parentshiftbook Chapter 355 The Power of Ritual, The Day of Coronation
Chapter 355 The Power of Ritual, The Day of Coronation
Chapter 355 The Power of Ritual, The Day of Coronation
On that day, Li Xijun readily accepted the respect and invitation from the members of the Grandmasters Association.
As the sky outside the window gradually darkened and the streetlights came on, he politely declined any further attempts to persuade him to stay and gracefully departed.
His figure blended into the bustling crowds of the capital, as if he were enveloped in an invisible ripple. Pedestrians subconsciously avoided him, their gazes becoming blurred and difficult to focus when they passed by him, naturally ignoring his presence.
Li Xijun strolled slowly along the Imperial Street that led directly to the Forbidden City.
Compared to his memory, he keenly noticed that the capital city seemed even more bustling now.
It's not just about prosperity, but a kind of loud and boisterous atmosphere with a stronger sense of confidence.
With his control over the power, he could clearly "hear" that the invisible will of all living beings pervading the sky above the capital was becoming even more fervent and vigorous.
The anticipation, confidence, and subtle excitement contained within were like an undercurrent surging.
Clearly, news of his return today has spread, which has had a great effect on calming people's hearts and boosting morale.
Although Su Youli is recognized as having inherited the power of the White Dragon King, possessing boundless potential and unfathomable strength, comparable to the Seven Gods, she ultimately lacks the substantial and illustrious achievements of someone like Li Xijun to support her.
Li Xijun, from his sudden emergence at the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament to his illustrious achievements of slaying three Angel Kings and killing many angels outside the capital, has long been deeply ingrained in people's hearts and has become the most solid foundation of confidence for Dasheng in the face of Western threats.
His return was like a stabilizing force, instantly calming the panic that had spread from the capital.
"That's actually a good thing..."
'
As Li Xijun strolled along, he nodded slightly, calmly observing the scenes unfolding on the streets of the capital, much like an ordinary pedestrian.
At a small stall set up outside an ordinary tavern, three men who had just finished their work gathered around a small table, drinking until their faces were flushed with alcohol while eating a few dishes of peanuts and a plate of fried liver.
"Hiccup—I told you, those foreign devils wouldn't make a difference this time." The man dressed as a rickshaw driver hiccuped, slammed his hand on the table, and the bowls and plates rattled.
"That's right! Damn it, did they think we were as easy to bully as we were decades ago?" the dockworker grumbled in agreement. "Now that His Highness the True Lord is back! And with the Ninth Princess in charge, our Great Sheng is teeming with experts!"
"Yes, yes, yes! We will win this battle! Come on, for His Highness, bottoms up!" The third man raised his rough porcelain wine bowl, his emotions running high.
On the other side, an ordinary mother and daughter were coming out of a shop. The woman was carrying large and small bags, while the little girl was gazing longingly at the "Daohuacun" pastry shop diagonally across the street.
"Mommy, why did you buy so much food?" the little girl asked, tilting her head up.
"Sigh, it's because I heard those foreign devils are going to cause trouble again, so I stock up on more to put my mind at ease," the woman sighed.
The little girl seemed to understand, but her attention was quickly drawn to the pastry shop: "Then—can I buy another pack of jujube paste cake?"
Upon hearing this, the woman, who was dressed normally, frowned and tapped her daughter's forehead hard: "All you know is how to eat jujube cake! I think you look just like a jujube cake!"
As she said this, her feet involuntarily turned towards Daohua Village, and she said to the waiter inside, "Hey, give me another bag of jujube paste cake!"
She took the oil paper package and stuffed it into her daughter's arms, still with a stern face: "It's agreed, you're only allowed one piece a day!"
"Eating too much will give you a toothache, you hear me?"
The little girl hugged the jujube cake she had been longing for, her face immediately lighting up with a smile, having completely forgotten the words of advice.
All sorts of trivial yet real daily life, carrying the small joys and sorrows and resilience of ordinary people in chaotic times, fell into Li Xijun's eyes.
He didn't stop, nor did he show any particular emotion; he simply watched everything calmly.
These people, who felt somewhat relieved by his return, these ordinary people who still tried to maintain their lives and protect their small happiness under the shadow of war, their wishes and expectations flowed like trickles into the ocean of burning wishes that he perceived.
This caused Li Xijun to quicken her pace even more, instead of stopping.
A moment later, at the inner city gate of the Forbidden City, although the inner palace was practically useless to Li Xijun given his current status and power, he did not rush in directly. Instead, he had the eunuch standing at the gate announce his arrival.
Then, he followed the guard who was leading the way to the Imperial Study.
As he appeared, every palace maid, eunuch, and guard he encountered along the way bowed deeply, lowered their heads, and addressed him with utmost respect as "Your Highness." Their reverence was palpable.
Upon entering the Imperial Study, a scent mingled with the aroma of books and ambergris wafted towards them.
At this moment, the imperial study was bustling with people, quite "lively".
But then he saw Wen Zhiyin and Li Boyan standing on either side of the imperial desk, assisting him.
Wen Zhiyin buried himself in the mountain of memorials, writing furiously and reviewing them for approval.
Li Boyan would occasionally whisper a few words of advice to Su Youli, who was sitting in the main seat, clearly giving the soon-to-be-crowned princess a final indoctrination on the ways of the emperor.
On a soft couch on one side of the imperial study, the old emperor leaned back, his face withered and his breath weak as a candle in the wind. Only in his deep-set eyes did a glimmer of clear consciousness occasionally flash.
Grandpa Hua served him carefully from the side, his face full of worry.
Now that Li Xijun had already made the White Dragon King's innate supernatural power his own, he saw through the old emperor's true intentions at a glance.
