Chapter 37 - Arc 3: Disaster at Sea | Chapter 37: Dong Lizhao
Translator: Lynn
Xu Ziqing was taken aback and burst into laughter, saying, “I’m not an immortal, just a cultivator.” Seeing that the boy’s cautiousness had diminished, he held his hand and led him back to the house.
He continued, “In ancient times, a true immortal wielded immense power to divide the world into two, creating eighteen continents, the upper and lower nine continents. These realms were connected and corresponded to each other, separating cultivators from those in the southern regions.”
The boy gradually became engrossed in Xu Ziqing’s words and couldn’t help but ponder and listen intently.
Xu Ziqing went on, “There is a ‘sealed heavenly rift’ between here and there, preventing cultivators from crossing over and southerners from coming here. You managed to arrive here… though I’m unsure why. I can only speculate that it might be related to the phenomenon in the sea.”
Puzzled, the boy asked, “You’re not an immortal, so how can you fly in the sky? Can cultivators also fly? Are you a cultivator? Are there many cultivators? Are there more powerful ones than you?” His curiosity poured out in a series of eager questions.
Observing the boy’s excitement, Xu Ziqing gently pressed him to sit on the edge of the bed and advised, “Just listen to what I have to say and refrain from getting too carried away.”
The boy held great reverence for Xu Ziqing, perceiving him as an unattainable cultivator. He felt compelled to show the utmost respect.
With a warm smile, Xu Ziqing explained, “A cultivator is not an immortal, but rather someone who harnesses the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to refine and advance their own cultivation. The techniques I demonstrated earlier are part of our practice. As for the art of flight, it is the manipulation of wind, nothing extraordinary. There are many individuals who have achieved greater mastery than me. I’m still a novice, having cultivated for only a short time. I dare not boast.”
“I’ve shared all that I can. The path of cultivation is heaven’s choice, and as you reside in the lower nine continents, you’re unable to embark on that path. It could be unsettling if you were to know too much.”
According to ancient texts, when the great powers established the world, they relocated all cultivators and those with spiritual roots to the upper nine continents. The lower nine continents had significantly weaker spiritual energy, resulting in scarce heavenly treasures over the years. It became increasingly difficult for individuals with spiritual roots to emerge. Early accounts of those aware of the existence of cultivators faded into history due to the passage of time. Later generations regarded cultivators as immortals, considering them nothing more than legends.
Having absorbed Xu Ziqing’s patient explanation, the boy, Dong Lizhao, finally regained his composure. He believed in Xu Ziqing and recognized him as the person who had saved his life.
Filled with remorse, he bowed down and apologized, “I am Dong Lizhao. I have been impolite towards you, and I hope you can forgive my hasty behavior.”
Observing the boy’s distress and understanding his guarded nature due to his own unique position, Xu Ziqing’s expression softened. He extended his hand, helping Dong Lizhao to his feet, and smiled, “Why would I blame you?” He added, “Your name is Dong Lizhao, right?”
Dong Lizhao confirmed, “Yes.”
A faint smile curved Xu Ziqing’s lips as he remarked, “You are from the south, and you also belong to the royal family.”
Dong Lizhao was taken aback and even raised his head, but upon seeing Xu Ziqing’s calm and gentle demeanor, he lowered his gaze and replied, “Yes.”
Xu Ziqing sighed and reached out to affectionately pat the top of Dong Lizhao’s head. “Don’t worry, I only learned about it because I sensed the presence of dragon energy within you.” He proceeded to explain the concept of dragon qi, but noticing Dong Lizhao’s fearful expression, he realized that being surrounded by cultivators had left him anxious.
Only then did Dong Lizhao breathe a sigh of relief and express his gratitude, “Thank you very much…”
Suddenly, Xu Ziqing recalled someone and his smile grew more pronounced. “Speaking of which, you shouldn’t thank me; you should thank someone else.”
Dong Lizhao was thoroughly perplexed, but as he saw Xu Ziqing closing his eyes, an intense sense of joy emanated from him. In the next moment, a chill enveloped Dong Lizhao, as if he had been transported to a frigid landscape of ice and snow.
And then, he saw a figure.
Perhaps it wasn’t truly a person. Although adorned in wide-sleeved robes and garbed in snow-white attire, the figure appeared ethereal, as if insubstantial.
Dong Lizhao merely glanced up, but in an instant, the figure swept past him, emitting a profound aura of malevolence that bore down on him. He jolted to his feet, drenched in a cold sweat, as if countless steel needles had pierced his body, causing a tingling sensation throughout. He was rendered speechless and unable to call out!
Every moment felt like being ensnared in a suffocating atmosphere of impending doom, caught in a relentless struggle between life and death, with no means of escape.
It all happened because of a single glance…
In reality, many people struggle to find a satisfactory solution to the matter. However, aware that his friend was testing him, Xu Ziqing chose not to intervene and instead said, “Brother Yun, don’t frighten Zhao’er.” He offered a gentle smile to Dong Lizhao, saying, “You are much younger than me, so I’ll call you that, alright?”
Upon seeing Xu Ziqing’s smile, Dong Lizhao truly felt like he had been given a new lease on life after a calamity.
Hearing Dong Lizhao address him in such a manner, Xu Ziqing accepted it with a smile and turned to Yun Lie, asking, “Brother Yun, what do you think?”
Yun Lie no longer wielded his authority to oppress people, so his presence only conveyed an air of coldness and solitude, which didn’t inflict as much pain on Dong Lizhao. His expression remained cold and unyielding as he responded, “Not suitable for someone with a weak constitution.”
