Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

At the gates of the capital of the Wu Kingdom, a group of officials had already lined up to welcome them.

Moreover, these officials were of considerable rank, making the reception somewhat beyond the usual protocol for Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan. However, despite the clear breach of decorum, no one said a word—even the censors, who were usually quick to criticize, remained silent.

They had no choice.

One was the only princess of the Wu Kingdom, who had just reinstated a vassal prince, led troops in battle, upheld strict military discipline, rewarded and punished justly, and even contributed to the destruction of a rebellious vassal state.

The other was the first person in Wu Kingdom’s history to be both a top scholar in civil examination and with military merits, the youngest top scholar ever, who, after a year of traveling, had slain the leader of the Hehuan Sect, defeated Chen Yun, and ranked second on the Qingyun List. Rumors even suggested he had played a significant role in the Hehuan Sect’s internal strife.

Wu Yanhan, Xu Ming, and Qin Qingwan—these three names had become synonymous with the Wu Kingdom.

As for Xu Xuenuo… she wasn’t even listed in the family genealogy anymore; she was no longer considered a citizen of the Wu Kingdom.

In the beginning, many still associated Xu Xuenuo with Wu Kingdom, but over the years, her presence had faded from the nation’s memory.

“They’re here, they’re here!”

Inside Xu Ming’s carriage, Zhou Wanfeng lifted the curtain and glanced at the city gates before covering her mouth with a soft chuckle. “Quite the grand reception. When we were in Jiangnan Commandery, I heard about your story. In the past, illegitimate children in the Wu Kingdom had a low status. Did you ever imagine that one day, you, once despised as an unwanted son, would become someone no one dares to ignore?”

“I never thought about it, nor does it matter to me,” Xu Ming replied as he lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage.

Watching his departing figure, Zhou Wanfeng smiled to herself and murmured, “Indeed… Someone like you could never be restrained by a mere ‘illegitimate’ status.”

At this moment, Zhou Wanfeng chose not to disembark.

Although she enjoyed teasing Xu Ming, she knew her limits. Her reputation as a “seductress” wasn’t exactly good, and she wouldn’t want to tarnish the little scholar’s name.

As Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan stepped down from their carriages, they approached the gathered officials and cupped their fists in greeting. “Your gracious welcome is truly overwhelming.”

“Haha, Minister Xu and Her Highness are being too modest,” laughed Xiong Wentian, Minister of Rites. “The two of you have rendered great service to our kingdom, bringing honor to our land. It is our privilege to welcome you back.”

“Hearing you say that almost makes me hesitate to enter the city,” Xu Ming joked.

“That won’t do,” Xiong Wentian chuckled. “If Minister Xu doesn’t enter, His Majesty might just have my hide for it.”

Xu Ming looked at Xiong Wentian and couldn’t help but recall an old memory—years ago, he had clashed with Xiong Wentian’s son, Xiong Haizhi. Later, they ended up joining Blood Asura Battalion together as comrades-in-arms.

It was a case of foes turned friends.

“I wonder how Haizhi is doing these days? Is he well?” Xu Ming asked.

Hearing Xu Ming inquire about his son, Xiong Wentian was momentarily taken aback, then deeply moved—he hadn’t expected Xu Ming to still remember Haizhi. ŔἁɴȏВƐŝ

With a smile, Xiong Wentian replied, “Thank you for your concern, Minister Xu. Haizhi is currently serving as a Centurion in Blood Asura’s Fifth Battalion and is doing well.”

“Good to hear.” Xu Ming nodded.

“My lords, time is running short. Please, enter the city—we must not keep His Majesty waiting. He has been expecting you both for quite some time.” Xiong Wentian stepped aside and gestured forward.

“We appreciate it.”

After another round of polite exchanges, Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan mounted their horses once more and rode into the imperial city.

Within the capital, the streets were lined with cheering citizens, welcoming their return.

The streets on both sides of the road were packed with people, leaving not even an inch of space. Flowers were thrown toward Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan, while excited voices continuously called out, “Your Highness, the Princess!” and “Wen Wu Qing (Minister of Civil and Military Affairs)!”—especially the voices of countless women.

Women across the world admired talent, and the women of Wu Kingdom were no exception.

However, Wu Kingdom also revered martial strength.

So, if a man was not only talented but also an exceptional warrior, that was even better.

And Xu Ming happened to embody both.

He had composed numerous timeless poems and was hailed as the future leader of Wu Kingdom’s literary world. In particular, his poem Butterfly Love had stirred the hearts of countless women.

Moreover, he had served in the military—not just anywhere, but in the elite Blood Asura Battalion. On top of that, he ranked second on the Qingyun List.

All of this had cast an almost legendary glow around Xu Ming.