Its life force had long since withered away, and now it was only thanks to a powerful force of time that the pace of death was forcibly slowed down, allowing this body to maintain its "existence," like an image forcibly frozen on the banks of the river of time.
His arrival immediately drew everyone's attention.
Su Youli, who had been sitting upright and trying to maintain her dignity, had her glass-like eyes light up the moment she saw him.
Although she was still wearing the extremely loose and heavy noble prince's robes that symbolized her status as the crown prince, her movements were exactly the same as when she was in Tianjin.
Like a fledgling returning to its nest, she suddenly stood up from behind the throne, even knocking over a stool. Under the slightly astonished gazes of Wen Zhiyin and Li Boyan, she quickly ran across the imperial desk and threw herself into Li Xijun's arms.
"hope————Xijun————"
She buried her head deep in his chest, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.
A thousand words stuck in my chest; the separation of more than a year, the heavy burden on my shoulders, and the uncertainty about the future all seemed to find an outlet at this moment.
This second-in-command of all time, who possessed the power of the White Dragon King and was chosen by the destiny of humanity, still expressed affection in the same way after his emotional outburst.
She simply rubbed her smooth, delicate cheek against him, clinging to him in a dependent way, like a young animal seeking comfort and reassurance.
Inside the Imperial Study, the eyes of Wen Zhiyin, Li Boyan, the old emperor, and even Eunuch Hua, the four "old fellows," all fell on the two embracing, their eyes filled with relief, emotion, and even a hint of maternal love, as if "my daughter has come of age."
Being stared at by these four gazes was almost unbearable, even for someone as composed and strong as Li Xijun.
He gently patted Su Youli's back and said softly, "Alright, Youli, there are still many important matters to attend to."
Su Youli reluctantly raised her head, her eyes slightly red, but she obediently nodded. Under Li Xijun's comforting words, she returned to her seat behind the imperial desk, turning back every few steps, though her hand holding the vermilion brush trembled slightly.
Li Xijun then turned his gaze to the old emperor on the soft couch, his expression returning to calm. He bowed respectfully and asked directly, "Your Majesty has persisted until now, presumably waiting for my return. Now that I have arrived, I wonder if Your Majesty—has any further words of advice?"
The old emperor's cloudy gaze slowly focused on Li Xijun's face. His voice was dry and slow, as if each word required immense effort: "I—am already a dead man. It is only thanks to Youli's time-manipulation ability—defying the heavens—that I can temporarily remain in this world."
He paused, took a few breaths, and continued, "I—sense it. The Seven Gods—are rapidly awakening, and their return—is likely the day after tomorrow."
"Therefore, I have decided to abdicate the day after tomorrow. The enthronement ceremony for the new emperor will also be held the day after tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, a knowing glint flashed in Li Xijun's eyes.
He knew that the rules of this world were special, and that the "ritual" itself contained powerful energy.
The return of the seven gods is a ritual, and the ascension of a new emperor is also a grand ritual that can shake the world and gather the power of all living beings.
At the same time, Li Boyan chimed in, explaining, "When the Seven Gods awaken and return, they habitually use their divine power to manifest miracles, allowing the beings of the Western Continent and even parts of the Eastern Continent to witness their magnificent glory." This is a common method they use to harvest faith and create believers.
"And our Great Sheng also has its methods. When a new emperor ascends the throne, the court will use secret methods to hold a grand ceremony, so that the scene and spectacle of the new emperor's ascension can be manifested throughout the Eastern Continent, so that all the people of the world can witness it."
"At that time, the new emperor's words can also be spread far and wide through the power of the ceremony."
"Usually, a new emperor will announce tax cuts, amnesties, and other benevolent measures at this time, when the people's hearts are most stirred and their will is most powerful and vast."
"At that time, both Your Highness and Empress Youli will receive the blessing of the entire nation's wishes, and their influence will reach its peak!"
Li Xijun nodded slightly after hearing this, inwardly praising it.
Although the people of this world did not have the advanced global live streaming technology of the main world, the way they gathered and manifested the will of all beings through rituals was still very mysterious and effective.
He had originally planned to use his powerful divine sense, which covered the earth, to forcefully spread his teachings to the world. Now it seems that using the enthronement ceremony would be more effective and more in line with the rules of this world.
Afterwards, the group discussed for a while the specific details of the coronation ceremony and strategies for dealing with the return of the Seven Gods.
As darkness deepened outside, the old emperor, as if using his last ounce of strength, looked at Li Xijun with a deep gaze and made his final arrangements: "There is one last thing—Xijun, you shall not leave tonight. Stay in Youli Palace."
Upon hearing this, the imperial study fell silent.
The old emperor's voice was weak but carried an undeniable authority: "You and Youli each bear the power and strength of the White Dragon King. Power and strength are inherently one, complementing each other. The two of you—should also be together at all times, and as soon as possible—truly become one."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Li Xijun and Su Youli, carrying a hint of elder's expectation: "If you could—give birth soon to a child who can carry the power of the White Dragon King for both of you—that would be a blessing for the royal family, a blessing for the court, and even more so—a blessing for all the people under heaven."
Upon hearing this, Wen Zhiyin and Li Boyan both stroked their beards and nodded, their faces showing deep agreement.
Eunuch Hua quickly bowed and echoed in a shrill voice, "Your Majesty is wise! If the True Lord and Her Highness the Princess were to have an heir, it would be a blessing for the nation!"
Su Youli, who was called out, was already blushing so deeply that she almost buried her face in the wide robes of the crown prince. The vermilion pen in her hand fell onto the memorial with a "thud," staining it red.
Li Xijun was stunned for a moment, never expecting that the old emperor's last words before his death would be this.
He turned to look at the blushing Su Youli, a slight smile playing on his lips, showing no sign of refusal.