Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 752 Catastrophe (Part 1)

But when Han Yi looked around, he found nothing.

The wreckage lay there silently, as if it were a hallucination.

Immediately, Han Yi's mind was completely drawn into what Tantai Xunzhen had said, and he began to ponder it deeply.

……………

……………

Central Plains, the capital.

Midnight, all is quiet.

Dark clouds covered the sky, making it gloomy.

The moonlight was obscured by the dark clouds, making the entire land appear even darker and deeper. Even in the capital city, known for its bustling activity and vibrant nightlife, most households were now drowsy and fast asleep.

After passing through more than ten well-ordered bluestone roads, each large enough to accommodate six carriages side by side, you arrive at the inner city wall, which is high and thick.

Two battalions of armored soldiers were stationed on the city wall, their banners billowing like a sea. The arrow towers on both sides were filled with sentries, swords drawn, the atmosphere tense.

The area outside the city wall was inhabited mainly by ordinary people, or low-ranking officials and small merchants.

Behind the inner city wall lay a host of high-ranking officials and generals, their offices and residences, and the imperial palace.

At this moment, on the clean and tidy inner city streets, lighting fixtures hung on wooden poles on both sides of the street, casting a bright yellow light, but there was not a single pedestrian in sight.

Even the watchman's chime was silent.

Everything was eerily quiet, like a ghost town. The black and white buildings were clearly defined like fish scales, uniformly divided into different areas according to their functions.

Beyond the outer government offices, one soon arrives at the innermost part, the grand mansions of high-ranking officials and nobles.

Green tiles and white walls, grand gates and courtyards. The leaves are lush and green, and there are babbling brooks everywhere, with artificial hills and flowing water all around.

Deepest inside, closest to the palace, is a vast mansion.

Prince's Mansion.

Even though it was already past the time when the servants and maids were asleep, the imposing military formation of over a thousand men stood silently in the spacious courtyard, exuding a formidable aura.

Numerous torches formed a bright pattern, illuminating the entire courtyard.

Each soldier had bright, sharp eyes, taut, and strong muscles. They were fully armored, with gold thread embroidered on the sides of their dark gold armor. One hand held a torch, the other gripped a sword hilt, and a silver bow was slung across their backs. "Your Highness, the Imperial Guards have sealed off all sections of the inner city walls, especially the areas you requested to be closely monitored, but there's still no movement." A burly man slowly walked towards the front of the army.

He was clad in jet-black armor, with a helmet adorned with horn-like decorations. On his back were two short spears, their shapes somewhat peculiar, resembling nunchucks, connected at the ends by silver chains, their tips incredibly sharp.

"Wait a little longer. There's still no news from the Left Prime Minister." A handsome man with regular features and a stern expression, dressed in a four-clawed python robe, spoke slowly.

He had his eyes tightly closed and his brows furrowed, as if he were thinking about something extremely troublesome.

It was none other than Tantai Xunzhen's elder brother, the most promising successor to the throne in the current generation of the Tantai family.

Tantai Sheng, Prince Sheng.

"Yunlong, are you sure the palace... really has nothing unusual?" As if he had thought of a suspicious point, Tantai Sheng opened his eyes and looked at the strong man beside him.

Lin Yunlong is the commander-in-chief of the 100,000 Imperial Guards in the capital.

All security measures in the capital, including patrols, curfews, and even the guards inside the palace.

He was in charge of everything.

The fact that Lin Yunlong appeared at Tantai Sheng at this moment, especially late at night, speaks volumes.

“I’m sure…” Lin Yunlong said helplessly, “It’s still the same as always, without any change.”

"..."

Upon hearing this, Tantai Sheng frowned even more deeply.

He made such a big commotion here, he never expected to be able to keep it a secret.

The result was no reaction at all, as if nothing had been found...

That's what's truly baffling. No matter how old and frail the old man is, he couldn't possibly be so oblivious as to not even notice what was happening right under his nose.

There are only two possible reasons to consider.

First, the old man is indeed past his prime; he cares nothing for anything except immortality.

Secondly, the old man discovered it, but didn't care. Or rather, things on Tantai Sheng's side were simply impossible to succeed.

If it were the former, then so be it.

If it's the latter...

Tantai Sheng clenched his fists tightly, his expression freezing on his face as he fell into deep thought.

"Your Highness... Prince Sheng?"

