Emperor or Celestial Son?

Because he didn't understand cultivation, he also didn't know which level his strength belonged to. Later, Li You spent a long time searching the entire Secular Residence thoroughly. He found a Daoist scripture, an ancient classic, which finally gave him a formal method of cultivation, and then he started practicing systematically.

Five hundred years passed in the blink of an eye, and Monkey King was about to be born!

His strength had reached an unfathomable level during these five hundred years. In this Journey-to-the-West world, it was unclear which realm he belonged to, but he had a vague feeling.

Seemingly able to defy the heavens?

This was only after he cultivated the Daoist scripture to the fifth level. This scripture had a total of nine levels!

He felt that the future held great promise!

...

Li Shimin didn't bring anyone; the guards waited at the door. As someone with a background in battle, he lacked neither courage nor composure.

Li Shimin walked up, looking at the young man in front of him. With a handsome face and calm eyes, he showed no sign of being moved by the presence of the emperor. It seemed as if he already knew Li Shimin would come, foreseeing everything.

The impression Li You gave him was similar to the feeling he had with his strategist when he was conquering on the battlefield. However, there was an indescribable quality that set him apart, an ethereal presence.

"For what reason did Your Majesty grace my humble abode?" Li You's eyes carried a smile.

Li Shimin contemplated for a moment. "I've known about the presence of such a master here for a long time. I've been yearning to visit, so when I had some free time, I hurried to pay my respects."

In reality, he came for two reasons: to know what Princess Chang Le was doing here and to seek information about Tang Monk. Li Shimin had investigated Tang Monk's whereabouts, knowing he often visited here and since acquiring a body as strong as iron. Besides, who wouldn't desire power and immortality, especially an emperor?

Moreover, to pull some important plans, Li You had long wanted to lure Li Shimin to see him. Princess Chang Le and Tang Monk happened to assist him with this favor!

Li Shimin certainly knew that he was a cultivator. Princess Chang Le had come to him several times. Even if it was just to ensure that Princess Chang Le was not in danger of any enchantment, he would come.

Li You didn't waste time. "How does Your Majesty view the position of an emperor?"

The meaningful words made Li Shimin hesitant to answer immediately. Frowning, he pondered for a while, a glint of insight flashing in his eyes. "An emperor is the Son of Heaven, in accordance with the will of heaven, wielding authority over all aspects of life, death, and education on behalf of the heavenly will. Bestowed with blessings from immortals and protection from sages, and his orders followed by all the people!”

Li You smiled without making any comments, then asked, “Where does the authority of the emperor’s position come from?”

Li Shimin furrowed, not understanding why a cultivator would be so concerned about the imperial position. He also didn't grasp the deeper meaning of this question.

"Naturally, it is bestowed by heaven, a divine mandate for kingship!" After careful consideration, he made this reply.

Li You didn't mind and asked again, "Divine mandate for kingship, what about divine authority?"

"Divine authority is heaven-bestowed!" His words were filled with awe.

This time, Li Shimin answered quite quickly. Li You sneered; these ancient people were indeed fanatical about so-called immortals, and emperors were no exception.

Without delving into useless matters, Li You continued, "Do you know that our human race was created by Nuwa using the vine of the gourd and the Respite Soil from the Highest Sky? We are naturally endowed with Dao bodies; one could even say we are disciples of sages!"

"In ancient times, our human race had Three Emperors and Five Sovereigns, standing proudly in the midst of heaven and earth, leading our race to open up a pure land in the brutal prehistoric times, unmatched in power!"

"In later generations, there were emperors who became human sovereigns, protected by the Great Dao. Even the sages dared not approach!"

Li Shimin's mouth gaped open, unable to believe what he was hearing.

Am I really so amazing? Why don't I feel this way?

Seeing his astonished expression, Li You knew what he was thinking. "Unfortunately, after the Zhou dynasty, there was no longer talk of human sovereigns, only those who claimed to be divinely appointed heavenly sons." His tone was full of mockery.

"Our human race is no longer the supreme ruler of heaven and earth, although we still have the identity of the protagonist. However, we are just playthings, pawns, and tools for immortals and sages, serving the whims of immortals with the fortune of our human race!"

Damn, it's like dreaming!

Li Shimin became enlightened. So that's how it is. No wonder I'm so weak!

However...

"Master, may I ask the meaning behind the protagonist and tool?" Li Shimin asked weakly.

Li You replied unkindly, "Literal meaning!"

Li Shimin awkwardly touched his nose but quickly caught on. "Throughout history, there have been legends of immortals descending to the mortal world to help people. I think it's not groundless."

"In ancient records, there are also accounts of divine beings educating and protecting our human race, driving away monsters and ensuring our safety."

Meeting by chance, he naturally wouldn't easily believe Li You, especially since he didn't know Li You's identity. Cultivators had various means, and what if Li You wasn't human?!!

"Listening is deceiving, and seeing is not necessarily believing, especially when you haven't seen these so-called divine beings helping the world!"

Li You paused and continued, "How many natural disasters and man-made calamities have occurred in the Tang Empire until now? Did any immortals come to the rescue?"

Li Shimin was speechless, not knowing how to respond. Indeed, there were none. As the emperor, he also knew that these so-called immortals were unreliable. It was just a means he used to confirm his legitimacy and strengthen his power, and he was well aware of that.

"The human race must rely on itself!"

Li Shimin was moved and had some thoughts in his heart.

Looking at Li Shimin, who was already somewhat shaken, Li You didn't say more. Matters that subverted beliefs couldn't be rushed. He would seize the opportunity, and there was still time. He could afford to wait!

With a meaningful tone, he said, "Do you want to be a celestial son or an emperor?"

Li Shimin took a deep breath. "Thank you, Master, for guiding me. After returning, I will certainly review ancient texts, verify and clarify, to understand myself better!"

Li You nodded. The situation was still under his control.

Not long after, his plan would succeed!

His real plan was unimaginable, to say the least. It would involve a vast scope, truly frightening! Subverting divine authority was just the first step!

When that day arrived, the entire universe would tremble!

"Lizhi, will you come out on your own, or should I drag you out?"

Li Shimin switched to dad mode.

"Squeak."

The simple wooden door opened from the inside.

A cute and small head emerged, with shining black eyes.

"Hehehe, what a coincidence, Father." Princess Chang Le smiled and walked out slowly.

Slowly, as if Li Shimin were some terrifying creature that devoured people, she dared not approach.

Li Shimin's face darkened. In front of Li You, he needed that obedient daughter!

"I'll scold you later. Come over here!" Li Shimin scolded Chang Le with a glare.

As if suddenly thinking of something and not caring about the emperor's threat, Chang Le suddenly quickened her pace, her delicate face filled with anxiety.

"Father, you can't blame Li You. I insisted on hiding here."

As she spoke, she tightly grabbed Li Shimin's arm.

"Alright, alright, Mr. Li and I had a pleasant conversation. What's there to blame?" Li Shimin was helpless.

Blame? Are you joking?

This is a werewolf who dare to express dissatisfaction with immortals, how dare he to blame such a person?

For this same reason, he also didn't plan to let Chang Le have more contact with Li You.

This guy is too dangerous!