Returning to Qingming, Wei Yuan stepped into his study and saw Immortal Zhao Li standing by the window, taking in the scenery outside.
After offering his salutations, Wei Yuan asked, "Has Senior also come regarding Lu Changhe?"
"Yes and no," Immortal Zhao Li replied. "Lu Changhe indeed asked me to pass along a message and serve as an intermediary guarantor. Having agreed to his request, I came to secure a promise from you."
Wei Yuan said, "Since you have personally intervened, I naturally cannot fail to give you face. However, did Lu Changhe offer no terms? Does he expect me to cease hostilities out of thin air? Can the grudge of obstructing my path to the Dao simply be written off like this?"
Somewhat surprised, Immortal Zhao Li said, "Did he not prepare a gift inventory? It should be in Cui Zhengxing's hands. Did you not receive it?"
Wei Yuan's expression remained unchanged as he smiled. "I thought that since an elder like you was stepping forward, you might bring an additional gift inventory along. What, is your prestige inferior to Cui Zhengxing's?"
Immortal Zhao Li's brows relaxed. "The Three Cuis share the same branch and stem, originating from the same bloodline. Thus, the Thirteen Prominent Families have long subtly deferred to the Three Cuis as their head. Cui Zhengxing's immortal arts are balanced and upright; while they may seem unassuming in power, defeating him is exceptionally difficult. That is why it was best for Cui Zhengxing to deliver the gift inventory to you."
Wei Yuan asked, "Since this is a matter among the Seven Clans and Thirteen Prominent Families, why did Palace Master Bai of the Sword Palace also step forward?"
Immortal Zhao Li said, "The immortals of aristocratic families possess long lifespans and have vast clans of kinsmen to look after. Often, immortal arts and Daoist methods are not what matter most—human connections and social debts are. For the Sword Palace to suddenly intervene, they must owe a major favor from the past that needs repaying now. As for the specifics, perhaps only Palace Master Bai knows."
Not dwelling on the matter, Wei Yuan said, "Since you have spoken, Senior, I naturally have no reason to refuse. So long as Lu Changhe bows his head and promises never to oppose me again, I can take a step back. As you know, this is letting him off far too cheaply. Once I ascend to immortality, he will have to bow his head whether he wants to or not!"
A smile appeared on Immortal Zhao Li's face. "It is good that you can see it that way. Now there is one more matter on which I would like to seek your counsel."
Wei Yuan hurriedly said, "Senior honors me too much. I shall hold nothing back and share everything I know."
Immortal Zhao Li said, "Ever since Zhao implemented the universal welfare system, the common folk have indeed lived and worked in peace. Though the state treasury runs at a deficit year after year, trade revenues have made up for it, barely maintaining a balance. Oddly enough, the mortal karmic luck harvested has decreased with each passing year. Looking back, the very first year was the peak. How can this predicament be resolved?"
Wei Yuan was actually intimately familiar with the conditions in Zhao, perhaps understanding them even more deeply than Immortal Zhao Li or the King of Zhao himself. Rather than answering directly, he asked, "What do you believe to be the reason, Senior?"
Possessing vast supernatural abilities, Immortal Zhao Li was naturally not stumped by such a question. He replied, "The current welfare system of our Zhao can be summed up in two words: 'universal benefit.' 'Universal' means everyone receives it. 'Benefit' means warmth and sustenance—every person is guaranteed food and clothing. Yet that is precisely where the problem lies. Many receive warmth and sustenance; at first they are profoundly grateful, but gradually they grow dissatisfied, demanding more and better. When their desires go unmet, resentment breeds instead, and the mortal karmic luck vanishes."
Wei Yuan nodded. "As the saying goes, a greedy heart is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. Insatiable human desire is nature itself. If they are satisfied this year, they will inevitably demand better next year. The root of Zhao's current situation boils down to four words: reaping without sowing."
Immortal Zhao Li nodded. "Back then, in order to gather mortal karmic luck as quickly as possible and share more of it with you, there was no choice but to do so. This drawback was already anticipated. It is just that the flaws have grown increasingly glaring over time. The commoners demand more and more, expecting the court to hand out everything—some unruly rabble have even demanded that wives be distributed to them. If their demands are not met, mortal karmic luck plummets immediately. Yet the current welfare is already exceptionally generous; were it not for your Qingming supporting us from behind, the state treasury would have run dry long ago. In the end, it remains unsustainable. What way is there to break through this impasse?"
Wei Yuan replied, "There is a way. I have tested it in Qingming for many years, and it has proven quite effective. It can also be implemented in Zhao, though there will be some short-term growing pains."
"What is the method?"
Wei Yuan said, "The principle is actually quite simple. First, establish basic sustenance as the baseline, providing unconditional relief to the elderly, the weak, the sick, the disabled, and the most destitute. No one shall freeze or starve—that is the bottom line, but it is also the ceiling of the welfare system. In short, if someone wishes to reap without sowing, they will merely be kept from starving, but they will not eat well either. From my observations, the vast majority of mortals desire a better life and are willing to work hard for it. That is human nature. Therefore, the second step is to provide sufficient employment opportunities for all who are willing to toil, and these opportunities must be offered fairly to everyone, doing everything possible to prevent high officials and nobles from monopolizing every good position."