A few soft calls from beside him pulled Tantai Sheng back to reality.

The person who woke him up was an elderly man with gray hair, a pair of weathered eyes, deep gaze, and a angular face that still hinted at his youthful vigor.

It was none other than Sun Anzheng, the Left Chancellor, one of the most powerful officials in the current court.

"Teacher, how is it?" Tantai Sheng asked in a low voice, coming back to his senses.

“Dark Star Pavilion, Bright Light Tower, Extraordinary Affairs Office… and the six ministers… have each restrained their subordinates and are waiting for an order…” Sun Anzheng’s voice grew softer and softer, becoming increasingly inaudible.

Only Tantai Sheng nodded in satisfaction from time to time.

“Teacher, given the current situation… what do you think…” he asked softly.

"The arrow is on the string, it must be released!" Sun Anzheng said decisively. "We've prepared for so long, and Fan Hongchou has put in so much effort. We finally managed to successfully forge the 'Abyss Void Forbidden Sword.' If we don't act now, when will we?" "Yes... Teacher, Yunlong, Hongchou... so many people have worked hard. If we give up, all our efforts will be in vain!" A hint of determination gradually flashed in Tantai Sheng's eyes.

It wasn't that he lacked decisiveness or was weak-willed; it was just that he had to do something tonight…

It involves far too many people...

It concerns the well-being of all people, the fate of the Xuan Dynasty, and the long river of history.

Using these words to describe the importance of this matter is not an exaggeration at all.

The password was passed down layer by layer.

The gates of the prince's mansion opened, and everyone moved about quickly in silence.

In everyone's eyes, there was an invisible flame burning.

It was a blazing flame born from the intertwining of ambition and desire, far brighter than any torch in one's hand.

The team marched through the streets in an orderly fashion, and soon a separate group would take over key positions at nearby intersections to block off the area.

By the time they reached the imperial city wall, the entire inner city was already completely under Tantai Sheng's control.

"Let's go... Now, we're just one step away from success!"

Looking at the thick and solid imperial city walls, Tantai Sheng took a deep breath, his body trembling slightly.

Even if you had already mentally prepared for it.

When faced with certain situations, it's inevitable to feel emotionally agitated.

Squeak...

The tightly closed gates of the imperial city were slowly opened from the inside, as originally planned.

It wasn't just the inner city. In fact, people were stationed throughout most of the imperial city as well.

"Your Highness... no, Your Majesty," Sun Anzheng said with a slight smile, "After tonight, our Great Xuan will surely sweep across the land and restore peace!"

"The Great Xuan Dynasty, under His Majesty's leadership... will surely rise again!!!" Lin Yunlong echoed.

The suppressed, extremely low, trembling voice revealed a strong excitement within it.

They plotted rebellion and seized the throne.

Anyone would be focused and excited about such an important event.

Such a power grab is extremely risky; failure would inevitably result in the extermination of the entire family.

If it succeeds...

They are bound to rise to great heights and become a hot and sought-after celebrity.

The merit of following the emperor is not something to be taken lightly. As long as one does not commit any major taboos, it is enough to ensure that one's descendants enjoy wealth and prosperity for three generations, with no worries about food, drink, or other necessities.

"Thank you all for your kind words. This is not my achievement alone. It is the choice of the court officials, the choice of the people's hearts, and the choice of the general trend of the world!" A blush appeared on Tantai Sheng's face, and he was also very excited.

The imperial city was quiet and peaceful. Most of the irrelevant people had left, and the patrolling guards were mostly his own men.

Everything was arranged perfectly.

The torches on both sides of the road burned silently, making the surrounding dark areas appear even darker and deeper.

After passing through numerous pavilions, towers, and courtyards, Tantai Sheng and his entourage arrived at a grand hall.

Bright candles surrounded the palace.

Each of these candles was as tall as an adult man and as thick as his thigh. Wisps of blue smoke rose from them, clear and lingering for a long time, carrying a delicate fragrance that was not carried by the wind and was very pleasant. Clearly, these candles were made of extraordinary materials.

At the very least, it was made from ambergris, which costs a hundred gold coins per ounce.

This single candle must weigh dozens of kilograms and cost at least tens of thousands of taels of gold.

Such a single ambergris candle is extremely rare in the world, and it would be more than enough to be a family heirloom.

