Chapter 079
Chapter 79: Impossible to Guess
Hearing these words, Li Zhu’s expression changed repeatedly before he finally asked, “Is Li Zhi truly so valuable that Father treats him with such special favor?”
Li Que shook his head slowly. “In my eyes, he is indeed a challenging opponent. He excels in both scholarly arts and martial prowess, truly a flawless talent fit for governing the world.”
“Back then, Father allowed us seven brothers to enter court and take up official duties. Aside from Sixth Brother, who refused everything, the remaining six of us each governed one of the Six Ministries. You must clearly remember the remarkable achievements Li Zhi left behind at the Ministry of Revenue.”
“Truthfully speaking, even Brother and I pale in comparison.”
Hearing this, Li Zhu’s face showed embarrassment, and a trace of gloom flashed in his eyes. “Indeed, I must admit that when I was in charge of the Ministry of War, even without the rebellion in Yun Province, my accomplishments were far below those of you three elder brothers.”
Three years ago, Emperor Yuan Wu issued a decree giving every prince a fair chance to participate in court politics, which was also an assessment of their abilities.
Though it was never clearly stated, everyone in court knew the Emperor’s true intention was to select a capable prince to succeed the undecided throne of Great Li.
In the end, Emperor Yuan Wu dismissed three princes, including Li Zhu, whose performances fell short. He retained only the First Prince, Second Prince, and the false prince Li Zhi, continuing their governance in the Ministries of Rites, Personnel, and Revenue respectively.
Yet, right as Emperor Yuan Wu prepared to assess these three princes further, the shocking truth of the Seventh Prince’s replacement twenty years prior came to light.
As a result, Li Zhi was thrown into the Great Li prison, where he remained even months later, his fate still undecided.
At this moment, Li Que smiled gently toward Li Zhu. “Third younger brother, don’t be disheartened. Your misfortune was merely a matter of timing. In the future, with our hearts united, you and I will surely create a grand legacy for Great Li.”
Li Zhu nodded firmly and cupped his hands respectfully. “This younger brother shall follow Second Elder Brother’s lead.”
“You speak too seriously, Third Brother. Our bond as siblings is beyond such formalities.” Li Que waved his hand, squinting thoughtfully. After a brief pause, he continued, “Third Brother, you mentioned Li Zhi earlier—I too find Father’s decision puzzling. It’s understandable that Father cherishes talent and spared his life, yet leaving the Seventh Prince’s seat vacant for him is indeed quite unexpected.”
“Even if Father wanted to bestow him special favor, a title of Marquis or Chancellor would be more than enough. Maintaining his status as a prince truly seems excessive.”
Hearing this, Li Zhu only frowned, shook his head, and sighed deeply. “Father’s intentions—I truly cannot guess at all.”
Li Que glanced at him and also shook his head. “If we cannot understand, perhaps it’s best we don’t ponder. Luckily, Li Zhi is not of royal blood. No matter how much Father favors him, he could never inherit the throne, thus posing no threat to us.”
Li Zhu nodded. At that moment, a resounding bronze gong echoed through the Martial Arena.
The formidable expert who had previously withstood the simultaneous assault of three Martial Grandmasters, emerging unharmed, returned.
He had a delicate, almost feminine appearance, clad in an elegant azure robe embroidered at the edges, a jade-green belt around his waist. With hands clasped behind him, he gracefully stepped across the lake, his toes barely disturbing the lotus-covered water, before landing lightly onto the Martial Arena.
Soon after, several sharp gusts filled the air as more martial arts masters of varying strengths arrived, landing nearby. However, none of them paid attention to the delicate-looking man. Instead, they simultaneously turned their heads, anxiously gazing toward the path leading to the arena.
From there emerged a hunched figure, slowly approaching with the aid of a decayed wooden crutch staff, each step frail and labored.
At once, tension gripped everyone present, including the delicate-featured man. They watched the old figure warily.
Eventually, the elder reached the edge of the Martial Arena and lifted his head slowly.
His was an ordinary, aged face, yet strangely difficult to clearly see. Moments later, his features seemed to shift and transform entirely into another person’s face, and upon blinking, it changed yet again. It felt eerily mysterious.
“Cough, cough. Young friends, will you all come at me together, or would you prefer to spar one at a time?” asked the hunched elder softly, coughing as he spoke.
The martial artists exchanged wary glances and responded cautiously in unison, “We respectfully ask Senior for guidance.”
Yet, their respectful words barely finished, each martial expert suddenly leaped forward fiercely, abandoning any pretense of martial etiquette or mercy toward their elderly opponent.
Blades flashed, sword qi filled the air; each one unleashed their most devastating, thunderous techniques, clearly aiming to tear apart the elder into countless pieces.
“Cough, cough. My young friends, your enthusiasm is overwhelming,” the elder coughed again and lifted a withered hand.
Instantly, all blades and sword qi vanished without a trace.
Then suddenly, each attacker inexplicably raised their arms high, fell to their knees, and bowed their foreheads to the ground, striking fiercely and repeatedly until their heads bled, resembling devout worshippers driven mad.
Only the delicate-featured man, cloaked in the radiant glow of the Golden Light Giant Cauldron Art, remained unaffected, his body shielded by a gleaming golden cauldron-shaped shadow, seemingly impenetrable and unbreakable.
Staring coldly at the hunched elder, he declared, “I will stand perfectly still. Let me see if you can breach my defense…”
Yet, before his words finished, his protective golden light shattered, and he soon followed the others’ fate, dropping to the ground to kowtow frantically, blood flowing from his wounds, unable even to scream.
“Indeed, it is the Formless Puppet Art,” murmured the Banished Immortal atop the viewing stand, eyes narrowed thoughtfully. He called out clearly, his voice resonating throughout the arena, “Your Excellency must be the Elder Formless. Please forgive these juniors for their foolish offenses. Come up here for a chat.”
Elder Formless raised his head toward the voice and gently lifted a hand in greeting. “Ah, if it isn’t the Banished Immortal. Old man pays his respects.”
His voice had barely faded when his figure vanished from where he stood, suddenly appearing before Li Que and the others.
At the same moment, the kowtowing martial artists ceased their head-banging and collapsed onto the ground, utterly exhausted and unconscious.
On the viewing stand, Li Zhu held his breath nervously, facing the formidable Elder Formless mere feet away. However, catching sight of the Banished Immortal sitting calmly nearby, he relaxed slightly.
Li Que exchanged a glance with the Banished Immortal, then narrowed his eyes at Elder Formless, asking thoughtfully, “Senior, with your extraordinary martial skills, are you truly willing to serve within my residence?”