Immortal Zhao Li fell into contemplation. After a moment, he said, "The first step is easy enough. But the second appears simple while being exceedingly difficult in practice. With the slightest lapse in vigilance, the best opportunities will be seized by the aristocratic clans and powerful families, passed down through generations. Just like that bizarre incident in a certain kingdom's imperial examinations back then, where more than half of the successful candidates hailed from the very same county."
Wei Yuan said, "That is indeed the crux of the matter. So long as mortals see that hard work truly offers an opportunity to rise, they will strive and fight for it. Hardship is nothing to fear; what they fear most is having no hope of upward mobility at all."
Immortal Zhao Li pondered for a long time before letting out a helpless sigh. "Turning it over in my mind, I actually cannot think of any good solution. Restraining the aristocratic clans and powerful families is truly difficult beyond measure. Even as brilliant as that child Shenji is, achieving this will not be easy. After all, when it comes to restraining the prominent clans, in the end he would be restraining himself. That boy Shenji is proud and arrogant, never believing himself to be in the wrong. How, then, could he restrain himself?"
Wei Yuan did not answer, merely saying, "This junior would not know."
Immortal Zhao Li said, "These two principles—I understand them now, and I will ponder them carefully upon my return. Oh, right, there is one more important matter. Those little kittens of mine—you must still look after them well. That was something you promised back then; you cannot simply gloss it over."
Wei Yuan offered a wry smile and could only reply vaguely, "This junior understands."
Only then was Immortal Zhao Li satisfied, vanishing from the spot.
After his departure, a slight ripple stirred in Wei Yuan's heart. *A few little kittens? ...A few?*
However, Wei Yuan still had many momentous matters to attend to, so he tossed the thought to the back of his mind. With a flicker of his figure, he entered Zhang Sheng's quarters.
Zhang Sheng was meditating on the couch, the room tinged with a chilling, strangely somber cold. Only truly advanced cultivators could discern the countless minuscule sword-qi trailing back and forth through the room like swimming fish.
Seeing Wei Yuan arrive, Zhang Sheng slightly opened her eyes, studying him closely. "At a time like this, are you not going to see the others? You should at least take a look at Little Sister Bao."
Wei Yuan shook his head. "There is no need to see many, only those who must be seen."
Zhang Sheng said, "Those words of yours... if others did not know better, they would think you cold and unfeeling."
Wei Yuan replied, "Why should I care what others think? They can think whatever they please. If their thoughts differ from mine, then they are the ones in the wrong."
"True enough."
Wei Yuan let out a soft sigh. "Still... I feel a little afraid."
Zhang Sheng smiled faintly. In an instant, her radiant beauty illuminated the entire chamber, as though spring had returned to the earth, heralding an early season of rebirth and sweeping away every trace of haze in the world.
In a gentle voice, she said, "What is there to fear? As I said, I will let you play with me as you please."
Hearing those words again, Wei Yuan felt his heart settle in an instant, purged of all hesitation and wavering. He turned and strode away.
The next moment, he appeared in his study, opened the gift inventory sent by Lu Changhe, and began reading through each item with deliberate care. Picking up a brush, he made alterations here and there, crossing out what he did not need and adding things he desired that Lu Changhe had omitted.
Right as he was amending the inventory, Wei Yuan suddenly felt a stirring in his senses. He slowly rose, stepped outside, and took to the sky.
Mists abruptly coalesced ahead, and a youth clad in blue emerged from the fog, coming to a halt before Wei Yuan.
Wei Yuan appraised him carefully. The youth had a face as fair as jade and a striking, spirited demeanor. A blue robe was embroidered with silver thread in cloud motifs, cinched with a brocade white belt hung with jade pendants. His steps were light, moving as if accompanied by rising winds and surging clouds. His gaze was serene and clear, his expressions carrying the clarity of azure skies after rain. Looking at Wei Yuan, the youth wore an enduring, enigmatic smile.
This was the very first time Wei Yuan had met Lu Changhe face-to-face. Lu Changhe stood suspended in the void, slightly shorter than Wei Yuan, yet the crowns of their heads were aligned at the exact same height. As a True Immortal, for Lu Changhe to stand as an equal before Wei Yuan showed that he had carried out every gesture of sincerity to the utmost.
With Lu Changhe's appearance, the surrounding space showed signs of freezing solid!
In an instant, countless gazes from the heavens and beyond converged upon them. Many of those gazes fell on Wei Yuan, brimming with curiosity, eager to see what sort of person could force a True Immortal to sue for peace before even reaching the age of fifty.