Among the noblewomen of the capital, there was even a popular saying:

“If I could meet Young Master Xu just once, even death would be worth it.”

This alone spoke volumes about the kind of fervor Xu Ming commanded among the women of the capital.

Now, he rode into the city clad in a simple blue robe, mounted on an armored Ferghana horse. His tall, lean figure and handsome features, combined with the aura of a literary icon and war hero, exuded a refined elegance. Today, countless women had undoubtedly sealed their fates with a single glance—”One look at Young Master Xu, and I’ll never love another.”

Xu Ming felt it would be rude to ignore everyone completely, so he gave a small nod to the women calling his name from the sides of the road.

Unfortunately, this only made things worse. Some women became so overwhelmed with excitement that they fainted on the spot.

“It seems you’re quite popular among the ladies,” Wu Yanhan remarked, shooting him a cold glance, her voice tinged with jealousy.

“I wouldn’t know,” Xu Ming replied helplessly, shaking his head. “It wasn’t like this before. I haven’t been back to Wu Capital in a long time. Besides, I’m not the only one receiving admiration—Your Highness is just as popular.”

“Hmph.”

Wu Yanhan turned her head away.

She did, in fact, have a large number of admirers.

But unlike Xu Ming, who was adored primarily by women, Wu Yanhan attracted both men and women alike.

After all, she was breathtakingly beautiful. And when clad in armor, she exuded a valiant, heroic aura—a perfect blend of strength and grace, a true warrior queen. It was impossible not to be captivated by her.

As they arrived at the gates of the imperial palace, they dismounted and switched to carriages before proceeding inside.

Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan were then led away to bathe and change into formal attire.

The palace maids assigned to assist Xu Ming were all strikingly beautiful—clearly handpicked by Emperor Wu himself.

As they attended to him, their cheeks flushed, and their eyes held a trace of anticipation, hoping that this famed scholar-warrior might favor them.

However, Xu Ming simply dismissed them, saying he could bathe himself.

In the end, the disappointed maids could only withdraw, sighing with regret.

Once Xu Ming arrived at the open courtyard in front of the imperial study, Wu Yanhan was already there, waiting.

She now wore a flowing crimson dress, its long hem trailing gracefully behind her. A delicate silk sash wrapped around her slender waist, accentuating her elegant figure. A single coral hairpin adorned her dark tresses, its deep red hue highlighting her flawless, lotus-like complexion.

Her striking phoenix eyes, naturally alluring yet commanding, now shimmered with a regal presence. Her once battle-ready locks had been styled into an intricate courtly bun, decorated with pearls as radiant as snow, twinkling like tiny stars amidst her hair.

Gone was the valiant warrior in armor. In her place stood a noble lady of grace and refinement.

“You waited long?” Xu Ming asked as he approached.

Though Wu Yanhan was a princess, she was also a subject of the empire. In formal settings like this, when both were summoned, protocol dictated that she wait until they could enter together.

“I just got here myself,” she replied, folding her hands in front of her. “Honestly, I thought you’d take a bit longer—at least another incense stick’s time.”

“Why?” Xu Ming frowned slightly. “I never take long to bathe.”

“It’s nothing.” Wu Yanhan turned and started toward the imperial study. “Come on.”

Xu Ming walked beside her as the eunuch, Grand Eunuch Wei, led them into the imperial study.

“Minister greets Your Majesty.”

“Daughter greets Father Emperor.”

Inside the imperial study, both knelt in salute.

“Hahahaha! There’s no need for such formalities,” Emperor Wu stepped down from his soft couch, looking at the young man he valued most and the daughter he cherished deeply. “You’ve both had a long journey. Summoning you immediately upon your return—I hope you don’t hold it against me.”

“Your Majesty speaks too seriously,” Xu Ming replied. “I have been traveling for a year. Upon returning to the capital, it is only right for me to report my experiences over the past year to Your Majesty.”

“Hahaha, good!” Emperor Wu patted Xu Ming’s shoulder and turned to Wei Xun. “Prepare seats for the Princess and our esteemed minister.”

“Yes, yes, of course!”

Wei Xun hurriedly fetched two golden nanmu chairs and placed them beneath Xu Ming and Wu Yanhan.

Xu Ming then began recounting his year of travels to Emperor Wu.

Some things he spoke of, while others he left unsaid. Most of what he shared was only a general overview. If he were to go into full detail, he probably wouldn’t make it home today.

Besides, Xu Ming saw this more as a formality. For any major events, Emperor Wu was surely already informed—after all, Tingfeng Pavilion, the most powerful intelligence agency in Wu, was not just for show.

And indeed, things were just as Xu Ming expected.

