Otherworld Advance Team-Chapter 1773 - 1766: Emperor Wu’s Intent

On the seventh day of arriving at Shengyuan Qilan, Ichuan Fei sent someone to visit, inviting Luo’er to be a guest at his mansion.

As mentioned before, although Ichuan Fei is merely a records officer, he is still considered a capital official, so he has his own mansion in the Capital City. His mansion is very close to the royal palace, so if Luo’er wants to come, he must travel through at least two districts.

After receiving the invitation, Luo’er discussed it with everyone and decided to take Feng with him to Ichuan Fei’s mansion alone.

Of course, aside from Feng, Luo’er was also accompanied by the inseparable Fulajie’er. He did not continue to bring Tang Guo, because the Wen Family had no prejudice against the Demon Clan, and it was unnecessary to always provoke them with a child.

With Feng at his side, Luo’er took a carriage to Ichuan Fei’s mansion. After passing through the bustling districts, he arrived in the relatively quiet Western District, an area where dignitaries reside, making it much quieter.

Upon arriving at the mansion’s gate, Luo’er, supported by Feng, slowly stepped down from the carriage. Ichuan Fei was waiting at the gate to welcome him and, upon seeing Luo’er’s arrival, immediately approached with a cheerful smile.

"Welcome, National Master, to my humble abode," Ichuan Fei greeted with a smile.

"Are you flattering me?" Luo’er asked with a wry smile.

"Does the Young Lord dislike this title?" Ichuan Fei asked.

"I should say, I do not wish to accept any official position or title from your Dongsheng Empire. We have come from afar, not to take up posts." Luo’er stated directly.

"I understand this; you are all gentlemen of noble character and naturally don’t wish to be tainted by worldly affairs," Ichuan Fei nodded and said.

"I came to Shengjing mainly to coordinate the war efforts between the Dongsheng Empire and West Outer Heaven," Luo’er continued.

"Of course," Ichuan Fei nodded repeatedly, "I am naturally aware of the Manor Lord’s purpose in coming here and his determination, but..."

He paused and then continued, "If the Manor Lord wishes to gain a promise from the Emperor, I think you must comply with his wishes. I believe the Manor Lord has seen that whatever the Emperor desires, no one can oppose him, including the Cabinet."

"That’s why I agreed to this so-called title." Luo’er sighed deeply.

"The reason I invited the Manor Lord here is indeed to discuss this matter," Ichuan Fei said.

"Discuss what?" Luo’er paused briefly, instinctively asking.

"Doesn’t the Manor Lord find it inconvenient to talk at the door? Would you care to step inside for a feast?" Ichuan Fei smiled, gesturing with his hand to invite him in.

"Apologies, it seems I forgot my manners." Luo’er pursed his lips and followed Ichuan Fei into his mansion.

They passed through the courtyard’s archway and arrived at the garden pavilion in the mansion’s backyard, where Ichuan Fei had already prepared a sumptuous meal, just waiting for Luo’er to sit.

Though Ichuan Fei’s mansion wasn’t big enough to accommodate the Advance Team, it possessed its own unique charm, especially with a variety of herbal and bushy plants filling the courtyard.

"Young Mansion indeed has a refined taste," seated at the table, Luo’er remarked as he glanced around, then looked at Ichuan Fei.

"You flatter me, National Master, I have no such refined taste; these are all medicinal herbs the Emperor needs for cultivation. While most herbs from the states are presented in dried form, some need to be kept fresh, so as a records officer, I can only plant these medicinal herbs at home for the Emperor’s occasional needs," Ichuan Fei chuckled as he explained.

"Is that so? It seems the Young Lord is indeed a diligent person," Luo’er complimented.

He noticed a low-growing herb plant near the pavilion which looked familiar and couldn’t help but glance at it several times.

"This is Long Tanxiang, a Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure unique to Kyushu, a precious item for cultivation. It only grows in a few states and typically in deep mountains and old forests, making it hard to cultivate. Transplanting it to my mansion was not easy," Ichuan Fei hurriedly explained.

Whether an illusion or not, Luo’er felt Ichuan Fei appeared somewhat flustered, prompting Luo’er to remain cautious.

Long Tanxiang?

Luo’er pondered for a moment, suddenly recalling the scene when he first heard this name. After thinking for a moment, he turned to look at Feng behind him and gave a signal with his eyes.

