Chapter 663: Gao Zhijian

Chapter 663: Gao Zhijian

When Gao Zhijian left the bustling court and entered the quiet inner palace, gazing at the distant emerald-green imperial garden, his mood finally lightened somewhat.

He walked into the garden and sat down on a stone bench, savoring this brief moment of tranquility.

Suddenly, he approached the artificial mountain, cupped a large stone in both hands, and lifted it high.

With a low grunt, he tossed the stone skyward and caught it with ease. Then, holding the heavy stone aloft, he practiced martial arts techniques, an act that sent shivers through the eunuchs lurking in the shadows.

Only after a thin sheen of sweat broke out on his skin did Gao Zhijian lower the stone and let out a long breath.

To be honest, despite all the luxuries within the palace, he still yearned for those days back in Niuxin Village.

Back then, he could silently gaze upon the girl he loved, and also use his own strength to protect his sworn brothers whose lives were at stake.

More importantly, his mind had not yet become as sharp as it was now; he didn’t have to grapple with such tangled problems.

“You’re really not doing a good job as emperor,” came a voice. “Why do you only listen to problems but never solve them?”

As the words echoed, Li Huowang’s figure emerged from behind a clump of bushes nearby.

Gao Zhijian sighed and sat on the stone, as if he wasn’t surprised by Li Huowang’s appearance.

“The Way Sect stirred up trouble, and the displaced refugees from Great Qi got involved too. The imperial court is now broke and short on grain. With so many issues piling up, what can I do? I can’t conjure money or food out of thin air. Brother Li, being emperor isn’t easy.”

“But don’t worry, Brother Li. There are still many capable craftsmen in the court who can manage these matters with clever tricks.”

“Just cover things up? If these issues aren’t handled properly, people might die by the hundreds!”

“What should I do, Brother Li? If you were in my shoes, what would you do?” Gao Zhijian wore a deep expression of helplessness.

“Everyone says the Liang Empire is number one, but only those inside truly know that it's just a show—full of leaks. Even the emperor is a clay-patch artist, patching wherever there's a leak.”

After saying that, Gao Zhijian paused briefly before continuing, “Brother Li, I’m sorry for speaking to you like that. But I’ve got so much on my mind.”

Li Huowang gently shook his head. “It’s fine. I understand your situation. I won’t blame you. But you must prioritize Qingqiu and Hou Shu first.”

“They’re fighting the Way Sect right now. Nothing else matters more than that. If we don’t help Qingqiu and Hou Shu, once they’re swallowed up, Liang will be in real trouble—it’s a matter of life and death.”

“I know, Brother Li. I understand the logic. But the Way Sect in Liang hasn’t been cleaned up yet. We haven’t even finished tidying our own house. How can we spare time to clean someone else’s?”

Hearing this, Li Huowang seemed to recall something, frowning deeply as he pondered. “Zhijian, why has the Way Sect suddenly surfaced all over Liang at this time? Could it be their plan to tie up Liang’s forces?”

Before, when the Way Sect besieged the capital city, Li Huowang had always found it strange. So many people attacking the capital to confront Gao Zhijian seemed impractical.

Now, looking back, their target may not have been Gao Zhijian at all. Perhaps it was merely a distraction, meant to force Liang’s Way Sect followers to expose themselves, leaving no room for Liang to act.

Combined with the recent widespread, seemingly meaningless expansion of the Way Sect, which served only to draw attention without any practical value—

And during this period, although many troubles arose, none were particularly difficult to handle. Not even the Stone of Mount Tai had been found. The more Li Huowang thought about it, the more likely this theory became.

“So what if you know? They're using an open strategy,” came a voice from the trees on the left. Soon after, the Imperial Master of Liang stepped out from among the foliage.

“You’ve sent all your military experts to help another country. Don’t you fear that Liang might face other troubles later? Do you really think that apart from the Way Sect, everything else in Liang is peaceful?”

“If you let the Way Sect grow unchecked over there, with no countermeasures at all?”

“Of course not. His Majesty has his own plans,” replied the Imperial Master, stepping back slightly.

Gao Zhijian stood up from the stone and looked at Li Huowang. “We’ll definitely help. The Celestial Observing Bureau has already dispatched personnel. As for the martial sects, once Liang stabilizes, I’ll see how many I can spare.”

“How many more can you spare? Zhijian, it’s the Way Sect! It’s the sect devoted to the God Er! You must realize this is a danger that could destroy the nation! You must make a decision to fight to the death!”

“Before, Great Qi was taken over by God Er. Do you know what Great Qi looks like now?” Li Huowang said, reaching behind him and pulling out the spine sword, flinging it forcefully toward a flower bed.

A fissure flew past, from which eerie liquid oozed out, splashing onto the flowers and grass. With a terrifying sound, the plants writhed and crawled, infecting the surrounding soil.

The Imperial Master frowned slightly, raised the Star Constellation Sword and pointed it at the sky. Instantly, thunder cracked across the heavens. When the booming sound shattered the air, those creatures were reduced to nothing.

“I don’t know what that thing is, but I know Great Qi is truly finished,” Li Huowang said, reinserting the spine sword into his back.

“I know, I know. But, Brother Li, do the generals and ministers know? Do the soldiers know? Do the common people of Liang know? Are they willing to work for half a year, pay grain early, or join the army to fight?”

“I am the emperor, yes. I can command them, but that doesn’t mean I can issue edicts willy-nilly. Every decree I issue affects many people, and some may even die.”

“Brother Li, being an emperor isn’t like you think. That’s what fools do.”

After saying that, Gao Zhijian fell silent for a while before forcing a smile to comfort Li Huowang. “Don’t worry, Brother Li. Things aren’t as bad as you say. We have a plan. Qingqiu and Hou Shu are capable too. They won’t easily fall to the Way Sect.”

“Besides, Xuan Pin and Zheng Boqiao have already gone. The heads of the Celestial Observing Bureaus from Qingqiu, Hou Shu, Great Qi, and Liang are all there. The Way Sect won’t gain anything from this.”

“Rest assured, once Liang stabilizes, I’ll march out immediately.”

Li Huowang remained skeptical about relying solely on the Celestial Observing Bureau without mobilizing the entire empire against the Way Sect. After all, the Way Sect wasn’t just some minor evil—they relied on endless believers.

No matter how many Celestial Observing Bureau members there were, facing an entire nation, how effective could they really be?

Whether the high-ranking members of God Er’s sect were powerful or not, it was the endless masses below that posed the real threat. And those outside the bureau, lured by the benefits of longevity pills, weren’t loyal at all. Once danger appeared, they scattered like birds and beasts.

Only the bloodthirsty martial sects—the institutionalized killing machines—could halt the spread of the enemy’s base.

After glancing once more at Gao Zhijian, Li Huowang nodded. “Fine, then hurry.”

Li Huowang turned to leave, but took only two steps before Gao Zhijian called out. “Brother Li, where are you going?”

“Where else can someone like me go? To Qingqiu, to destroy the Way Sect!”

(End of Chapter)