Proofreader & Editor: Lotas
"Your Majesty!"
Upon Yin Fengqi's arrival at the Qing Mansion, everyone from top to bottom hurriedly knelt to pay their respects.
Yin Fengqi, following his intuition, went straight to Yin Qing's room, concerned that something might have happened to her.
Yin Qing was Yin Fengqi's youngest daughter, and she was born with a frail constitution. Not only was she unable to cultivate, but her lifespan was also rapidly depleting, which greatly worried Yin Fengqi.
Despite trying all sorts of methods and consulting many experts, everyone was at a loss for a solution.
Yin Fengqi felt helpless, wishing only that his daughter would not suffer too much in her final moments.
Contrary to his wishes, especially this year, Yin Qing's condition worsened visibly, her vitality draining away. She spent most of her time asleep, and it was uncertain when she might never wake up again.
Yin Fengqi visited her every few days, and seeing her in such a state pained his heart.
Until a few days ago, Yin Zixuan mentioned that he had found traces of the longevity fruit.
However, Zhao Beiming had to guard the North Cold Country, and Zhang Yuanzhi was in seclusion, so Yin Fengqi tacitly allowed Yin Zixuan to lead a team in search of the fruit.
When Yin Fengqi entered the room, Yin Zixuan and his wife quickly knelt down, and the maids inside did the same.
Only Li Changqing stood there, as this was not his first encounter with Yin Fengqi.
"Father Emperor."
Yin Zixuan hurriedly spoke.
"Your Majesty."
Yin Fengqi quickly approached the bedside and saw Yin Qing enveloped in a green glow, her vitality returning. His face lit up with joy as he felt his daughter's life force being replenished.
Just then, Yin Qing slowly opened her eyes.
She looked around curiously and, upon seeing Yin Fengqi, asked in surprise, "Father Emperor, why are you here?"
"Qing'er, how do you feel?" Yin Fengqi asked with concern.
"Feel?"
Yin Qing looked at her hands and then said with a smile, "Father Emperor, I feel so comfortable, more than ever before. My body feels warm, and I think I've regained some strength."
"That's great!" Yin Fengqi replied with a smile.
"Gurgle." At that moment, a sound came from Yin Qing's stomach. She blushed and said, "Father Emperor, I'm hungry."
"Someone, quickly prepare some food," Yin Fengqi called out.
Li Changqing, witnessing this scene, hadn't expected Yin Fengqi, once a cold-blooded emperor who had killed his brother and father behind the scenes, to show such tenderness.
At that moment, Yin Fengqi noticed a small wooden carving beside Yin Qing's pillow.
His eyes widened, recognizing it as a treasure, and it was this very treasure that had revived Yin Qing's vitality.
Yin Fengqi stood up and saw Li Changqing.
Li Changqing's first impression on Yin Fengqi was that he was unfamiliar, yet Yin Fengqi inexplicably felt a sense of familiarity.
As an emperor who had seized the throne and held it for so long, he had an acute sense of people, which was why he felt he should know Li Changqing.
But he couldn't recall who this man was, which he found quite strange.
"Li Changqing," Li Changqing introduced himself.
"Father Emperor, Mr. Changqing is a Painting Sage," Yin Zixuan informed Yin Fengqi. "It was Mr. Changqing who saved Qing'er's life. The Painting Treasure is his gift."
Hearing this, Yin Fengqi was surprised to realize that the man before him was a Painting Sage.
Yin Fengqi quickly bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you, Mr. Changqing." Regardless of anything else, Li Changqing had saved Yin Qing's life, which was a great favor to Yin Fengqi.
"No need for formalities," Li Changqing replied. "I heard about Yin Qing's situation from Zixuan and agreed to a trade, which is why I came to help."
"A trade?"
Yin Fengqi looked curiously at Yin Zixuan.
"This treasure of mine can continuously enhance the lifespan of those nearby, up to a limit," Li Changqing explained. "Yin Qing's lifespan is constantly depleting, but with my treasure, she needn't worry. Even as an ordinary person, as long as my treasure remains, she could achieve a form of immortality."
Li Changqing was right; the treasure could indeed grant a form of immortality.
But there were drawbacks.
Yin Qing could no longer cultivate and had to remain an ordinary person. If she became a martial artist, the Spring of Life would lose its effect.
Secondly, Yin Qing would no longer age. As long as her lifespan remained full, she would not grow older. If the treasure were taken away, her lifespan would deplete even faster, and she would perish before growing up.