Xu Ziqing smiled and replied, “Zhao’er’s body hasn’t fully recovered, so he isn’t in good health. There’s no need to be too harsh, Brother Yun.”
Yun Lie glanced at him and uttered, “Have you made up your mind?”
Xu Ziqing let out a soft sigh. “Yes.” He looked at Dong Lizhao and asked, “I wonder what Brother Yun thinks?”
Yun Lie stated, “I can do it.”
Xu Ziqing’s brows relaxed, and he said, “Since Brother Yun has agreed, I feel relieved.” He then turned to Dong Lizhao and said, “Although I sealed your dragon energy, it was Brother Yun who reminded me of it, and he also taught me the technique for sealing spirits. You should express your gratitude to Brother Yun.”
Dong Lizhao, who was cautious of Yun Lie, felt his heart tremble at those words but soon composed himself. He stepped forward and bowed, saying, “Dong Lizhao thanks Senior Yun for his assistance.”
Yun Lie flicked his sleeve, and Dong Lizhao naturally stood up. When he turned back, he felt a sense of warmth filling the room, only to realize that Yun Lie had disappeared.
Observing Dong Lizhao’s relieved expression, Xu Ziqing smiled and said, “Brother Yun is my lifelong best friend.”
Dong Lizhao already held a deep respect for Xu Ziqing and replied solemnly, “Zhao understands.” Then he tilted his head and asked, “What did you say to Senior Yun…?”
Xu Ziqing smiled faintly and said, “Nothing significant, just that I am determined to send you back to Lower Qizhou.”
Dong Lizhao was instantly overjoyed. “Sir, you are so kind!” However, his excitement waned, and he added with concern, “But this will cause you so much trouble. I’m afraid it will be difficult for you…”
Xu Ziqing reassured him, saying, “There is no trouble. Since I saved you, I will naturally see it through until the end. However, when I found you, you were gravely injured. You should tell me the reason behind it.”
Upon hearing these words, Dong Lizhao silently hung his head and replied, “Mr Xu’s kindness is as vast as a mountain, so Zhao… will not hide it from you.” And with that, he proceeded to recount the events leading up to his current situation.
It appeared that the Lower Nine Continents were divided into two countries situated on opposite sides. The southeastern country was known as Cheng Juan State, which spanned across five continents and boasted vast lands and a large population. The capital of this kingdom was located in the Lower Herb Region. Dong Lizhao happened to be the second son of the empress, with an older brother named Dong Lixi, who held the title of Crown Prince in the eastern palace.
Unfortunately, the ruler of the kingdom was foolish and favored a woman from the commoner class, known as Consort Phoenix. She held a position similar to that of the lord of the Phoenix Palace and had a son named Dong Lichang. Additionally, she had a brother who commanded the military and was titled General of the State. Consequently, although Dong Lixi was supported by the literati and held a position in the Eastern Palace, he had to yield to the military power of the General.
A few months ago, the lord of the kingdom passed away unexpectedly without leaving a clear successor. The rightful heir was supposed to be from the East Palace. However, while Dong Lixi and Dong Lichang were engaged in a game, the Great General of the State took the opportunity to act. He first killed the second, third, and fourth princes, as well as all the other princes and princesses, except for the first two sons and the fifth son. He also executed all the civil and military officials who had rebelled against him.
Both Dong Lixi and Dong Lizhao believed they would surely meet their demise as well. However, to their astonishment, the General decided to spare them and instead killed their nephew, Dong Lichang. Subsequently, the Empress and the Consort also met their demise, along with over a hundred ladies in the harem, who were slaughtered by the General.
Upon hearing this account, Xu Ziqing immediately furrowed his brows. This man’s madness and cruelty had led to horrific bloodshed!
When Dong Lizhao mentioned the deaths of the Empress and his brothers, his face twisted with a mixture of pain and hatred. His fists clenched, his nails dug into his flesh, and his body trembled. After a while, he managed to compose himself and continued speaking.
It was unclear when the Great General had managed to amass such a formidable force, far beyond what anyone had anticipated. He had the audacity to massacre the royal court, eliminate the palace inhabitants, and even Dong Lixi was powerless to resist.
Subsequently, Dong Lixi was imprisoned in the East Palace, while Dong Lizhao was thrown into Heavenly Prison, enduring unimaginable suffering at the hands of his captors.
After enduring a month of torment in prison, someone managed to infiltrate the facility at night and replace Dong Lizhao with a body double. He was then sent out to sea to seek help from neighboring allies. However, he had only traveled a few hundred miles before he was struck by arrows shot by pursuers. Realizing he wouldn’t survive, Dong Lizhao jumped off a cliff into the sea and miraculously ended up in Upper Qizhou.
Having listened to this harrowing story, Xu Ziqing sensed that recent events in the Chenghuang Kingdom were bizarre and unprecedented. The General’s act of slaughtering the imperial heirs, concubines in the harem, and courtiers who supported the rightful succession hinted at a plan to eliminate dissenters and usurp the throne.
But what could be the General’s true intentions?
Looking at it from another perspective, if the General wanted to use the emperor’s son as a hostage, he would have left only the young Dong Lizhao behind while removing Dong Lixi, the established successor. In that case, there would
have been no need to kill the courtiers.
Upon reflection, the General’s actions didn’t seem to make sense.
Unable to comprehend the situation fully, Xu Ziqing chose not to dwell on it and inquired, “Although I promised to send you back to Lower Qizhou, considering the gravity of the situation there, are you still willing to return?”
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