Translator: CinderTL
A month later, Xu Sanyan proclaimed himself emperor to the world, establishing the new dynasty "Sui" with the era name "Chengping."
His ascension to the throne faced little resistance, save for a few old ministers who chose death over submission, and Xu Sanyan granted them their wish.
For those who dared to oppose him, Xu Sanyan adhered to one principle:
Kill!
While there were those unafraid of death, the majority feared it. In many remote regions, people were still unaware that a new emperor had taken the throne.
Xu Sanyan's first imperial decree after his coronation was to demand the tribute of precious medicine from all regions.
...
In the palace, within the Chengming Hall, Xu Sanyan sat casually on the dragon throne, dressed in the Dragon Robe, his expression indifferent as he gazed at the officials below.
One minister, holding a Ceremonial Tablet, stepped forward from the crowd and declared loudly, "Your Majesty, I wish to impeach Zhao Shengwu!"
"Speak," Xu Sanyan showed a hint of interest. Everyone knew Zhao Shengwu was his trusted confidant, who had worked tirelessly and made significant contributions to his ascension. Who would dare impeach him?
Zhao Shengwu turned to look at the accuser, sneering inwardly, unperturbed.
The old minister proclaimed, "Zhao Shengwu is guilty of corruption, accepting bribes, and selling official positions. He values wealth over talent, and the officials he appoints only exploit the people, causing widespread resentment in many regions. I implore Your Majesty to investigate."
Xu Sanyan nodded slowly and looked at Zhao Shengwu, "Is this true?"
Zhao Shengwu prostrated himself on the ground, weeping loudly, "Your Majesty, you are wise and just. There is no truth to these accusations. Everything I have done was to collect precious medicine for Your Majesty. I beg you to investigate!"
"Hmm, I believe you. The collection of precious medicine must be expedited," Xu Sanyan nodded. He had no interest in governing the country; as long as the precious medicine was not delayed, all was well.
"Your Majesty, rest assured. The first batch of precious medicine will arrive the day after tomorrow," Zhao Shengwu thumped his chest in assurance.
The old minister stared in disbelief, his heart filled with despair. This emperor cared only for his own pleasures, indifferent to state affairs. The great nation would surely be ruined under his rule.
Xu Sanyan glanced at the ministers below, "Alright, court is dismissed. Don't bother me these next few days. If there are matters, handle them yourselves."
"Farewell, Your Majesty."
Xu Sanyan walked toward his chambers, rubbing his right arm, which still ached. It seemed it hadn't fully healed yet.
Indeed, it takes a hundred days to recover from a serious injury. Even with Xu Sanyan's robust constitution, it would take over a month to fully heal.
However, the internal injuries he had sustained earlier had already healed, and his Spiritual Power was now abundant, restoring him to ninety percent of his peak condition.
Upon entering his chambers, he found the Empress sitting in the courtyard, gazing at the sky, lost in thought.
This Empress was the same as before, the mother of Yang Qiyuan and Xu Sanyan's nominal mother-in-law.
Though the emperor had changed, the Empress remained the same. Xu Sanyan had a particular fondness for the allure of a married woman.
"Your Majesty, may you be at peace."
The Empress rose gracefully, her eyes still tinged with shyness. After all, Xu Sanyan had once been married to her daughter, yet now he shared her bed.
Since Xu Sanyan's ascension, the Empress had bid farewell to her "corner gentleman," which had long been discarded and forgotten.
Xu Sanyan reached out to help her up, his hands boldly slipping into her collar, fondling her without restraint.
"Come, accompany me inside to rest."
"But..."
The Empress glanced at the sky. It was just after morning court, the sun still high. Was it time to rest already?
Xu Sanyan didn't care about anything else. He scooped her up by the waist, and amidst her startled exclamations, the two entered the bedchamber.
Soon, the sound of tearing clothes mingled with playful laughter and joyous noises…
Outside the door, the eunuchs exchanged glances, bowing their heads low.
…
Two days later, Xu Sanyan lay sprawled on the bed, toying with a pair of long swords—one green, one red—left behind by the Red Sea Twin Immortals.
These swords were exceptionally sharp and incredibly durable. Xu Sanyan knew they were treasures, but he had no idea how to use them.
The Red Sea Twin Immortals had been able to create a barrier in front of them with these swords, a defense so strong that even Xu Sanyan's full power couldn't penetrate it. If only he could learn how to do that.
The same went for the dust-whisk. It had effortlessly immobilized the Blood Demon, but despite Xu Sanyan's prolonged study, he couldn't figure out how to use it.
Whether he infused it with Spiritual Power or tried to bind it with a drop of blood, nothing worked. For now, he could only store it away.
At that moment, news came from outside, "Your Majesty, General Zhao has delivered the precious medicine."
Xu Sanyan's heart leaped with joy. He patted the Empress, who was lying on top of him, and said, "Hold on for a moment. I'll be right back."
"Yes," the Empress replied softly, licking her red lips.
The first batch of precious medicine was brought into the palace. Xu Sanyan looked at the mountain of wooden boxes piled before him, his excitement boundless. Conservatively estimated, there were at least two hundred precious herbs!
Xu Sanyan calculated that around a hundred points of "Vitality" should suffice.
As he consumed the herbs one by one, the "Vitality" on his panel steadily increased, finally settling at 231 points.
Xu Sanyan grinned. The plus sign behind his cultivation level had already appeared.
Without hesitation, he focused his mind and tapped the plus sign. Instantly, more than half of his "Vitality" evaporated, leaving only 81 points.
This breakthrough had cost him a total of 150 points!
Xu Sanyan couldn't help but feel relieved. It was still within his acceptable range.
As his cultivation level increased, the amount of "Vitality" required grew exponentially.
Xu Sanyan slowly closed his eyes. A surge of wild spiritual energy rushed into his pores, coursing through his meridians.
Xu Sanyan furrowed his brow and immediately began circulating his cultivation method, refining the incoming spiritual energy into Spiritual Power that he could contain, then channeling it into his dantian.
As time passed, a full day went by. The eunuchs standing outside the room had quietly changed shifts twice.
The moon rose, the sun set, and night fell.
Xu Sanyan slowly opened his eyes, a look of joy on his face.
"Foundation Establishment Peak Stage…"
The biggest change after his breakthrough was his dantian. The Spiritual Power it contained had transformed from a small stream into a vast lake, multiplying several times over.
Now, if he were to face the Red Sea Twin Immortals again, he was confident he could easily defeat them without such difficulty.
Moreover, after the breakthrough, his physical strength had also increased, though not significantly. Still, it was better than nothing.
With a thought, the panel appeared before his eyes.
[Name: Xu Sanyan]
[Age: 19/360]
[Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment Stage (Peak)]
[Cultivation Method: Supreme Truth and Absolute Stillness Sutra (Mid Stage)]
[Mystical Arts: Blood Demon Corpse Refining Method (Initial Stage), Life Coffin Technique (Beginner)]
[Techniques: Perfect Circle Stance (Peak), Three Tigers Subduing Dragon Saber (Peak), Horse Appraisal Technique (Peak), Excavator Maintenance & Repair (Initial Stage)…]
[Vitality: 81]
After the breakthrough, his lifespan increased once again, though the growth from a minor realm breakthrough wasn't significant.
Xu Sanyan's eyes held a trace of melancholy, "This is the end..."
The cultivation method he had obtained only allowed him to reach the Peak Stage of Foundation Establishment. Without a subsequent method, even with his cheat, he was at a loss.
Xu Sanyan lowered his gaze in contemplation. He planned to accumulate some "Vitality" and then set off for the Central Region.
(End of the Chapter)
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