The third and most important point was whether the treasure could last many years, which was uncertain.
However, a treasure created from the Tree of Longevity would not dissipate in a short time.
Li Changqing also shared these drawbacks with Yin Fengqi, who, along with Yin Zixuan, was shocked.
"I see."
Yin Fengqi turned to look at Yin Qing, who had a full head of black hair and appeared to be only twelve or thirteen. But seeing the smile on her face, Yin Fengqi smiled too. "For Yin Qing, this is enough. She's alive, isn't she? As long as she's alive, there's hope. Mr. Changqing mentioned a trade earlier; what is it?"
"I want to exchange this treasure for an item from the treasury of North Cold Country," Li Changqing stated.
"Feel free to choose any item from the treasury, Mr. Changqing. Whatever you desire is fine. For me, Qing'er's life is worth more than any treasure," Yin Fengqi said without hesitation.
"Dragon Blood Essence."
Li Changqing directly named the item he wanted.
"Agreed."
"I'll have someone fetch it right away."
Dragon Blood Essence was indeed precious, but Yin Fengqi agreed without hesitation. For him, the Dragon Blood Essence had no use; no one in North Cold Country had been born with a divine physique.
Li Changqing breathed a sigh of relief.
A drop of Dragon Blood Essence was now his.
"Father Emperor."
At that moment, Yin Qing called out to Yin Fengqi.
"What is it, Qing'er?"
Yin Fengqi looked at her curiously. Yin Qing beckoned him over, and when he approached, she whispered something in his ear.
After listening, Yin Fengqi also showed a surprised expression and then nodded.
"Mr. Changqing, I have a proposal. Are you interested?" Yin Fengqi looked at Li Changqing.
"A proposal?"
Li Changqing raised an eyebrow, curious about Yin Fengqi's intentions.
"I would like to invite you to be Qing'er's teacher. Would you be interested?" Yin Fengqi proposed. "You don't need to teach her cultivation, just some things she's interested in. She has never had a teacher due to her health and because I don't trust others around her."
Li Changqing was somewhat surprised. Yin Fengqi didn't trust others but trusted him?
Besides, he had to look after his son.
What time did he have for this?
Once he got the Dragon Blood Essence, he would return to Zi Wu City.
"I'm sorry, I can't agree to this. I have other matters to attend to," Li Changqing shook his head.
"If Mr. Changqing agrees, I can offer another drop of Dragon Blood Essence as compensation," Yin Fengqi said with a smile. "You may also choose another item from the treasury. What do you think?"
At this, Li Changqing's pupils shrank: "You have another drop of Dragon Blood Essence?"
"Yes, there are indeed two drops of Dragon Blood Essence in the treasury of North Cold Country. What do you think, Mr. Changqing?"
Yin Fengqi looked at Li Changqing earnestly.
Yin Fengqi had his own plans.
After all, he wasn't sure how long the Spring of Life given by Li Changqing would last, so he wanted Li Changqing to stay by Yin Qing's side for a year. What if something went wrong with the treasure?
Moreover, Yin Qing felt a kinship with Li Changqing and wished for him to be her teacher.
Yin Fengqi couldn't bear to refuse his daughter's request.
After all, it was just a matter of another drop of Dragon Blood Essence and a treasure, which was nothing to Yin Fengqi.
Li Changqing pondered for a moment. Another drop of Dragon Blood Essence was indeed tempting.
It would definitely be useful for his son's cultivation in the future.
But if he wasn't there, what about his son?
Li Changqing was conflicted.
Seeing Li Changqing's hesitation, Yin Fengqi guessed he must have other matters and offered, "If there's anything troubling Mr. Changqing that I can help with, I'm willing to assist."
Hearing this, Li Changqing suddenly realized, of course.
Zhenguo Mansion was within the territory of North Cold Country.
If Yin Fengqi was willing to help, then things would be much simpler.
Moreover, North Cold Country could serve as a stepping stone for his own development. Although Changqing Trading Company had spread throughout the Eastern Desolate Land, its scale wasn't very large, with only one branch in each region.
To rely solely on Changqing Trading Company for development would take an unknown amount of time.
In the tumultuous Cangyuan Realm, it was not easy to stand without a strong backing.
Although Luo Xiaochuan from Dao Mountain Ancient Land wanted to cooperate with him, Luo Xiaochuan was unreliable, and Li Changqing didn't dare trust him easily.
If he could establish a foothold in North Cold Country, it would be a great help for him and his son.
