56: Breakthrough (First Order)

Chapter 56: Breaking Through to the Innate Realm (Seeking First Subscriptions)

"Push hard, keep pushing!"

"Consort De, please hold on!"

"Quick, go fetch warm water..."

Imperial Palace, inside Yongan Palace.

Consort De was giving birth. Outside the wing room, Zheng Yi and others were waiting.

Having experienced a fifth childbirth, Zheng Yi was already quite familiar with it, without any of the nervousness of becoming a father for the first time.

Consort Duan Xu Qingluan, however, was extremely nervous on the side, looking toward the wing room from time to time.

"Your Majesty! Why is Sister Changle taking so long? Nothing bad happened, right?"

"No, I have to go in and check~"

"Hey, you don't know how to deliver a baby either. What are you going in for?"

Zheng Yi quickly held Xu Qingluan back and advised, "Just wait here. There are midwives and imperial physicians inside, why are you in such a rush?"

"This concubine is just concerned about Sister Changle, sigh..."

"Don't worry, Luaner, just don't go in and join the chaos."

"Your Majesty, do you think Sister Changle will give birth to an imperial prince?"

"Whether it's an imperial prince or an imperial princess, I like them all."

Zheng Yi secretly wrapped his arm around Xu Qingluan's waist and said, "Just like our little Xuan'er~"

"Your Majesty~ There are so many people here~"

"Who dares to look?"

The surrounding eunuchs and palace maids quickly lowered their heads, giggling secretly.

Consort Bi and Noble Lady Zhen were also there, while Dongyun Jie and Dongyun Yu sat on the side with envious looks.

Now in the entire inner palace, the Empress Dowager paid homage to Buddha and ignored worldly affairs, while the Empress was confined in Kun Ning Palace, and Consort Shu was confined in Yonghe Palace.

Only Consort Duan, Consort De, Consort Bi, and Noble Lady Zhen remained.

Consort Duan and Consort De were on good terms, and the other two concubines were simply no match for Consort Duan.

The four women looked up to Consort Duan as the head, and none dared to say anything.

Furthermore, Zheng Yi doted on Consort Duan exclusively, spending four or five nights out of ten sleeping in Consort Duan's palace.

The remaining Consort Bi and Noble Lady Zhen could only share a bit of his time, which was truly enviable.

At this moment, Zheng Yi looked toward the eastern side of Yongan Palace.

That was the main hall area of Yongan Palace, where Consort De's relatives stayed when visiting.

But at this moment, two people were inside different wing rooms there.

Prince Xian, Zheng Zongxian.

The Shadow Guard leader, Chen Liancang.

Zheng Yi had arranged this to test the effect of the Pure Yin Qi.

Was it truly as he had thought?

Both were at the Peak Grandmaster Realm, only one step away from the Innate Realm.

If Zheng Yi's guess was correct, could the two break through under the influence of Pure Yin Qi?

If they could break through, Great Yu would possess three Innate Realm Martial Artists.

And he would be able to further confirm the effect of the Innate Pure Yin Qi!

"Old Chen, why did His Majesty have the two of us guard Consort De while she gives birth?"

Being truly bored, Prince Xian transmitted his voice secretly and asked helplessly.

Chen Liancang said, "In response to Prince Xian, this servant does not know either. Perhaps it is to protect Consort De."

"Hehehe... With you and the Shadow Guard in the imperial palace nowadays, who would dare to act recklessly?"

Prince Xian chuckled and said, "Even my sister-in-law was..."

Chen Liancang said, "Prince Xian, please speak with caution. We are merely working for His Majesty..."

"Besides, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is wholeheartedly devoted to Buddha, spending all day worshipping Buddha in Yuhua Pavilion. Her freedom is not affected in the slightest."

"Is that so? Confining the Empress Dowager—my imperial nephew is truly domineering!"

Prince Xian shook his head and said, "However, there is already much talk among the imperial clan. Find time to persuade His Majesty. After all, she is the Empress Dowager. Even if she did something wrong, he should still show some Face to the imperial clan."

"The other day, a prince's consort entered the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, only to be stopped by eunuchs saying the Empress Dowager was unwell and unsuitable to receive guests. That was truly audacious!"

