Chapter 399: Will Not Live More Than Five Years (4200 words)
After Empress Shi passed away, the King of Qin followed his wife's last wishes and kept the funeral simple.
In the customs of the Qin state, the funerals of parents were generally presided over by their children.
Therefore, at Empress Shi's funeral, Qin Siyao, as the only legitimate daughter of the current Qin ruler, forced back her tears and presided over the funeral for her mother, watching her mother being buried.
After the funeral, Qin Siyao, dressed in mourning clothes, knelt in the ancestral temple to pray for her mother.
Xiao Mo arrived at the ancestral temple.
The woman straightened her back, raised her head, and looked at the memorial tablets of her mother, eldest brother, and second brother.
Beneath the woman's long eyelashes, her glassy eyes blinked gently, as if she were lost in thought.
Perhaps she was reminiscing about her childhood, those days that can never be returned to.
Xiao Mo stepped forward, lit three incense sticks, bowed, and then sat down next to Qin Siyao.
Xiao Mo gently pulled the woman into his arms and said softly, "Don't hold it in anymore. If crying makes you feel better, then cry it out."
Nestled in Xiao Mo's arms, Qin Siyao gripped his collar tightly.
Soon, Xiao Mo felt Si Yao trembling.
Her tears soaked Xiao Mo's clothes.
At first, Qin Siyao was just crying softly.
But the further we go, the more difficult it becomes.
Her tears flowed uncontrollably.
She gripped Xiao Mo's clothes even tighter.
Her cries were becoming increasingly heartbreaking.
The person who left her was the one who was strictest with her, but also the one who loved her the most.
After crying for an unknown amount of time, Qin Siyao gradually calmed down in Xiao Mo's arms.
When Xiao Mo lowered his head, Qin Siyao was still clutching the shirt on Xiao Mo's chest, but she had cried all her strength out and quietly fell asleep in Xiao Mo's arms.
Xiao Mo picked up Qin Siyao and carried her back to her palace.
When Peanut saw the princess in Frost King's arms, his heart ached.
Peanut quickly filled a basin with water and helped Qin Siyao wipe away the tears on her face.
"Young master, please go ahead with your work. Your Highness the princess can be taken care of by this servant."
Peanut said to Xiao Mo.
When Xiao Mo was young, Peanut called him Young Master.
Xiao Mo has grown up and been granted a noble title, but Peanut still addresses him as "Young Master".
It seems that no matter how old or what status Xiao Mo is, in Peanut's eyes, he has never changed.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Sister Peanut." Xiao Mo nodded and gave Qin Siyao a deep look.
"Please rest assured, young master. Although Her Highness the princess may appear incredibly frail, she is actually very strong," Peanut reassured Xiao Mo. "She is stronger than we imagine."
"I know."
Xiao Mo gazed at the sleeping woman.
"I know."
A few days later, after sorting through her mother's belongings, Qin Siyao returned to the Imperial Study to help her father with state affairs.
In the evening, Qin Siyao would leave the Imperial Study and return to the Frost Prince's Mansion to prepare dinner for Xiao Mo.
In the evening, the two would look at the starry sky together and chat as usual.
However, unlike before, Qin Siyao now takes the initiative to cultivate.
In the past, Qin Siyao's cultivation was passive. Only after Xiao Mo's realm improved and he gained a longer lifespan would Qin Siyao slowly begin to cultivate.
But now, Qin Siyao's enthusiasm for cultivation is much higher than before.
"Xiao Mo, from now on, I will stand by your side!"
Seeing Qin Siyao's earnest cultivation, Xiao Mo recalled what she had said before.
For a moment, Xiao Mo didn't know whether he should be happy or sigh.
If he could, Xiao Mo wished that the girl in front of him would never grow up.
But the world seemed to be pushing her forward relentlessly.
Aside from cultivation, Qin Siyao would also ask Xiao Mo about some court politics.
Xiao Mo spoke frankly and openly about these matters of the court, sharing his insights without reservation.
Qin Siyao was often surprised by Xiao Mo's broad vision.
Qin Siyao knew that Xiao Mo had some knowledge of the court, but she didn't expect him to know it so well.
She always felt that Xiao Mo was not just a general who could lead troops into battle, but rather someone who had been immersed in the officialdom of the imperial court for many years.
Before we knew it, another year had passed.
Xiao Mo received information from Huang Lou that the Qi Kingdom had sent an envoy to Wan Dao Kingdom in hopes of obtaining their assistance.
The so-called "Ten Thousand Islands Nation" is a country composed of tens of thousands of islands of varying sizes located in the Tianyun Sea.
The ruler of the Wandao Kingdom is an Ascension Realm cultivator who rules over the entire sea area.
The Kingdom of Ten Thousand Islands claims to be a country, but it is actually just a sect disguised as one.
One reason why the State of Qi remained a hegemon during the Warring States period for a thousand years was that Qi was located by the sea and frequently traded with the island nation of Wandao, which allowed it to accumulate considerable wealth.