However, in this palace, this item was just one of the most ordinary things.

Egg-sized gemstones, like free glass beads, were embedded in the window, shimmering with blue, red, green and other colors under the candlelight, creating a dazzling spectacle.

The entire main hall is gilded, made of whole gold bricks and tiles, making it look like a golden mountain in the dark, shining brightly and dazzlingly.

"Father..."

Even Tantai Sheng, who grew up in the palace, couldn't help but secretly marvel at the extravagance of the palace. It was far too luxurious.

My father, who was once wise and powerful, and was known as a sage and enlightened ruler…

Compared to the current useless buildings that have consumed enormous human and financial resources, squandered countless amounts of the people's hard-earned money, and used up at least half of the national treasury...

The stark contrast between the two gradually blurred the face from the past.

“Father…you’ve grown old…and changed…” Tantai Sheng’s resolve grew stronger. “You’ve become afraid of death, timid and hesitant, and old, senile and incompetent…This world…must undergo a change!”

His eyes suddenly hardened.

The palace gates were wide open, revealing a magnificent interior. Circles of exquisitely designed openwork candlesticks lit up the walls, while the glass-like decorations reflected a kaleidoscope of colors, casting dappled light onto the soft red carpet.

The carpet underfoot is made from down from goose down, a unique species from the Western Regions, and each strand is worth the equivalent of one tael of silver.

This demonstrates the extent of their extravagance and luxury.

What is most eye-catching is the high platform in the middle of the main hall.

It was a nine-story platform, entirely black and without any carvings, as if it were a masterpiece of nature, perfectly formed by the heavens.

"Your son greets Your Majesty!" Tantai Shenghong said, standing in front of the main hall.

No one answered.

There weren't even any maids or servants.

Like a black hole, the sound went in but received no response.

It was completely empty inside; there was nobody there.

"Your Highness, please go inside. Even for the sake of the people, it's time for an end to this," Sun Anzheng advised in a low voice.

If possible, he wouldn't want to be this traitor.

However, as the Left Prime Minister, there are some things that concern the overall situation and are for the benefit of the country and its people, which are things he must do.

Since Emperor Xuanwen suffered a serious illness a few years ago, his personality suddenly changed, becoming increasingly suspicious, distrustful, cruel, and ruthless.

If that were all, it would be fine.

After recovering from his serious illness, seemingly out of fear of pain and death, Emperor Wen made the same mistake that every aging emperor makes.

Immortality.

The Great Xuan Dynasty is now facing a critical situation on all fronts, and is in dire straits.

In such a critical moment, he actually diverted frontline military funds, wasting public resources and squeezing every last drop of wealth from several large states, and searched the land for treasures that could prolong life and grant immortality.

They didn't even know where they heard about some kind of sorcery or evil magic, and built this Ascension Platform in front of them. They were trying to "communicate" with the immortals, learn immortal arts, regain their youth, rule the world forever, and become the eternal supreme ruler.

Regardless of whether immortality is even feasible.

Emperor Wen's various ridiculous and absurd behaviors have shown that he was old and senile, and had lost the basic decision-making ability to deal with national affairs, the world, and the people's hearts.

The precarious Great Xuan needed a vibrant leader who could transform the world, lead the people, and revitalize the nation.

Unlike Emperor Wen, who was old and feeble, a foolish ruler who ruined the country for his own selfish desires.

If things continue like this, the country will cease to exist, and the world will surely perish.

puff…...

My footsteps slid across the red carpet, making a soft, creaking sound, as if I were walking on cotton.

The Tongtian Hall, which Emperor Wen regarded as a forbidden paradise, was a place that even Tantai Sheng, with his noble status, was entering for the first time. The walls were covered with numerous gold-painted murals and reliefs, and the faces of the deities in them faintly resembled Tantai Sheng's own.

He sighed inwardly.

My father... is beyond saving.

Does enshrining a deity statue really grant longevity and immortality?

If that were really the case, wouldn't everyone in the world be an immortal?

All schools of thought, including those of various religions, religions, and schools of thought, as well as unorthodox practices and minor arts, must be brought together and managed in a unified manner.

Reform is urgently needed.

There should only be one voice in the world.

All military force and all power should obey the orders of the imperial court.

As the first priority of his reforms after ascending the throne, Tantai Sheng kept it in mind and reminded himself of it.