With this in mind, Li Changqing nodded and said, "In that case, I can take on the role of teacher."
"Thank you, Mr. Changqing!"
Yin Fengqi was overjoyed.
His happiness was not just because Li Changqing agreed to teach Yin Qing, but more importantly, Li Changqing was a Painting Sage!
Having a Painting Sage in North Cold Country was like a pie falling from the sky for them!
What was a drop of Dragon Blood Essence and a treasure in comparison?
In the Cangyuan Realm, Painting Sages were coveted by many forces.
Though he said Li Changqing would stay in North Cold Country for a year, he would find a way to make him stay permanently.
Both men had their own calculations and ambitions.
"What troubles does Mr. Changqing have that I can help with?" Yin Fengqi eagerly offered his assistance.
"My son serves as an Inspector in your North Cold Country," Li Changqing revealed without concealment.
"Inspector?"
Yin Fengqi raised an eyebrow and asked, "Where does he serve as an Inspector?"
"Zhenguo Mansion. My son is Li Hengsheng, from Dao Mountain Ancient Land," Li Changqing said calmly. "I'm in Zi Wu City to protect my son, but I don't want to interfere with him."
"Your son is Li Hengsheng?" Yin Fengqi was stunned.
Who was Li Hengsheng?
Zhang Yuanzhi had reported back after returning from the Ghost Devil trial that Li Hengsheng was the top performer.
He also had a good relationship with the Qinglian Sword Sovereign.
Qinglian Sword Sovereign was a person from Changqing Trading Company.
Changqing Trading Company?
Wait.
Could this Li Changqing be…
Yin Fengqi was momentarily too surprised to speak.
He had thought the man before him was a reclusive Painting Sage, but now he realized Li Changqing's identity and was astounded.
Li Changqing was the man behind Changqing Trading Company!
He hadn't expected that behind Changqing Trading Company, there was not only a Sword Venerate but also a Painting Sage!
Such strength was even stronger than their North Cold Country.
"So it's Mr. Changqing!"
Yin Fengqi took a step back and bowed respectfully.
This "Mr. Changqing" was said with a completely different tone from before, now filled with reverence.
"Don't mention it," Li Changqing waved his hand.
"Rest assured about your son. I will have someone inform you of any news, and I will also have someone protect him. If he is in danger, our people will intervene discreetly without affecting his trials," Yin Fengqi said, understanding Li Changqing's approach, as he was a father himself.
Yin Fengqi also used various methods to train his children, but unlike Li Changqing's kind approach, Yin Fengqi believed that a true eagle should learn to fly on its own.
However, he understood Li Changqing's approach, as Li Changqing only had one son.
"Then I'll trouble Your Majesty," Li Changqing said with a smile.
"Mr. Changqing, you're too polite. I'll arrange the rest," Yin Fengqi hurriedly replied.
Now that the matter was settled, Li Changqing no longer needed to return to Zi Wu City. Staying here to teach Princess Yin Qing was also a good choice, and he didn't need to handle everything personally.
So in the afternoon, Li Changqing sent a letter to Zhang Fuguang, instructing him to bring Zhang Siyao, Fei, and Zhen Wanshou to North Cold City. They were moving.
Yin Fengqi also arranged a luxurious residence for Li Changqing.
It was located in the inner city of North Cold City.
Looking at the luxurious residence, Li Changqing couldn't help but reflect on the unpredictability of life. He never imagined that he, who once found it difficult to enter the inner city, now owned a house there and had the emperor of North Cold Country as his protector.
Yin Fengqi also gave Li Changqing a token.
This token represented the highest authority of the royal family, as authoritative as Yin Fengqi himself.
In the entire North Cold Country, it granted unhindered passage, and no one had the right to stop him, not even the Great General Zhao Beiming, who would have to pay respects upon seeing it.
This made Li Changqing feel especially exhilarated!
He immediately went out, looking for Zhao Beiming to have a chat.
The last time they met, they had a fierce fight, and now he wanted Zhao Beiming to salute him.
But after wandering around for half a day, he couldn't find Zhao Beiming.
However, wherever he went, as soon as he showed the token, people knelt and paid their respects, fulfilling any request he made.
This made Li Changqing realize why so many people were intoxicated with power and couldn't extricate themselves.
The feeling of having power was truly wonderful!
Now that he had power, he would use it to secure a better future for himself and his son.
Li Changqing remembered Luo Xiaochuan saying that those who laid out plans each had their own goals, all different, but each with great ambition and appetite.