Because the State of Qi frequently interacted with the State of Wandao, the relationship between the two states was actually quite close.
This time, the Qin state had almost unified the entire world, except for the Qi state and half of the Zhao state, so the Qi state was naturally panicked.
Therefore, the State of Qi planned to seek help from the State of Wandao, and what it offered was the land of Wanfa Tianxia and various blessed lands and grotto heavens.
Besides, the collusion between the Zhao state and the demon race has been going on for quite some time.
The human race and the demon race once signed a pact that neither side would interfere in the other's wars.
However, at present, no one in the demon realm has objected to the direct military expeditions of Xigu Kingdom and Liuhuo Kingdom to the human realm.
This shows that the demon race had already tacitly approved of this matter.
Xiao Mo could understand the idea of the demon race ruling the world.
Nowadays, the various races in the demon realm are entangled in hatred and conflict, fighting amongst themselves and frequently engaging in internal strife.
If the human race were to engage in chaotic warfare and internal strife with them, they could accept it.
But now, the human race, which governs all laws, is about to be unified. How can this be allowed?
How can the demon race sleep peacefully under such circumstances?
Although the involvement of external forces would make the war more difficult than before, Xiao Mo never thought of backing down.
This is the best opportunity to unify all laws under heaven. If we miss it, who knows how many thousands or tens of thousands of years we will have to wait.
Moreover, Xiao Mo's side was not unprepared.
Besides training elite troops and recruiting new soldiers, Xiao Mo ordered his generals to "visit" the sects in the mountains.
Since these sects are within the territory of Qin, they must obey the command of Qin!
Xiao Mo demanded that these cultivation sects send 40% to 50% of their cultivators to join the Qin army, with a cultivation level of at least Foundation Establishment.
If they disagree, the Snow-Treading Dragon Riders will flatten all these places!
Anyway, the blessed lands and grotto-heavens remain unchanged, while the sects come and go.
Once one sect is destroyed, a new one can be established.
At first, there were indeed a few troublesome sects that did not want to heed the call of the Qin Kingdom, thinking that the war of your dynasty had nothing to do with their sect.
However, after Xiao Mo actually destroyed several sects, the subsequent sects immediately became obedient and cooperated.
Even some sects with ancestors at the Ascension Realm or Immortal Realm do not want to confront the Qin Kingdom head-on.
Firstly, these cultivators in the upper three realms value their lives highly, and secondly, Xiao Mo has a well-known reputation. They genuinely believe that Xiao Mo, in a fit of anger, would order the Snow-Treading Dragon Riders to charge towards their sect.
Secondly, the treatment offered by the Qin state was indeed quite good.
If cultivators don't want military merits and titles, then the Qin Kingdom will give them even more rare and precious materials.
Moreover, Xiao Mo was extremely generous, giving far more than the sect rewards they received for their missions.
Therefore, instead of opposing the Qin state, these sects would rather send their disciples to join the army, which would not only allow the disciples to gain experience, but also allow them to collect a portion of the profits.
Finally, Xiao Mo went to Tianji City.
Tianji City is located in the Chu region.
The city lord of Tianji City is a cultivator at the Immortal Realm, whose "Tianyan Technique" can deduce heavenly secrets.
Tianji City has always maintained a neutral stance, and its disciples often perform divination for disciples of various sects and even independent cultivators.
Therefore, Tianji City has accumulated a lot of connections, and all the successive Kings of Chu have treated the city lord of Tianji City with courtesy.
But Xiao Mo didn't care about any of that.
Most of the disciples of Tianji City are Taoist or Yin-Yang practitioners, skilled in formations. Xiao Mo will need them greatly in the upcoming battle.
Just as Xiao Mo personally led his army to the city of Tianji,
The city lord of Tianji City was already waiting at the city gate with his disciples.
"This old man, Wei Xingzi, pays his respects to the Frost King."
The city lord of Tianji City bowed respectfully to Xiao Mo.
Seeing that the other party treated him with courtesy, Xiao Mo naturally put away his sharp edge.
Xiao Mo dismounted and quickly stepped forward to bow to the City Lord of Tianji City in return: "Xiao Mo of Qin Kingdom greets the old City Lord. We apologize for our unannounced visit today."
"You flatter me, Frost King," Wei Xingzi said with a smile, humbling herself to give Xiao Mo face. "I have long admired your name, Frost King. Meeting you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary. Not only do you have the majestic presence of a lion, but you also possess the refined elegance of a scholar."
"You flatter me, senior. I have long admired your wisdom and resourcefulness, but I am usually very busy and have not been able to visit you. I hope you will forgive me."
Xiao Mo also flattered the other party, referring to himself as a junior.
Anyway, nice words don't cost money, so you can say as much as the other person wants to hear.
"Haha, it is my honor to be remembered by the Frost King. Please come in, Frost King. I have already prepared a banquet. Please do not find it offensive."
"You're too kind, senior. Please come in."
