Chapter Fifty-One: The Immortal's Decree

Without a hint of hesitation, Ji Wu nodded and agreed. He had witnessed with his own eyes the scene of Xu Yuan “ascending to immortality.” In his heart, he was utterly convinced that Xu Yuan was an immortal. If an immortal offered him the chance to accomplish something great in the mortal world, refusing would be madness.

“Excellent,” Xu Yuan said, a trace of satisfaction showing on his face.

“Master Xu, when shall we act? If you could demonstrate even a small feat—moving mountains, conjuring soldiers from beans—your supreme power would surely inspire countless people to bow their heads in worship, submitting at once! When the time comes, I can rally them with a single call; how could we not succeed?” Ji Wu said eagerly.

“What are you thinking?” Xu Yuan shot him an annoyed look. “I have descended only as an incarnation, greatly limited. The help I can give you is quite restricted; the rest depends on your own efforts.”

He paused, then added, “However, if you ever face an enemy you absolutely cannot deal with, try to buy some time. If you can hold out until my incarnation descends again, and you are within a thousand miles of Qingshan County, then I might be able to help.”

He would not sweep away the old regime and hand Ji Wu the throne; such fortune did not exist. At most, Xu Yuan would help him overcome certain difficulties.

“Ah?” Ji Wu scratched his head. “Isn’t it true that Master Xu can descend for only one day each year?”

“Yes. I’m searching for loopholes—perhaps one hidden in the mortal world,” Xu Yuan nodded. There was nothing to hide; the young man had already deduced the pattern of his appearances, so it was better to be clear.

“The rules of heaven are so strict? Then, Master Xu, on that day you descend, can it be chosen freely? Is there any way I can contact you?”

“Immortal and mortal realms are separate,” Xu Yuan shook his head. “For now, it cannot be done.”

Ji Wu’s joy faded considerably. So, the help Xu Yuan could offer was truly limited—both by time and place.

“This is no easy task. You are free to refuse,” Xu Yuan understood well the difficulty. If Ji Wu was unwilling, he would simply seek another candidate.

“I am willing, of course,” Ji Wu replied firmly. After a moment, he asked, “May I ask, Master Xu, if I accomplish this great deed, could I attain immortality like you? Even just a glimpse of the heavenly palace would suffice!”

“There may be a chance,” Xu Yuan considered and nodded. “If one can descend, one can also ascend.”

“Good!” Ji Wu’s eyes shone with excitement. If there was a chance at immortality, how could he not try?

“Don’t rush headlong into this. It’s not achieved in a single day. When I am not here, you must rely on your own abilities. Be cautious—should you fall, I can do nothing.” Xu Yuan warned.

The path to greatness was fraught with risk. Even with Xu Yuan’s help, it was no guarantee. While Xu Yuan was absent from the mortal realm, Ji Wu would have little protection.

“I understand,” Ji Wu nodded repeatedly. Since ancient times, countless have sought greatness, but how many succeeded? Even with an immortal’s favor, no one could be guarded for life—only one day a year.

“Build high walls, store ample grain, delay proclaiming yourself king. Accumulate strength first; that is the foundation. With enough preparation, you can protect yourself even when I am not here.”

For the rest of the day, Xu Yuan and Ji Wu discussed the finer details. Having the ambition did not mean immediate action. He needed enough followers and a solid base—only then could he plan for greatness. To rush out and declare rebellion would only make him a target. Even if the court was rotten, it could endure for years.

He should proceed slowly, first raising his reputation, making connections with those who could help him in the future, and only after sufficient accumulation should he make his move.

He also needed to find and cultivate a group of loyal followers; one man alone could accomplish little. Xu Yuan could not help with this—if Ji Wu could not earn others’ trust, if he did not seem fit to be a leader, success would be out of reach.

Xu Yuan saw that change was upon them and gave Ji Wu a push, but the real effort must be Ji Wu’s own.

The day passed swiftly. Xu Yuan’s time to depart had come. Glancing at the darkening sky, Xu Yuan said, “Do not speak of this lightly, not even to your family. It’s not about trust—secrecy is paramount. If you declare your ambitions now, you’ll only make your family anxious.”

“Master Xu is right.”

Ji Wu understood well. “Unless I have gathered enough strength, I won’t step forward.”

“Good. When you return, study the histories—especially those of dynastic changes; they may inspire you,” Xu Yuan’s figure began to fade.

As his image dissolved, firefly-like sparks returned to the heavens. Ji Wu’s eyes shone with near-reverence.

He knew that Master Xu had returned to the sky. This time, however, Master Xu had entrusted him with a daunting task. If he succeeded, he would have a chance at immortality! With such stakes, he would risk everything.

A man born in this world should strive for greatness in life, and even in death, accept his fate with dignity. Master Xu had chosen him—he would either soar gloriously, or fall and perish. In any case, obscurity was no longer possible.

“Hm?” Filled with resolve, Ji Wu was about to leave, but remembered how, when Xu Yuan vanished before, Xiong Ba had rushed forward to pick up a peach blossom petal and swallowed it.

Focusing his attention, Ji Wu saw that in the place where Master Xu faded, indeed, a delicate peach blossom petal had fallen.

“Could Master Xu be an immortal born of a peach tree?” Ji Wu picked up the petal, pondering silently.

He shook his head, dismissing the absurd thought. Master Xu had said he was an incarnation; the petal was likely just a vessel.

Still, perhaps there was something mystical—after all, it was the object that carried the immortal’s incarnation. It might be imbued with immortal energy.

Cherishing the peach blossom petal left behind after Xu Yuan’s disappearance, Ji Wu hurried back to the Ji Family Escort Agency and locked his door.

Looking at the petal, still dewy and vibrant as if freshly fallen from the tree, Ji Wu hesitated for a moment, then mimicked Xiong Ba and placed it in his mouth.

One breath, two, three...

Nothing happened.

Ji Wu frowned, about to spit the petal out, when a strange power within him was suddenly stirred.

In an instant, the peach blossom petal vanished, replaced by a mysterious, ethereal, and powerful energy surging forth, cleansing his body!