Once involved, it was easy to fall into an abyss from which there was no return.
When Luo Xiaochuan sought cooperation with Li Changqing, he hoped Li Changqing would help when it was crucial, offering to help him break the game.
Luo Xiaochuan also asked Li Changqing a question.
If you were the chess master, what would your goal be?
Li Changqing had been silent for a long time without answering, but now he had an idea.
Li Changqing wanted to leave this world.
To leave the Cangyuan Realm.
He wanted to take his son away from this dangerous world, as living here was too exhausting.
A peaceful and tranquil life seemed as unreachable as the most luxurious indulgence.
Li Changqing even felt that his previous life was better than the present, at least people could live without worrying about safety, without fearing being killed at any moment.
But in the Cangyuan Realm, how many people went to sleep worrying whether they would see the next day's sun?
However, how to return to the previous world from the Cangyuan Realm, Li Changqing did not know. His arrival was mysterious, without any clues.
Changqing Mansion.
This was Li Changqing's current residence.
At dusk, Zhang Fuguang and the others arrived.
Changqing Tavern had closed, which many people in Zi Wu City regretted.
"Li Changqing, have you joined North Cold Country?" Zhen Wanshou was shocked when he saw Li Changqing's residence, knowing that getting such a large house in the inner city of North Cold Country was almost impossible, even with money.
"For now, yes."
Seeing Zhang Fuguang approaching with Zhang Siyao, Li Changqing smiled and said, "Siyao, I've troubled you again, making you change schools."
"It's okay," Zhang Siyao said sensibly, nodding.
"But this house is so big, Siyao really likes it." Zhang Siyao was very happy to see the huge residence.
"Zhen Wanshou, come with me later."
Li Changqing looked at Zhen Wanshou.
"Where to?" Zhen Wanshou asked curiously.
"To the treasury of North Cold Country," Li Changqing said. "Yin Fengqi has agreed to let me choose any item from the treasury. You have a wide knowledge, help me choose, see what's suitable."
"The treasury of North Cold Country?" Zhen Wanshou's eyes lit up. "I must go. I've never been to the treasury of North Cold Country. I must experience it!"
Li Changqing was also curious and wanted to see if he could find anything helpful for his son inside.
Even if he didn't find something for his son, finding something useful for himself was good too.
So after dinner, Li Changqing took Zhen Wanshou to the treasury of North Cold Country.
The treasury was in North Cold City, but it was in a small secret realm deep within the city.
The secret realm was guarded by the experts of North Cold Country.
When Li Changqing showed his token, the experts of North Cold Country did not stop him, allowing Li Changqing and Zhen Wanshou to step into the secret realm.
A flash of light passed, and the scene slowly returned to normal.
The two were now under an ice valley, and beneath the ice valley was a huge cyan door that seemed to sense the presence of Li Changqing and Zhen Wanshou. The cyan door slowly opened.
As it opened, a dazzling light burst forth, as if to engulf them both!
The radiance from the treasures inside made Li Changqing and Zhen Wanshou feel suffocated.
Li Changqing felt the urge to take away all the treasures in the place.
But he could sense a powerful formation within the secret realm. If he really took everything, the realm would likely close, trapping him inside, or he might even perish with the destruction of the realm.
"This is the treasury of North Cold Country. It's huge!"
Zhen Wanshou looked at the many treasures in the treasury, unable to take it all in.
Li Changqing also looked at the numerous items, but he recognized very few.
Rare ores, paintings hanging on the walls, peculiar treasures, and countless ancient heavenly materials.
"My God, look at this." At that moment, Zhen Wanshou exclaimed and called out to Li Changqing.
Li Changqing looked up and saw a blood-red longsword standing tall. The sword was shrouded in a silver glow, emitting a unique aura that stirred the sword intent within Li Changqing.
"The Red Phosphorus Sword," Zhen Wanshou remarked with admiration. "Ranked forty-first on the Divine Weapon List, I've finally seen it today."
"Li Changqing, come and feel it. You've never touched such a fine sword in your life, have you?" Zhen Wanshou urged, fixated on the Red Phosphorus Sword.
"I have," Li Changqing replied indifferently. "I've used the Thousand Snow Sword to chop wood."
"What? The Thousand Snow Sword?"
Zhen Wanshou burst into laughter and said, "Keep dreaming, Li Changqing. You tell a good tale. The Thousand Snow Sword to chop wood? Xue Qianbai would chop you first!"