"this servant is merely a servant and does not dare to become involved in imperial Family matters. Prince Xian had better seek someone else."

"Aiya, you old dog, you really are slick. Can't you be a little flexible?"

"This old servant only obeys His Majesty's orders. If Prince Xian can persuade His Majesty, this old servant naturally has no objections."

"Sigh, His Majesty? After Consort De gives birth later, I'll take advantage of this good opportunity to discuss it with His Majesty. After all, she is the Empress Dowager of a nation."

While the two were chatting, at the Grand Secretariat office beside Taihe Hall, several figures were also looking toward the inner palace.

Lu Xiangqing and Cui Jinghao were silent, while only a few other assistant ministers were discussing.

"Today is the day Consort De gives birth, isn't it? I wonder if she can give birth to an imperial prince for our Great Yu?"

"His Majesty already has four daughters. If there is still no imperial prince..."

"Shh... Silence! How can such a matter be spoken of openly?"

"Still no news?"

"It should be soon. If there is news, the eunuchs will pass the word..."

Throughout the imperial palace and the court, countlessly many people looked toward the direction of the inner palace, as if waiting for something.

"Wah... wah~~!!"

Finally, amidst a clear and loud cry, the door to the room was opened by a wet nurse, who walked out quickly holding a swaddled baby.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Felicitations, Your Majesty!"

"Consort De has given birth! Both mother and daughter are safe!"

"It's a little princess~"

"Wow! So adorable~"

Mother and daughter safe?

The expressions of several people changed slightly, but Zheng Yi had already known and said, "Good, bestow rewards!"

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Felicitations, Your Majesty..."

"Sister Changle gave birth to a daughter? Quickly bring her over for me to see!"

Xu Qingluan excitedly took the child over and played with her happily.

"Her eyes look like Sister Changle's, and her nose looks like Your Majesty's. She's so cute~"

Consort Bi and Noble Lady Zhen also gathered around, softly playing with the baby.

"Ah! So adorable, can I hold her?"

"Dongyun Yu also wants to have a baby~"

Looking at the two carved-from-jade little girls, Consort Duan teased, "You are Dongyun Yu, right? Wanting to have a baby at such a young age, who are you going to have it for?"

Dongyun Yu raised her small head and said, "For Emperor Brother, of course! Sister and I are both Emperor Brother's concubines~"

The expressions of several people changed completely as they looked toward Noble Lady Zhen.

Even Consort Duan cast a glance at Zheng Yi, then looked at Noble Lady Zhen and her two daughters.

"Noble Lady Zhen, this is the inner palace. Some matters can be discussed behind closed doors, but if word spreads outside..."

Noble Lady Zhen was also frightened and quickly pulled Dongyun Jie and Dongyun Yu down to kneel: "Your... Your Majesty, Consort... Consort Duan, Dongyun Jie and Dongyun Yu are still young and ignorant, please..."

"No matter."

Zheng Yi waved his hand and said, "Rise. Dongyun Jie and Dongyun Yu are so adorable, I am also very fond of them."

"Luaner, Dongyun Jie and Dongyun Yu have special identities. You will know in the future."

Dongyun Jie and Dongyun Yu were the daughters of Eastern Cloud Wind, who was in turn the heir of a cultivation Family.

Although Eastern Cloud Wind lacked the aptitude for cultivation, there was no guarantee Dongyun Jie and Dongyun Yu wouldn't have it.

However, they were still very young, and he didn't have any Cultivation Techniques on hand, so he could only raise them for now.

In any case, two little girls didn't take much effort to raise.

Besides, Dongyun Jie and Dongyun Yu were very cute and lively; every time he visited Noble Lady Zhen's room, the two girls would pester him to play with them.

Even late at night, the two little girls would secretly slip in between him and Noble Lady Zhen, sleeping while holding his shoulders.

These two little girls had long regarded him as a father figure.

"This..."

The eyes of the women shifted slightly, and Consort Duan frowned while looking at Noble Lady Zhen before saying, "Get up."

"Th-Thank you, Consort Duan..."

Dongyun Jie and Dongyun Yu stood behind Noble Lady Zhen, looking strangely at His Majesty and Consort Duan.

What happened to Emperor Brother and Sister Consort Duan?