At this time, Feng wore a Ghost Race mask, and the scabbard on his back had shifted to his waist; it was, of course, a reverse blade, for Kedal metal’s resilience was not to be trifled with.

Being a teammate with a mutual understanding, Feng, after seeing Luo’er’s signal, thought for a moment and then immediately understood Luo’er’s intent, nodding silently.

"Is the National Master interested in Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures?" Ichuan Fei cautiously inquired.

"No, just curious," Luo’er shook his head and gestured with his hand, "where we come from, magic does not rely on drugs."

"Magic... you mean cultivation?" Ichuan Fei asked.

"You could say that," Luo’er paused briefly, then continued, "it should be said it is another form of cultivation."

"I see..." Ichuan Fei nodded, his expression turning serious as he looked at Luo’er and continued, "The reason I invited the National Master here is exactly for this matter."

"Oh?"

"The Emperor... appointed the Manor Lord as National Master, nominally for presiding over a sacrificial ceremony, but in reality... the Emperor hopes that the Manor Lord... can assist him in cultivation." Ichuan Fei said somewhat hesitantly.

"Oh, the Emperor wants to learn magic?" Luo’er asked curiously.

"You could say that," Ichuan Fei nodded with pursed lips and cautiously asked, "is it possible, I mean, can it be done?"

"I don’t quite understand what the Young Lord means," Luo’er smiled and said.

"To be honest," Ichuan Fei took a deep breath, his expression serious, "the Emperor is not naturally inclined towards cultivation. Though he gained the throne by luck, he remains insecure, always seeking to enhance his realm, but..."

"Gained the throne by luck?"

"Ah," Ichuan Fei nodded, "the National Master should know that to become Emperor Wu, one must excel in the Royal Family’s internal competition, only the strongest among the Royal Family has the right to become Emperor Wu."

"If the Emperor’s strength is already low enough to make him insecure, then how did he manage to ascend to the throne?" Luo’er suddenly became aware of the issue.

"I am not quite sure; after all, it is an internal competition within the Royal Family. Despite being a close attendant, I have no way to interfere. Besides, at the time of the Emperor’s succession, I had not yet taken the role of records officer, so I was naturally unaware," Ichuan Fei’s words sounded somewhat like an evasion.

"So, the Young Lord hopes I can guide the Emperor in cultivation to enhance his realm?" Luo’er asked tentatively.

"Can it be done?" Ichuan Fei asked eagerly.

"Why ask this way," Luo’er squinted and said, "does the Young Lord want me to say yes or no?"

"Uh..." Ichuan Fei hesitated clearly.

"Actually..." After thinking for a moment, he coughed lightly and said, "I personally believe that as the Emperor is over fifty and holds a high position, striving for realm improvement has no significance. Instead, it would be better to consider nurturing the two princesses and seeing who is better suited to succeed as Emperor Wu."

Ichuan Fei’s words were not unreasonable. As the Emperor is already Emperor Wu, worrying about insufficient realm truly holds little significance.

It is important to note that although the Dongsheng Empire values martial prowess, filial piety is also one of its fundamental principles. Hence, regardless of the Emperor Wu’s strength, the two princesses cannot challenge their father for the throne.

Only when Emperor Wu passes away or voluntarily abdicates can the two princesses have the right to inherit the throne, and only then is it necessary to consider the tradition of valuing martial prowess.

It seems that the true purpose of Emperor Wu conferring the title of National Master upon Luo’er, along with granting a noble rank and fief, is to have Luo’er assist him in his cultivation.

Although he knows that Luo’er’s team includes experts in the Nascent Soul Realm, Emperor Wu clearly understands the saying that aptitude determines realm. Therefore, he does not intend to seek a higher realm through conventional means but decides to take a different path and learn magic from Luo’er.

The essence of cultivation lies in magic. If magic requires stringent aptitude, cultivation demands more stringent aptitude. Moreover, only the people of the East Continent can cultivate, whereas people from the Western Continent, including subhuman races, are unable to cultivate.

Through Ichuan Fei’s words, Luo’er could clearly feel the Wen Family Court’s attitude towards this. They seem to view it as entirely unnecessary, nor do they give it much importance.

After all, Emperor Wu is merely a symbol of the Empire; the real power lies with the Wen Family Court, led by the Cabinet.

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