm, not surprised. He then asked: “With your medical skills, is there any countermeasure?”

Physician Wenzhu opened his mouth, yet seemed troubled.

“No way?”

“Yes…”

Yan Ruchu merely waved his hand, saying: “Not your fault.”

Physician Wenzhu spoke: “The cold energy at Your Majesty’s dantian is extraordinary. It doesn’t resemble poison, nor injury by a martial artist. This humble one has traveled the world and witnessed some things. That cold energy… somewhat resembles… the work of someone with unusual abilities.”

He looked again. What struck him as odd was that Imperial Majesty still did not appear shocked.

Yan Ruchu asked: “So according to you, only by finding a deity could this cold energy be undone?”

“Remarkable individuals with unusual abilities, not deities.”

Hearing this, Yan Ruchu smiled, but did not respond.

He knew Physician Wenzhu dared not say it. After all, who would advise an emperor to believe in immortals, Buddhas, and monsters unless seeking death?

“This emperor understands your meaning.”

Physician Wenzhu’s heart skipped a beat. He lowered his head: “Your Majesty, please forgive this offense.”

“You spoke truth. Not your fault.”

Yan Ruchu straightened up, sighed, and said: “That is all for now. Physician Wenzhu toils today. Stay in Shangjing these coming days. This emperor has other matters to consult you on. Furthermore, today’s words…”

“This humble commoner shall seal his lips tight.”

“Do not fear.”

“Thank Your Majesty’s great mercy.”

“Mmm. You may leave.”

“This commoner takes his leave.”

Only then did Physician Wenzhu slowly back out of the Imperial Study.

Once outside, his back was soaked with sweat.

He sighed helplessly, feeling increasingly regretful.

He knew well that those familiar with secrets live not long. He wondered if he would be as fortunate this time as before.

If he couldn’t escape this fate, then it was truly destiny.

What puzzled Physician Wenzhu more was, how exactly did that cold energy appear in Imperial Majesty’s dantian?

Moreover, judging by Imperial Majesty’s demeanor, he seemed fully aware. This was truly strange.

After Physician Wenzhu left the Imperial Palace.

Yan Ruchu summoned Chief Eunuch Cao and gave a few orders.

Hearing them, Chief Eunuch Cao was startled. He forgot to reply momentarily.

“Chief Eunuch Cao has been slow to react lately,” Yan Ruchu observed.

Chief Eunuch Cao jolted back to reality, kneeling: “Your Majesty forgives this offense, forgives this offense…”

Yan Ruchu glanced at him: “What were you thinking just now? Speak truthfully, no offense.”

Chief Eunuch Cao trembled. After hesitating, he said: “This old slave merely wondered why Your Majesty suddenly grew curious about immortals. Lost in thought, this old slave deserves death. Punish this servant.”

Yan Ruchu smiled: “Rise.”

Chief Eunuch Cao slowly stood, still fearful.

Yan Ruchu stated: “You shall oversee the Conference of Immortal Enfeoffment. Spread the news. This emperor wants all under heaven to know of this. If we attract only those with false reputations, you answer to this emperor!”

“This old slave receives the decree!”

“Scram!”

Outside the Imperial Study, Chief Eunuch Cao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Recalling the matters His Majesty mentioned, he remained baffled. Who had whispered poisonous words? The emperor, who for years denied the existence of immortals, now sought a Conference of Immortal Enfeoffment.

Chief Eunuch Cao inwardly sighed: “As long as it doesn’t implicate my household.”

Furthermore, judging by His Majesty’s intent, the matter bypassed the Imperial Court officials entirely.

Ever since the Founding Emperor of Xiang executed all those charlatans, few had truly believed in immortals.

He could already imagine the officials pleading their case.

…

Over the years, the Imperial Court had garnered influence among the populace. Within just a month, the matter exploded. Every region learned of the ‘Conference of Immortal Enfeoffment’.

Consequently, Yan Ruchu’s desk piled high with memorials.

Most urged him not to believe treacherous words about seeking the Dao or immortals.

The officials acted out of concern, but Yan Ruchu paid little heed. The memorials lay untouched; he wouldn’t even glance at them.

He knew better than anyone whether immortals existed.

The Conference was set for the third day of the sixth month.

This date was personally calculated by the Astrology Overseer of the Directorate of Celestial Observation.

The long-dormant Directorate finally had real work. Years of tracking weather and dates led to this grand event they naturally joined.

But this matter wasn’t simple.

On the surface, it seemed an emperor’s quest for immortals.

Secretly, both Buddhist and Daoist sects saw an opportunity.

For the Buddhists, an escape path.

For the Daoists, an irreplaceable chance.

The conflict between the two camps fully ignited from here.

“Conference of Immortal Enfeoffment?”

The young woman carrying her spear heard this news and found it strange.

Having roamed the Jianghu for a year, Ruyi looked darker and walked more boldly.

“This day and age, and Imperial Majesty still believes this stuff?”

The Tabby Cat on her shoulder blinked: “What Conference of Immortal Enfeoffment?”

Ruyi explained: “The emperor has nothing better to do, wants to find fake immortals in the mortal world and give them titles.”

“Fake immortals?” Lihua asked: “Why not find real ones?”

Ruyi pondered: “Now that you mention it…”

Could there be real immortals?

Previously, she’d dismiss them all as fakes.

“Let’s go watch the commotion.”

Ruyi wanted to see what level immortals were at. Were they all as powerful as Uncle Chen?

Lihua blinked: “Watch where?”

“Shangjing.”

“Is that far?”

“Still going.”

“Sigh…”

Lihua sighed softly: “Shouldn’t have come with you.”

“You’ve ridden my shoulder the whole time. How can you say that?”

“Hehe…”

Carrying her spear Silver Colt, Ruyi walked onto the Imperial Road towards Shangjing. She hadn’t been there before.

“Good chance to see Ping An. Wonder how he is.”

“Lihua heard you mention him many times. Never saw him.”

“Will see him soon.”

“As strong as you?”

“Probably not.”

Ruyi laughed: “Ping An was bullied by me since childhood.”

“Oh.”

Lihua blinked: “Ruyi really isn’t a good person.”

“He liked being bullied by me.”

“Who likes being bullied?”

Ruyi just smiled, offering no explanation.

Confused, Lihua pressed: “Why won’t Ruyi speak?”

“Not telling.”

Ruyi changed the subject: “But Lihua should try at the Conference. Maybe Imperial Majesty will name you a Divine Beast.”

“Sounds awful. No.”

“Rewards could buy lots and lots of fish.”

“Hmm… maybe then.”