Why were they angry?

Why was Mother holding their small hands so tightly?

Each person had different thoughts, while Zheng Yi sensed the Pure Yin Qi gradually dissipating from the child and nodded to himself.

It seemed there was no scheme to swap a civet cat for a prince today.

He still felt lingering fear when thinking of what the Empress Dowager and Empress had done.

After the room was cleaned up, Zheng Yi walked in with Xu Qingluan and the child.

"Your Majesty~"

Consort De Li Changle had recovered quite a bit by now and said softly, "This concubine is useless for failing to give birth to an imperial prince for Your Majesty."

Zheng Yi comforted her, "What are you saying, Beloved Consort? I like daughters very much as well. Lie down and rest quickly."

Consort Duan also said, "Sister Changle, do not worry. There is still plenty of time ahead; you will surely give birth to a dragon son for His Majesty!"

"Sister is teasing me~"

"Your Majesty, please quickly name the child. She is so adorable~"

Zheng Yi spoke the name he had long prepared: "Like a finely crafted vessel adorned with good words, may she enjoy longevity, everlasting joy, and endless delight."

"Le'er, our daughter shall be named 'Zheng Yuyang', with the title 'Princess Weiyang'!"

"'Princess Weiyang' complements your name quite well."

"Weiyang, Weiyang..."

Consort De repeated it twice, beaming with joy as she said, "Thank you, Your Majesty~!"

"Buzz...~!"

Just at this moment, Zheng Yi keenly felt a strange fluctuation coming from the surrounding air.

Xu Qingluan beside him reacted even faster, quickly standing at Zheng Yi's side and saying, "Your Majesty! This aura... a Martial Artist is making a Breakthrough!"

"An Innate Realm Martial Artist!"

"Right inside the imperial palace!"

Zheng Yi's heart stirred, and he quickly comforted her, "Rest well, Beloved Consort. I'll be back shortly."

"Alright, Your Majesty. Please be careful, Your Majesty~!"

[part:gemini-3.5-flash-lite]

A group of people filed out, and at this time, the Imperial Guards inside the imperial palace were also alarmed, with many people successively running over toward this place and guarding in front of Zheng Yi.

Everyone's gaze looked toward the side rooms on the east side of Yong'an Palace.

Or rather, two side rooms separated by no more than three or five zhang.

Two completely different auras surged out from those side rooms.

One of them was gloomy and ice-cold, and in a daze, several black shadows rushed out from inside the side room.

At this moment, the few Imperial Guards standing close by actually felt as if they had fallen into an ice cave, their entire bodies trembling.

Viewed from Zheng Yi's line of sight, a large number of black shadows enveloped that palace building, indistinct and hazy, almost like ghosts and demons.

In a daze, one could even hear bursts of low, screeching sounds of evil ghosts.

" That is... the side room where Chen Liancang is staying? "

Zheng Yi muttered, as expected, it was just as he had anticipated.

The Pure Yin Qi from the daughters born by his several consorts could indeed affect a Martial Artist's cultivation!

This time when Consort De gave birth to a daughter, he deliberately arranged for Chen Liancang and Prince Xian to be nearby, hoping they would absorb the Pure Yin Qi the earliest and fastest.

Sure enough, not even the time it takes for an incense stick to burn after Consort De gave birth, Chen Liancang already had a reaction!

This aura was precisely the movement of breaking through from the Grandmaster Realm to the Innate Realm!

Heaven and Earth Origin Qi produced corresponding anomalies due to a Martial Artist's cultivation and Internal Energy!

This anomaly lasted for no more than a dozen breaths of time before another wave of intense fluctuation came once again from the side room on the other side.

" Aowu~! "

Cyan light rushed out from the side room, forcing back Chen Liancang's black shadows.

At the same time, this cyan light actually formed a figure resembling a giant python in the air, roaring towards the sky.

Prince Xian!

Zheng Zongxian!

He... had also broken through!

An Innate Realm Martial Artist!

Looking at the celestial changes caused by the two when breaking through to the Innate, one could see the differences in the Cultivation Technique they practiced.

The Cultivation Technique practiced by Chen Liancang was the " Black Lotus Sacred Scripture ", and the Internal Energy he cultivated was yin, soft, and treacherous, filled with corrosive power and extremely fast, causing his entire demeanor to become incomparably gloomy.