Xiao Mo, accompanied by his three deputy generals, entered Tianji City together with the city lord of Tianji City.
At the city lord's mansion, Wei Xingzi treated Xiao Mo and the others to a good meal.
The two chatted about trivial matters, and Xiao Mo did not bring up the important matter.
After several rounds of drinks, the City Lord of Tianji City, being quite sensible, took the initiative to bring it up: "The Qin Kingdom is currently at a critical juncture, and the Wan Island Kingdom and the Demon Clan dare to interfere in the affairs of our Wanfa World. I really can't stand by and watch."
"If the Frost King does not mind, my Heavenly Mystery City is willing to send half of its disciples to accompany the general on this expedition, to do my part in this humble effort."
"Thank you, senior! With the help of Tianji City, I believe I will be able to defeat the Wan Island Kingdom and the demon race, and unify the world!" Xiao Mo bowed respectfully. "Furthermore, I can assure you on behalf of His Majesty that Tianji City will remain independent in the future, and if there is anything we can do to help, my Qin Kingdom will lend a hand."
"Haha, Frost King, you are too kind. This is what we at Heavenly Mystery City should do. But since Frost King has said so, then this old man thanks you."
Wei Xingzi smiled and offered Xiao Mo a glass of wine.
The two sides became increasingly pleased with each other's conversation.
At first, Wei Xingzi was only trying to flatter the other party because he was the Frost King of Qin and was worried that the other party might actually do something to Tianji City, so he tried his best to be nice and chatted happily.
However, later, Wei Xingzi discovered that this person's speech and knowledge were indeed beyond her imagination, giving people a feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze. As the two chatted, they even developed a sense of friendship despite their age difference.
“I haven’t performed divination for anyone in recent days. If the Frost King agrees, I can perform divination for him.”
Taking advantage of the intoxication from the spirit wine, Wei Xingzi blushed and stroked his beard as he spoke to Xiao Mo.
"I'm not bragging, but my Heavenly Evolution Technique is quite powerful."
“Of course, I would also like to see the Heavenly Evolution Technique, which is known as an ancient divine art,” Xiao Mo said with a smile.
"Haha, no problem, no problem. Frost King, please follow me."
Led by Wei Xingzi, Xiao Mo arrived at a pavilion.
Upon entering the attic, Xiao Mo was met with complete darkness.
Even though it was daytime, this attic blocked out all outside light.
However, Xiao Mo was not worried that Wei Xingzi would be of no benefit to him.
It's simple, he doesn't dare.
"Please wait a moment, Frost King."
Wei Xingzi spoke up, then stepped onto the core of the magic array in the building.
In an instant, the light from the magic array illuminated the entire pavilion.
Xiao Mo looked around.
The floor of the attic has a yin-yang pattern.
Looking up, I saw a sky full of stars.
All around, Taoist and Yin-Yang symbols were constantly floating around.
"Frost King, please come here," Wei Xingzi said to Xiao Mo.
Xiao Mo nodded and walked up to Wei Xingzi.
Wei Xingzi handed a blank yellow talisman to Xiao Mo: "If Frost King trusts me, please write down my birth date and time."
Xiao Mo took the talisman, glanced at Wei Xingzi, and wrote down her birth date and time.
"What does the Frost King wish to ask?" Wei Xingzi asked with a smile.
Xiao Mo thought for a moment: "Lifespan."
The passing of those around him made Xiao Mo realize that anything can happen, especially when one is on the battlefield of the imperial court.
So Xiao Mo wanted to calculate how much time he had and whether he could finish what he needed to do.
"good."
Wei Xingzi nodded, took the talisman, and lit it with magic.
The ashes of the talisman fell into the magic circle.
The formation beneath Xiao Mo's feet changed, and the stars above his head spun continuously.
Wei Xingzi sat cross-legged on the ground, his body enveloped in rich Daoist energy.
Xiao Mo didn't know how long it would take, but he wasn't in a hurry, so he waited silently.
About an incense stick's time later, Wei Xingzi suddenly opened her eyes, her face deathly pale, and she coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"senior!"
Xiao Mo was startled and quickly stepped forward.
"It's alright." After calming down, Wei Xingzi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and waved his hand. "The cause and effect is just too great, but fortunately, I have managed to glimpse a corner of the secrets of heaven."
"What is the cause and effect?" Xiao Mo asked.
Wei Xingzi gripped Xiao Mo's arm, her aged hand trembling noticeably.
"Please forgive me, Frost King, for the cause and effect of this matter; this old man truly cannot speak of it."
but!
As for the lifespan that the Frost King inquired about, this old man can tell you!
"If Frost King believes my words, he may resign from his post and leave the court. With Frost King's talent, he will surely ascend to the Third Realm in the future, and there will be nowhere in the world he cannot go."
"What if I don't leave?" Xiao Mo asked, frowning.
"If the Frost King does not leave."
Wei Xingzi's throat bobbed.
"Your lifespan is probably no more than five years."
(End of this chapter)
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