The Human Emperor

The Human Emperor..

Deep within the royal palace, nestled in the heart of the majestic Human Emperor Hall, the esteemed ruler of Ye Country, the Human Emperor, reclined regally on a bed fashioned in the likeness of a dragon.

Though his form lay still, there was an innate aura of authority that seemed to emanate from him. Notably, his once jet-black hair now bore traces of silver, a testament to the passage of time. He blinked open his eyes, and within their depths, a hint of weariness was discernible. Yet, despite the fatigue that crept into his countenance, a warm smile played upon his lips as he regarded the extraordinary woman beside him.

The Human Emperor was well aware that this woman was none other than the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley. Had it not been for the amicable relations between Ye Country and the Medicine Sovereign Country, it was doubtful that the Holy Maiden would have graced their presence.

In this world, few possessed knowledge of the Medicine Sovereign Valley's true might. The sect maintained a resolute indifference to external matters, focusing exclusively on the domains of alchemy and medicine. Consequently, the great powers of the world hesitated to provoke them.

What puzzled the Human Emperor, however, was the presence of a young man at the Holy Maiden's side. This youth was not only strikingly handsome but also exuded an air of extraordinary distinction. As the ruler of Ye Country, he had encountered countless individuals from all walks of life, and a single glance at Qin Wentian sufficed to convey that he was a figure of remarkable distinction. Even in the Human Emperor's presence, Qin Wentian's composure remained unshaken, and his gaze met the emperor's with a calm and unwavering resolve.

Despite his grievous injuries, he maintained his imposing demeanor. The mere intensity of his gaze was sufficient to send shivers down the spines of those from the younger generation.

"Father, allow me to introduce Qin Wentian. He is a junior disciple of mine who recently joined the Battle Sword Sect. On the path to the grass hut, he achieved two consecutive records—the comprehension rate of the seventh and fourteenth sword strikes. This feat led to a dispute among the elders, each vying to have him as their disciple. Even the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereign extended a personal invitation, only to be declined by Junior Brother Qin," Ye Lingshuang explained with a smile as she sat on the bed beside her father.

The Human Emperor nodded, aware of the legendary significance of the Battle Sword Sect's grass hut.

"That old hag...the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereign is rather full of herself. Qin Wentian's public refusal may lead to dire consequences in the future," the Human Emperor chuckled. The members of the Battle Sword Sect were left astounded by his audacity in referring to the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereign as an "old hag." Perhaps only the ancient Ye Country's Human Emperor or the elders of the seven supreme clans would dare to do so.

"Junior Brother Qin and the Holy Maiden are truly a celestial match!" Ye Lingshuang declared as she held her father's hand, her face adorned with a radiant smile. Although her heart was weighed down by worry and sorrow, she presented her most dazzling countenance in front of the Human Emperor.

The Human Emperor found no fault in his daughter's words. Mo Qingcheng had already diagnosed him once, and her close association with Qin Wentian had led him to surmise their relationship even before Ye Lingshuang spoke. The Holy Maiden was likely conducting another diagnosis because of the connection between Qin Wentian and Ye Lingshuang.

"A match made in heaven," the Human Emperor agreed, his laughter genuine. He offered these words not as flattery to secure his healing, but because the couple before him reminded him of his youthful days—of how carefree he once was.

"Bi You, do you still recall that seven-colored phoenix feather dress?" The Human Emperor turned his gaze toward a graceful lady standing nearby. She was none other than his wife, the Empress of Ye Country.

"I remember that well. Back in the day, the two of us embarked on a daring expedition up the Supreme Demon Mountains, where we confronted and defeated an evil phoenix. We then used its feathers to craft a divine defensive weapon." Empress Ye reminisced, her laughter lighting up the room.

The Human Emperor, with a warm smile on his face, suggested, "How about we present it to the Holy Maiden as a congratulatory gift for their future marriage?"

Qin Wentian was taken aback, initially inclined to decline the gift, but the Human Emperor intervened, saying, "Although I stand on the precipice of death, I possess countless treasures. Besides, this is a gift for the future bride, not for you. You have no reason to refuse."