As for the Cultivation Technique practiced by Prince Xian, Zheng Yi did not know it, but it should also be passed down from the imperial Family, possessing a majestic and mighty Qi.

" Hum... "

High in the air, two completely different auras collided with each other, eroded each other, and bit and fought with each other.

But both auras were continuously climbing.

Waves of Qi rolled and filled the entire palace.

" Fall back! All of you, fall back! "

At Zheng Yi's command, the surrounding Imperial Guards quickly retreated, leaving behind a wide open space.

" Guard Yong'an Palace, no one is allowed to approach! "

" Understood! "

Soon, the entire Yong'an Palace was guarded by the Imperial Guards.

There were also many figures of the Shadow Guard around, protecting this place.

The time taken for the two to break through took a full half a day.

Consort Duan and the others had already been dismissed and sent back by Zheng Yi long ago.

It was not until late at night that the two completed their Breakthrough and came before Zheng Yi.

" This subject / this servant greets Your Majesty! "

" Rise, My Beloved Ministers! "

Zheng Yi raised his hand and said, " How do you two beloved ministers feel? Have you broken through? "

" Indeed, Your Majesty! "

Prince Xian took the lead to speak, " Old Chen and I have both broken through to the Innate Realm! "

" This feeling... is truly wondrous. "

Zheng Yi became interested: " Oh? How did you break through? Can you tell me? "

Prince Xian looked toward Chen Liancang, and Chen Liancang thought about it before saying, " Your Majesty, this servant previously mentioned the changes in Heaven and Earth Origin Qi. Today, at the very instant Consort De gave birth to a daughter, the changes in that Heaven and Earth Origin Qi were even clearer. "

" It was precisely under the influence of that Heaven and Earth Origin Qi that this servant managed to break through by a fluke. "

" this servant thinks that Prince Xian should have perceived it as well. "

Prince Xian nodded and said, " Indeed, at that time, the Heaven and Earth Origin Qi of Yong'an Palace indeed underwent a slight change, which prompted the two of us to break through by a fluke! "

" Heaven and Earth Origin Qi changes... is it really so? "

Zheng Yi murmured softly, his heart already having confirmation.

" Your Majesty! "

Prince Xian said suddenly once again, " Consort De giving birth to a child has prompted Old Chen and me to break through. This is truly a great joyous occasion, heaven bless our Great Yu! "

" This child is the lucky star of our Great Yu. Has Your Majesty already given her a name? "

" Indeed, her name is Zheng Yuyang, with the title of Princess Weiyang. "

" Weiyang? Weiyang? "

Prince Xian muttered: " A good name, long-lasting joy without end, which also complements Consort De's name. "

" Weiyang, Weiyang, the name of the main palace hall of the previous dynasty's emperor, truly magnificent! "

" Lord Li obtaining such a maternal granddaughter is truly a great fortune for our dynasty! "

" Lord Li... is it Li Changfeng? "

Minister of War Li Changfeng, Consort De's father, was also one of the court ministers.

" Xu Mujun is concurrently attending to the northern border wars and cannot spare himself. Order Li Changfeng to enter the cabinet. "

" Understood! "

" Your Majesty! "

Prince Xian said suddenly again, " This subject has another matter to request. "

" Imperial Uncle, please speak. "

" Now that Consort De has given birth to a child, and there are two more Innate powerhouses in the court, this is Heaven blessing our Great Yu. "

" Furthermore, both the Empress Dowager and the Empress are Your Majesty's closest relatives, yet they can only live in seclusion within the palace. If this matter were to spread, I am afraid it would be detrimental to Your Majesty's reputation. "

Prince Xian cupped his hands and said:

" The Empress is the mother of Great Yu. "

" The Empress Dowager is Your Majesty's mother. "

" Neither of them has committed any major faults. I hope Your Majesty will spare the two of them, considering that the Empress Dowager and the Empress are wholeheartedly thinking of Your Majesty. "

Zheng Yi tapped the desk with one hand, looked at Prince Xian, and said, " Since it is Imperial Uncle interceding, then I will naturally consider it carefully. "

" Once the Empress's body recovers, she may move about freely. "

If it were an ordinary imperial uncle interceding, Zheng Yi naturally would not agree.