Emperor Wu was already well aware of Xu Ming’s experiences through Tingfeng Pavilion.

Not to mention, the Emperor had assigned a protector to Xu Ming, who would occasionally send reports back.

However, this protector had a rather solitary nature and was not particularly obedient to orders. Some things, she simply wouldn’t disclose. Whether she sent a report or not was entirely up to her mood.

Not to mention, after Xu Ming entered the Baiwa Secret Realm and the Tianxuan Sect, even his protector had been unable to follow.

Meanwhile, Wu Yanhan also reported her military victories to Emperor Wu.

“You both have done exceptionally well!”

After listening to their reports, Emperor Wu was visibly pleased.

“Yanhan, your merit in suppressing the rebellion is one thing, but what’s truly commendable is your ability to lead troops with discipline, rewarding and punishing fairly. On the battlefield, you used reality to deceive illusion, and illusion to mask reality—a rare talent. Even Great Pillar of the Nation, the veteran general, has praised you, saying you possess the aura of the Great Ancestor.”

“As for your reward, I have thought long and hard…”

Emperor Wu clasped his hands behind his back.

“Wei Xun!”

“Your servant is here!” Wei Xun immediately knelt before the Emperor.

Emperor Wu’s voice carried a natural authority. “Draft the decree: Princess Wu Yanhan has led the army with skill, winning the hearts of all wherever she marched. She has quelled rebellion and destroyed enemy states. I hereby confer upon her the title of King of Qin!”

Wei Xun’s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly responded, “Yes, Your Majesty!”

Both Wu Yanhan and Xu Ming furrowed their brows.

It was normal to be granted a noble title for quelling a rebellion, but being named King of Qin—this was not normal.

The Wu Kingdom had risen from the land of Qin. Back then, the Great Ancestor of Wu had once named himself King of Qin.

Throughout history, every prince of Wu was required to lead troops into battle, and every Crown Prince had, at some point, held the title King of Qin.

This title was not just an honorary peerage—it was, in essence, a symbol of the heir apparent.

In other words, was Emperor Wu now considering making his daughter the first female ruler in the history of the Central Plains?

There was no doubt that once this decree was issued, the imperial court would be thrown into an uproar.

After all, never before in human dynastic history had such a precedent been set!

“Xu Ming, what do you think of my decision?” Emperor Wu turned to him.

“Your Majesty’s decision is, of course, the correct one,” Xu Ming responded with a respectful bow, his words carefully chosen. “In my humble view, Her Highness the Princess is both virtuous and capable, a woman no less than any man. With her Martial God Physique, she is more than worthy of the title King of Qin.”

“Hahaha! Well said!” Emperor Wu was highly pleased.

Having assessed countless people in his life, he could tell that this boy, Xu Ming, genuinely believed Yanhan was suited for the role. His support was sincere.

“King of Qin, aren’t you going to quickly express your gratitude?” Emperor Wu teased his daughter.

Wu Yanhan bowed deeply. “Your daughter thanks Father Emperor.”

“Good.” Emperor Wu nodded in satisfaction before turning his gaze to Xu Ming. “As for you, Xu Ming, you have also brought great honor to Wu, but I haven’t yet decided on your reward. Once I do, the imperial edict will naturally be delivered to the Xu residence.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Xu Ming expressed his gratitude.

That said, he honestly didn’t want any rewards.@@novelbin@@

If the Emperor decided to bestow a marriage decree, that would be a real headache for him.

“Alright, King of Qin, you may withdraw now. I have some matters to discuss with our esteemed minister.” Emperor Wu waved his hand dismissively.

Wu Yanhan hesitated, glancing at Xu Ming with concern, her feet unmoving.

“What’s this? Are you afraid I’ll eat Xu Ming?” Seeing his daughter so worried about another man, Emperor Wu felt a mix of emotions as a father. He couldn’t shake the feeling that his precious cabbage was being taken by a pig—even though, admittedly, he did have some fondness for this particular pig.

“Then your daughter shall take her leave.” Wu Yanhan finally retreated and left the imperial study.

“Hmm, it seems your relationship is quite close. This is the first time I’ve seen my daughter care about someone this much. She’s never even shown this level of concern for me.” Emperor Wu sighed after she left.

Xu Ming: “…”

He had no idea how to respond—especially since he could hear a hint of jealousy in the Emperor’s tone.

“Ah, never mind, never mind. A grown daughter cannot be kept at home forever,” Emperor Wu waved a hand dismissively and pulled out a letter from his desk. “Take a look at this.”

“What is this?” Xu Ming took the envelope.

“An invitation from Beihai (North Sea),” Emperor Wu replied. “They have specifically requested you to serve as an envoy to the Beihai Dragon Palace.”