Qin Wentian's gaze shifted as he finally nodded, "In that case, we humbly accept this generous gift from the Senior Human Emperor."

He wasn't one to argue, and with the Human Emperor's words framed in such a manner, accepting the gift was the most graceful course of action.

Mo Qingcheng's beautiful eyes fluttered, her silence speaking volumes as she allowed Qin Wentian to accept the gift on their behalf. Moments later, the Empress approached, bearing an ornate box. Within lay an exquisite seven-colored feather robe, its material shimmering with astral light, appearing ethereal and weightless.

"This divine defensive weapon was specially commissioned by the Human Emperor from the Divine Craftsmen Guild, a token of his love for Empress Ye." A concubine of the Human Emperor chuckled, with everyone present fully aware of the Emperor's heartfelt wishes for Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng.

Mo Qingcheng cast a glance at Qin Wentian, a glint of love shining in her eyes. She graciously accepted the gift and expressed her gratitude, saying, "We are deeply thankful to the Human Emperor and Empress Ye."

The Human Emperor, with a hearty laugh, responded, "You've traveled from afar to diagnose and treat the illness of someone like me, who stands at the precipice of death. Furthermore, Little Brother here is the junior apprentice brother of Lingshuang. With the threads of fate weaving us together in this way, what's a phoenix robe?" His laughter, however, gradually faded, and his voice weakened as though his vitality were slowly ebbing away.

Suddenly, a voice emerged from behind, catching everyone's attention. Qin Wentian turned to find Mu Feng standing there, his expression grave. "Mu Feng, do you know what type of poison this is?"

"Blood poison," Mu Feng replied. "Blood poisons possess exceptional concealment properties, but once they are activated, the consequences are dire beyond imagination. These poisons hide within the blood vessels, silently coursing through the bloodstream as they infect every part of the victim's body. They are nearly impossible to cure with herbs or pills. The remedy would require a pill capable of reconstructing the victim's entire network of blood vessels and meridians, cleansing them thoroughly while simultaneously infusing the bloodstream with healing energy. This would enable every drop of blood to carry the curative power, circulating it throughout the victim's entire body. Only then can the blood poison be eradicated."

Mu Feng's explanation caused Mo Qingcheng's heart to quiver. She had known that the poison afflicting the Human Emperor had already spread throughout his body. Still, her lack of expertise in poisons had prevented her from identifying it as a blood poison.

The ancient hall fell into a hushed awe as everyone's attention shifted to Mu Feng. They hadn't anticipated that this individual would possess expertise in poisons.

Qin Wentian introduced Mu Feng, saying, "This is my friend, Mu Feng. His master was known as the Poison Monarch. You can trust his knowledge when it comes to poisons."

Qin Wentian turned to Mo Qingcheng and inquired, "Qingcheng, do such medicinal pills as Mu Feng described exist?"

Mo Qingcheng replied in a subdued tone, "There are medicine pills capable of purging the bloodstream of poison, but if this poison can affect the Human Emperor, it must be exceedingly potent. Only fifth-ranked medicinal pills or higher possess such abilities. However, a pill that infuses one's bloodstream with healing energy, as described by Mu Feng, is entirely unfamiliar to me. Perhaps only my master would have knowledge of such a remedy."

The Human Emperor chuckled at this, remarking, "What a cunning method. If they went to such lengths to poison me, why would they allow me to recover so easily?"

Mu Feng's gaze, however, settled on Qin Wentian, hinting at an unspoken message. Qin Wentian furrowed his brows, recognizing that Mu Feng was alluding to the fact that he had been poisoned by him in the past, yet had managed to recover completely. Evidently, Mu Feng had never forgotten that incident and believed that there was something extraordinary within Qin Wentian's body that allowed him to resist poisons.

Qin Wentian closed his eyes, pondering the existence of his second bloodline—the candle flame. It was this energy that had expelled Mu Feng's poison from his body, seemingly immune to all toxins.