But an Innate Realm Martial Artist made him have quite a few more chips in his hand.

Furthermore, he still had matters to trouble this Imperial Uncle with later, so he had to give him some Face.

The Empress could be released, but as for the Empress Dowager...

She had better obediently stay put.

" But the Empress Dowager... she voluntarily went to Yuhua Pavilion to worship Buddha and wholeheartedly pray for blessings for the royal descendants, so it is not easy for me to refuse. What do you say, Imperial Uncle? "

" This... "

Prince Xian shook his head with a bitter smile and said, " Everything shall follow Your Majesty's command! "

Just at this moment, Liu Chengen walked in quickly and said in a low voice, " Your Majesty, Ma Jinwu requests an audience. "

" Oh? Ma Jinwu? From Wu Province? Quickly let him in! "

Prince Xian tactfully said, " Since Your Majesty still has important matters, this subject will take his leave... "

" Wait a moment, Prince Xian. This matter concerns the Martial Forest, Imperial Uncle may stay and deliberate together. "

" The Martial Forest? "

Prince Xian was completely baffled, but since His Majesty had already said so, he could only stay behind.

Soon, Ma Jinwu walked in, his expression incomparably excited.

Accompanying him was also Little Gui Zi.

" This subject pays respects to Your Majesty! "

" This subject greets Prince Xian... "

" Rise. "

Zheng Yi raised his hand and said, " What important matter is there that you are in such a rush to see me? "

" Your Majesty, this... "

Ma Jinwu hesitated for a moment and glanced at Prince Xian.

" It is fine. Prince Xian is my Imperial Uncle; there is no need to avoid him in this matter. "

" Understood! "

Ma Jinwu immediately said, " Your Majesty, intelligence has come from Wu Province. Three days ago, Shenji Camp broke through Yu Jian Villa in Wu Province! All over three thousand Disciples of Yu Jian Villa were killed, the mountain gate was breached, and a group of people including Shen Qiyun, the master of Yu Jian Villa, were also all killed without a single person escaping! "

As soon as these words fell, Prince Xian on the side was shocked and said, " Your Majesty! Yu Jian Villa, Yu Jian Villa is merely a Martial Forest Sect, why must they... "

" I remember that Imperial Uncle's estate still has a few treasured swords originating from Yu Jian Villa, right? "

Prince Xian said, " Indeed, Your Majesty. Winter Blade, Summer Rain, and Radiant Sun, these three treasured swords were all purchased by this subject from Yu Jian Villa! "

" Little Gui Zi, you speak. "

" Understood! "

Little Gui Zi hurriedly said, " Your Majesty, we relied on the divine weapons of Shenji Camp to break through Yu Jian Villa, and raided a total of more than two hundred blacksmith workshops, weapon shops, and so on under the name of Yu Jian Villa. "

" From within its villa, a total of over 8,600 treasured swords, over 12,000 long sabers, and over 5,000 long spears were looted. "

" Axes, whips, and lances were countless. "

" In addition, 826 pieces of Mingguang armor, over 1,200 pieces of fish-scale armor, over 5,000 pieces of ordinary leather armor, and over 2,200 pieces of fine steel shields were searched out... "

While Little Gui Zi was still speaking, the expressions of Zheng Yi and Prince Xian became extremely ugly.

Weapons were one thing.

Although the quantity was large, it was still within their tolerable range.

But... armor!

The laws of Great Yu stipulated that those who privately concealed three sets of armor would be punished for the crime of treason!

This Yu Jian Villa, damn it, privately concealed nearly ten thousand pieces of armor!

What were they trying to do?

Judging by the crime of treason, it was already letting them off lightly.

How many people were there in Yu Jian Villa? Manufacturing so many sets of armor, what was the purpose?

The rebel army of Qingzhou?

How could that group of bumpkins have so much money to buy so many sets of armor!

" Your Majesty! "

Prince Xian immediately said, " Yu Jian Villa has rebelled, please execute the entire Sect! "

Little Gui Zi said again, " Your Majesty, this servant found several secret letters inside the villa. "

" This matter is of grave importance, and I hope Your Majesty... "