Wei Yuan cupped his hands in greeting, taking the initiative to speak. "I have long heard Senior's illustrious name, yet this is the first time I have laid eyes upon your true body."
The words "true body" were laden with sarcasm.
Lu Changhe returned the salute and said, "The waves behind drive those before. Realm Lord Wei possesses magnificent talent and bold vision; Lu is truly full of admiration!"
"Senior is too polite. It was merely by good fortune."
With the pleasantries concluded, Wei Yuan handed over the densely scribbled and altered gift inventory. "I have seen Senior's sincerity. However, this junior is greedy and wishes to ask for just a little bit more. Senior may look it over to see if it is acceptable."
Lu Changhe took the inventory and tucked it into his robes without so much as a glance. "It is acceptable."
Wei Yuan could not help but admire Lu Changhe's boldness. Of course, it was also possible that, just like Wei Yuan, Lu Changhe was bleeding internally while maintaining a stubborn front.
Next came the final and most crucial step: a public apology and a pledge never to act as enemies again.
Even though he had rehearsed the words countless times in his heart, when the moment actually arrived, Lu Changhe's complexion shifted several times in rapid succession, his Dao heart wavering.
Yet he was a True Immortal after all. Forcibly suppressing his shaken Dao heart, he took a step forward, bowed deeply to Wei Yuan, and began, "What transpired previously was Lu's fault. Today—"
Halfway through his sentence, Lu Changhe looked up in shock, only to find Wei Yuan already standing right before him. Using his hand as a spear, Wei Yuan drove a Counter-Slay straight through his heart!
Lu Changhe instinctively attempted to struggle, but ten thousand li of Qingming shook violently. In an instant, rivers flowed backward and the earth fractured, paying the price of widespread natural disasters to transform the Ten Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains into boundless immense force, pinning down Lu Changhe entirely and rendering him unable to move an inch!
The sea of karmic luck within Wei Yuan plummeted in a flash, draining straight to the bottom! Using the mortal karmic luck of hundreds of millions as a primer, he slashed Lu Changhe's vitality straight to the dregs in an instant, leaving only a final ember of life flickering in the blowing winds of mortal karmic luck like a dying flame.
Yet it was only at this moment that the true foundation of an immortal from an aristocratic prominent clan revealed itself—especially since the Lu clan was the royal house of Western Jin, bearing the heavy burden of serving as the cornerstone of the Martial Ancestor's grand design.
Thus, though Lu Changhe's final ember of vitality was like a remnant candle, it refused to be extinguished no matter how fiercely the gale battered it!
Lu Changhe's expression warped from initial astonishment into savagery. He sneered, "Did you not expect this? I am tied to the eye of two great formations in the mortal realm! With mere mortal karmic luck, you cannot kill me at all! Did you never stop to think why I would reveal such a glaring weakness to you, if not to trick you into striking? Now, not only will you die, but the Palace of Grand Beginning will be buried alongside you! You... what are you—!!"
A speck of bizarre, inexplicable vitality surfaced in Wei Yuan's palm! The moment that vitality appeared, Lu Changhe felt as though he had plunged into an icy cavern, struck dumb with horror!
Even many of the gazes watching from beyond the heavens felt a premonition of impending doom the moment they touched this speck of vitality! Scrambling to evade it, some even fled directly into the outer reaches of heaven!
What had appeared in Wei Yuan's hand was not the baleful sun, but the Desolate Realm's Heavenly Pillar vitality!
The immortal power guarding Lu Changhe's vitality was instantly obliterated upon contact with the Heavenly Pillar vitality, laying bare his true spirit.
The true spirit flickered, preparing to flee, when a vast, ethereal shadow suddenly swept across the world. A bird's head of indescribable proportions materialized, swallowed Lu Changhe's true spirit in a single gulp, and vanished.
For a time, all the heavens fell silent.
With disbelief written across his face, Lu Changhe stared at Wei Yuan. "Why?"
Wei Yuan said calmly, "Publicly, there are too many reasons to recount in detail. Privately, there is one thing I must show you."
Reflected in Wei Yuan's pupils, Lu Changhe saw the silhouette of Consort Yuan. His expression instantly turned savage as he rasped with difficulty, "Y-You... how did you know? But still, you truly dare to kill me? Do you know... what the consequences will be...?"
Wei Yuan said indifferently, "Nothing more than the big picture and all that rot! Rest assured, after you die, I will clean up the mess you leave behind!"
Eyes overflowing with venom, Lu Changhe gasped out, "And if you... cannot clean it up...?"
Wei Yuan laughed aloud, his voice resounding across ten thousand li and piercing straight into the clouds, carrying to every ear both on the stage and behind the scenes: "If I can't clean it up, then I can't. What of it? Even if you were left alive, wouldn't this world still be a mess anyway?"
A fine drizzle suddenly began to drift from the sky. The rain was red, red as blood.
The light in Lu Changhe's eyes slowly dimmed. The densely annotated gift inventory slipped from his robes, tumbling down into the dust.
Chapter 1134