Holy Maiden Ye Lingshuang inquired, her hope evident in her eyes, "Is there truly no way to obtain such a pill?"

Mo Qingcheng shook her head, saying, "I honestly don't know. To infuse one's bloodstream with healing energy is a concept I've never encountered. Even the reclusive elders of my Medicine Sovereign Valley might not possess the knowledge to achieve it. Moreover, the Human Emperor's recent intense battle has caused the poison to spread throughout his entire body. I'm sorry, but I'm at a loss regarding how to cure him."

The Human Emperor's gaze shifted to his wife and daughter, Ye Lingshuang. They were the only things he couldn't bear to leave behind.

Tears welled up in Ye Lingshuang's eyes as she whispered, "Father..."

The Human Emperor, a ruler of a generation, neared the end of his days, and he yearned for nothing more than the safety of his family, willing to sacrifice himself for their well-being.

Qin Wentian broke the solemn silence, saying, "There's still hope. Senior Human Emperor, you need to rest and recover in peace. When we return, we can explore various methods to help you heal."

Qin Wentian didn't want to divulge too much about the Human Emperor's recovery. The implications were enormous, and the consequences of leaking such information could be dire. Thus, he emphasized the importance of caution and confidentiality in their efforts to cure the Human Emperor.

A brilliant spark lit up the Human Emperor's eyes as he spoke, his voice filled with determination, "Very well. If I don't perish, they won't dare to act recklessly. Even if I were to meet my end, I shall prolong it as much as I can. If I refuse to close my eyes, then I'd like to see who would dare challenge the authority of my ancient Ye Country."

Qin Wentian couldn't help but feel a profound respect for the Human Emperor. Even at death's doorstep, the Emperor exuded a commanding presence that left no room for doubt. As long as he was alive, rebellion was unthinkable. This formidable figure, on the brink of death, still emanated a seriousness that compelled everyone's unwavering attention. One could only imagine the awe-inspiring might he possessed in his prime.

With their farewells exchanged, Qin Wentian and the others departed, making their way back to the accommodations provided by the royal clan for the Medicine Sovereign Valley. As they walked side by side toward Mo Qingcheng's quarters, many onlookers wore frowns and shook their heads.

As the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley, Mo Qingcheng held a prestigious and unique status. Each of her actions bore the weight of her sect's reputation.

"Holy Maiden!" One of the maidens called out, halting Mo Qingcheng and Qin Wentian in their tracks.

Mo Qingcheng turned her gaze toward them, asking, "What is it?"

"Once the Holy Maiden returns to her chambers, no outsiders are allowed entry," one of the maidens replied coldly, casting a glance at Qin Wentian.

Mo Qingcheng couldn't help but snort disdainfully at the implication that Qin Wentian was an outsider. Her response sent shockwaves through the gathering, and they immediately bowed in apology, their expressions fraught with regret. "Holy Maiden, this is a matter that concerns your reputation. Moreover, we are currently in the Ye Country's royal palace. Secrecy here is practically impossible."

Qin Wentian's heart trembled slightly, understanding the maiden's reasoning. He certainly didn't want to tarnish Mo Qingcheng's reputation.

However, Mo Qingcheng held his hand, turning back to face the maidens with a radiant smile that spoke of her deep love for Qin Wentian. Her smile was that of a young girl in the throes of love, and it seemed that only when she was with him did Mo Qingcheng reveal this side of herself.

"I want to make it clear to all of you that I am his wife," Mo Qingcheng declared to the other maidens. With a firm grip on Qin Wentian's hand, she continued, "Without my permission, no one is to enter and disturb our privacy."

The maidens from the Medicine Sovereign Valley were left stunned by Mo Qingcheng's statement. They were at a loss for words, finding it difficult to accept the fact that the Holy Maiden was willing to forsake everything, even her reputation and status within the sect, for her love for Qin Wentian.

"Seal this place off entirely. No one is to breathe a word of this outside," someone commanded, their tone icy and authoritative.