86: Be happy

Three months later.

In less than half a year, grievances among the people erupted throughout the Sui Dynasty, with citizens barely clothed and starving. In some areas, rebels had even emerged.

All of this was due to Xu Sanyan. Since his ascension, he had neglected state affairs, ignored the suffering of the common people, and focused solely on plundering precious medicinal herbs.

As the emperor acted, so did his subordinates. Officials at all levels became even more brazen, with high-ranking court officials colluding internally and externally to amass wealth. All these reasons led to the current situation.

Currently, of the seven provinces of the Sui Dynasty, four had raised the banner of rebellion. In just three months, the signs of national demise had already appeared. Future historical records would state:

“Sui Emperor Xu Sanyan, indulged in pleasure, lacked discernment in choosing people, and relied on treacherous officials, leading to the suffering of the populace and rampant corruption.”

But he didn't care about the curses after his death. As long as he achieved Immortal Ascension and became an ancestor, none of this would matter.

Within the gauze curtains, Xu Sanyan comfortably held the Empress, lying on the Dragon bed, savoring grapes fed to him. Beside him stood a row of women, all completely naked, shielding him from the cold.

This was the famous “Flesh Screen.”

Of course, he wasn't afraid of the cold, but he wanted the feeling of lavish indulgence, of excess and luxury.

Xu Sanyan's eyes slightly opened, sweeping towards the palace gate. He saw Zhao Zhongyang rushing over, his face anxious, shouting, “Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! Prince Zhao's army has already broken through Tiannan City and is about to besiege the Imperial City!”

Xu Sanyan chuckled softly, slowly and unhurriedly sitting up, showing no panic. He even picked up a wine cup and rinsed his mouth.

He had enjoyed enough during this time; it was time to leave.

These beautiful concubines and ladies truly eroded one's will. Even with Xu Sanyan's determination to seek Immortality and Dao, he felt a hint of reluctance to leave now.

“Heh… so slow.”

Xu Sanyan had long been prepared. As long as they dared to come, he would dare to give away this empire.

During this period, the “Qi” accumulated on his panel had reached over five hundred points. The precious medicinal herbs plundered from various regions were continuously transported to the capital.

Later, as rebel armies rose in various places, roads became impassable, and the supply gradually decreased, but it was still enough.

The Empress and the many concubines beside him, however, were somewhat flustered but dared not show it.

Xu Sanyan pointed at Zhao Shengwu and said, “You have served me diligently, working tirelessly and rendering great meritorious service. I have decided to abdicate the throne to you. From now on, you will be the Emperor of the Great Sui.”

Zhao Shengwu's face froze, and he instinctively blurted out, “Ah?”

The Empress beside him was stunned, her mind blank, with only one thought remaining:

Oh no, have I become a veteran of three dynasties?

Xu Sanyan paid no mind to their thoughts, changed his clothes, and walked out on his own.

Zhao Shengwu then recovered and immediately turned pale with fright, “Your Majesty, you cannot! I am but a warrior, I do not understand how to govern a country, and besides, besides…”

Zhao Shengwu was full of excuses. To succeed to the throne at this time, wouldn't that be seeking death?

Xu Sanyan naturally knew his concerns; it was nothing more than the rebels already at their doorstep, and Zhao Shengwu worried he wouldn't be able to win.

But what did that have to do with Xu Sanyan?

He was no longer the emperor.

The Empress on the side also quickly draped on a light veil, crying tearfully, “Your Majesty, are you abandoning me?”

Xu Sanyan turned and stroked the Empress's cheek, gently saying, “Look at what you’re saying. We aren’t even married, and it’s a good thing we aren’t, otherwise I would have wasted your entire life. In the future, you won’t have me by your side, so be happy!”

The Empress covered her face and sobbed, her voluptuous figure trembling slightly, truly alluring, but Xu Sanyan had already lost interest.

Because he was tired of it.

