Chapter 69 - 65: Child of Destiny?

Gazing at Li Chang’an, who sat cross-legged not far away, the old guardian of the Library Pavilion was utterly stunned. His first thought was that he must still be asleep. His second was one of utter shock.

Truth be told, the old man had noticed something unusual about Li Chang’an from the moment he first arrived at the Library Pavilion. But Li Chang’an’s Technique for concealing his aura was so profound that he hadn’t been able to discern what it was.

Only now did Li Chang’an’s aura flare out on its own.

The old man finally realized the aura on this child seemed to share the same source as his own. No... it was even more terrifying than his own!

That was the protective aura of the Martial Dao, something only a Grandmaster Level expert could possess!

After a long moment of stunned silence, the old man finally collected himself and muttered, "Born with innate knowledge, a body as flawless and pure as jade... could this boy be a legendary prodigy of the Martial Dao, one born of heaven and earth itself?"

A two-year-old Martial Arts Grandmaster!

Other than the unverified texts from Ancient Times, he couldn’t think of any other explanation for what was happening right before his eyes.

His mind raced.

But in the end, he said nothing. He didn’t dare disturb Li Chang’an’s breakthrough. Instead, he walked to the entrance, closed the great doors of the Library Pavilion, and stood guard silently, protecting Li Chang’an.

The Dayan Imperial Court had ruled the Jianghu for many years, but it was clear it had entered its twilight.

’Too many people have grown accustomed to lives of luxury, with beautiful wives and concubines. How could they ever shine on the path of the Martial Dao, a path that demands unwavering focus and enduring tedious cultivation?’

’This generation of the Imperial Family’s children is even more pathetic. There’s barely a competent one among them.’

’Meanwhile, the Jianghu grows more vibrant by the day.’

’The Four Top Sects, the twelve super-first-class Sects, and countless First-class and Second-tier Sects... they all watch the Imperial Family like tigers stalking their prey. Day by day, year by year, they slowly chip away at the Imperial Family’s power, seizing what limited land and authority it still holds in the prefectures.’

It was clear the Dayan Imperial Court was about to enter a perilous age, with no new generation to replace the old. Every discerning person, including the current Emperor Yan himself, was deeply worried.

This was one of the core reasons why Emperor Yan had turned himself into a stud, frantically siring children.

He himself possessed no great talent for the Martial Dao, nor could he endure the tedious, lonely path of cultivation.

So, he decisively chose an easier path.

—Siring sons!

As long as he could produce one talented son to inherit his position, his life’s mission would be complete.

’After all, you have to trust in the wisdom of the next generation, right?’

This was why the old man was so contemptuous whenever Emperor Yan was mentioned.

’—In Great Derivation, not only are the children of the Imperial Family worse than the last generation, but so is the Emperor. The Emperors of Great Derivation in the past, what might they possessed! Their presence was like a tiger that could devour the world, and all under heaven bowed in submission.’

’But the current Emperor can only toil away in the beds of his women. It’s an absolute joke.’

But at this moment, the old man suddenly understood Emperor Yan’s behavior. ’There really is a benefit to siring so many children!’

’Look, didn’t it produce a Martial Dao prodigy the likes of which hasn’t been seen in a thousand, or even ten thousand, years?’

...

Several hours passed. The old man was just about to doze off when he finally felt Li Chang’an’s aura within the Library Pavilion slowly recede.

He glanced at the sky before pushing the Library Pavilion’s doors open once more.

Li Chang’an was just rousing from his meditative state. When he saw the old man enter, he gave a respectful bow. "Thank you, Senior!"

The old man’s eyes were piercing.

He scanned Li Chang’an from head to toe, as if trying to see right through him.

After a long moment, he finally asked, "You brat, what Realm are you in exactly?"

Li Chang’an slowly shook his head. "I don’t know."

"You don’t know?" The old man almost laughed in exasperation.

He strode over to Li Chang’an and suddenly shot out a hand, his long, withered fingers darting straight for the boy’s throat.

Li Chang’an showed no great emotional reaction, saying simply, "Senior, if you wish to test me, just say so. There’s no need for such crude methods."

Seeing that the boy had no intention of dodging, the old man withdrew his hand. He stared at him for a long moment before letting out a dry chuckle. "Not bad. You’re awfully composed for your age. But let me correct you on one thing. I’m not your ’Senior’—I’m your ancestor!"

Li Chang’an rolled his eyes, not wanting to stoop to the level of this disrespectful old codger.

’To be able to guard a place like the Library Pavilion, the very lifeblood of the Imperial Court, this old man had to be one of the most central figures among the Royal Clan Relatives.’

But Li Chang’an clearly had no intention of letting the old man get one over on him like that, so he refused to acknowledge the claim.

The old man, however, wasn’t angered by his attitude. Instead, he asked with a wide grin, "Brat, you ever think about becoming the Emperor?"

Li Chang’an had already stood up. He walked over to a bookshelf and began returning the books he had been reading to their proper places. "I don’t know," he replied without turning around. "We’ll see when the time comes."

He wasn’t just being polite.

To him, the books in the Library Pavilion were the greatest treasure in the entire Imperial Palace.

If he could fully comprehend all the Martial Arts Techniques and Secret Techniques Manuals contained within, Li Chang’an was confident that he would benefit immensely, even upon returning to the Main World.

Therefore, until he had absorbed these treasures, Li Chang’an couldn’t be bothered to think about anything else.

When the old man saw him finish returning the books and prepare to head to the second floor, he finally grew annoyed. "Brat, show your ancestor some respect!"

Li Chang’an replied nonchalantly, "You’re right. So, can I go to the second floor now?"