If Heaven hadn't given birth to me, I would be arrogant.

“Eunuch Zhang, there’s no need for this.” Zong Ze waved his hand to stop Eunuch Zhang’s self-torture. “Although I have been in seclusion for five years, I am not unaware of what is happening in the outside world. I am well aware of my father’s failed attempt to usurp the throne. The victor is king, the loser is villain, and I am now a remnant of the enemy. It is only natural that Eunuch Zhang does not regard me.”

After saying this, Zong Ze waved his hand to release the guards' pressure points, and the two guards sheathed their swords and quietly retreated behind Eunuch Zhang.

They acted without knowing Zong Ze's identity, but now that they know, having already received orders, they certainly won't act again.

“Eunuch Zhang, please deliver the decree directly. I will not kneel.” Zong Ze said calmly.

After his father died, he made a vow that he would never kneel before anyone again, whether it was heaven and earth or a king.

"Of course, of course. Before he left, His Majesty instructed that the Crown Prince need not kneel to receive the imperial decree."

After saying that, he cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, I have only come here to deliver an imperial decree. Please forgive me and listen to the decree."

He then unfurled the imperial edict and read it aloud: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prince Zong Liancheng of the South devoted himself wholeheartedly to defending Baidi City against foreign enemies. However, due to overwork, he unfortunately passed away. He is hereby posthumously granted the title of Prince of Pingnan, which shall be hereditary. Furthermore, I have heard that his son, Zongze, aspires to the Great Dao, and hereby bestow upon him an elixir of immortality obtained from Longhu Mountain, wishing him an early ascension to immortality. This is the imperial decree!"

After the reading was finished, Eunuch Zhang glanced nervously at Zong Ze, and only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Zong Ze's expression was normal. He took out a brocade pouch from his bosom and handed it to Zong Ze, saying, "Your Highness, this is an elixir bestowed by the Emperor. The Emperor says that whether or not to use it is entirely up to Your Highness."

Zong Ze took the brocade pouch, took out the emerald green pill inside, examined it carefully for a moment, and suddenly burst into laughter, startling Eunuch Zhang into taking two steps back.

After Zong Ze finished laughing, he stopped and said, "Eunuch Zhang, please thank my brother on my behalf. In the past, my brother's father used trickery to seize the throne from my father, forcing my father to flee to the border and change his name. Now, it is only natural for my father to want to take back everything. Even if we fail, we can bear the consequences."

A hint of mockery flashed in his eyes: "My elder brother bestowed upon me the title of Father, and I know his intentions. He fears I will follow in Father's footsteps, so he bestowed this title upon me, and then this elixir. An elixir of immortality? How utterly laughable! Go back and tell him that my sect despises such intentions. To put his mind at ease, I will consume this elixir!"

After saying that, Zong Ze tilted his head back and swallowed the pill, then waved his hand and said, "Are you all at ease? I'm going back to the stone chamber now, so don't disturb me any further."

However, just as Zong Ze turned around, Eunuch Zhang added from behind, "Your Highness, His Majesty has another imperial edict, which can only be conveyed after you have taken the elixir: His Majesty asked if Your Highness had any further requests, and he will surely grant them!"

"What do you desire?" Zong Ze laughed again. "Tell him that my only wish is not to be born into an imperial family in my next life. Will he grant it?"

Having said that, Zong Ze did not hesitate any longer and walked straight into the stone chamber. The moment the stone door closed, Eunuch Zhang faintly heard a sound carried on the wind:

"The Yellow River flows far up, amidst white clouds, a lone city stands, surrounded by towering mountains. Why must the Qiang flute lament the willows, for the spring breeze does not reach... Yumen Pass!"

“Eunuch,” a guard with a sword suddenly spoke up, “The young master has taken the pill as the emperor intended. Our mission is complete. However, we did not expect the young master’s martial arts to be so powerful. Even if the prince were to be resurrected, he might not be a match for him.”

Eunuch Zhang snorted coldly and said angrily, "Bullshit! What's the use of high martial arts skills? The Emperor can still kill you whenever he wants!"

Another guard immediately chimed in, "What Eunuch Zhang says is absolutely right! But what should we do with these servants?"

"Clean them all out!" Eunuch Zhang said coldly. "Send the Military Intelligence Battalion to slaughter everyone in Baidi City, leaving no one alive!"