Having said that, he no longer paid attention to them. With a flick of his hand, the azure-crimson twin swords and the whisk from the distant table flew into his grasp. His figure flickered and vanished, leaving behind a mess.

Zhao Shengwu was on the verge of tears, regretting his past actions. Given the mess he had created, the first person the rebels would kill upon entering the city would be him…

But none of this concerned Xu Sanyan anymore; his objective had been achieved.

As long as he got what he wanted, he didn't care if floods raged behind him.

Outside the capital,

Xu Sanyan, dressed in a green robe, led a horse, with twin swords on his back and a whisk in his hand, leisurely walking southeast.

Behind him followed a figure completely shrouded in a black robe, which was precisely the Fiend re-forged from the corpses of the Red Sea Twin Immortals, Qi Emperor, Lan Yue, and three other bodies.

Its strength was indeed much higher than the previous one, but still not as good as the Blood Fiend.

Xu Sanyan took out the gilded token from his embrace and infused it with magical power. Immediately, a layer of mist appeared in the air. A simple map slowly condensed within the mist.

After a careful comparison, confirming the direction was correct, he flipped onto his horse and galloped away.

...

More than a month later.

Xu Sanyan passed through the forest and looked into the distance. He no longer knew where he was, but he should be out of the Great Sui.

In the evening twilight, a mountain village was faintly visible, with wisps of smoke rising. The sounds of children playing occasionally drifted from the village, and now and then, a few barks of dogs could be heard.

What a peaceful and harmonious scene.

Xu Sanyan led his horse towards the village, deciding to rest there for a night.

Children by the roadside saw someone approaching from a distance. They all widened their eyes and watched curiously, wanting to get closer but not daring to.

Xu Sanyan smiled kindly and waved to them, “Little friends, where is this place?”

An older child turned his head and shouted, “Dad, there are outsiders!”

There was a commotion in the village, and in no time, a group of strong men surrounded them, holding weapons. Xu Sanyan even saw someone in the distance holding bows and arrows, standing by in full readiness.

An elder stepped forward, first glancing at the Fiend shrouded in a black robe, then cautiously said, “What brings you two here?”

Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit curious. Why did they seem so… nervous?

“I'm just passing by and would like to stay for a night and have some food. Don't worry, I won't eat for free; I'll pay.” As he spoke, he pulled out a gold ingot from his embrace.

He didn't carry much money with him. When he left the Imperial Palace, he just casually stuffed some gold in his pocket. As for banknotes, they were useless; other countries wouldn't recognize them.

The elder looked at the gold, shook his head with a serious expression, “Sorry, our village doesn't accept outsiders. Please look elsewhere.”

The villagers surrounding Xu Sanyan also saw the gold, but there was no hint of greed in their eyes. Their gazes were calm, as if they were looking at a clod of dirt.

Xu Sanyan grew even more curious at this. He was holding a gold ingot, after all. For ordinary commoners, this piece of gold would be enough for their village's expenses for a year, yet they were unmoved?

“I can't even stay for one night?” Xu Sanyan showed a friendly smile.

“No!” The elder refused very straightforwardly.

Seeing that he was still unwilling to leave, the villagers' expressions turned a bit fierce, and they slowly began to close in on him.

“Heh heh…”

Xu Sanyan shook his head and chuckled. How ignorant and brave they were, daring to draw swords against him?

He could tell that these villagers had some martial arts skills, but at most, they were only at the initial stage of Refining Essence. They might have learned a few local tricks, just enough to deal with ordinary people.

“What if I insist on staying?” Xu Sanyan slowly asked.

The elder saw that Xu Sanyan remained fearless despite being surrounded by so many people, realizing that he had encountered a master. So, he softened his tone and said with a wry smile,

“Young hero, it's not that we won't let you stay, but our village has too many rules. If an outsider accidentally violates a taboo, not only will your own life be in danger, but it could also implicate us…”

“Taboo?”

Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow, “Elaborate.”