238: The power of the ancient sword! Relaxation and companionship

The ancient sword trembled slightly, and the blurred patterns on its body seemed to be infused with life, lighting up one by one, exuding an ancient and vast aura.

A power far more majestic and primitive than Pure Yang Power seemed to be quietly awakened within the sword, resonating subtly with Li Shengyuan's Divine Demonic Power.

Li Shengyuan's mind stirred, and he attempted to guide this power.

"Om--"

A low, deep sword hum echoed in the quiet room, not piercing, but carrying a majesty that reached deep into the soul.

The sword's body remained ancient and unadorned, but the surrounding air began to twist, and invisible sword qi subtly condensed on its own, its sharpness making Li Shengyuan's skin tingle slightly.

This greatly surprised Li Shengyuan, as his current physical body was incredibly strong; for the mere sword gleam to cause him a slight tingling sensation showed how powerful this sword was!

However, the stronger it was, the happier Li Shengyuan became!

He casually waved his hand, not deliberately pointing at anything, but simply making a light slash through the air.

Rip!

A tiny spatial crack actually appeared out of nowhere, and although it vanished in an instant, the incomparably sharp essence, as if capable of cutting through everything, remained.

A look of pleasant surprise flashed in Li Shengyuan's eyes.

"What powerful might!"

He praised in a low voice; merely infusing a trace of Divine Demonic Power and a casual wave had such an effect. If he exerted his full strength, the destructive power this sword could unleash was simply unimaginable.

Most importantly, this sword could perfectly bear the Divine Demonic Power within him; this was a rare treasure!

Chancellor, the old man, had indeed given him an extraordinary treasure.

However, when he tried to further refine the sword, wanting to leave his soul imprint within it and establish a deeper connection, he found that no matter how hard he tried, that invisible barrier still existed.

His divine sense could activate the sword's power, but he couldn't truly penetrate its core, let alone make it recognize him as its master.

The sword was still that sword; it could be used by him, yet it seemed to possess an independent will, unwilling to fully submit.

"Indeed, it's strange," Li Shengyuan murmured, stroking the sword's body, feeling its coolness and the vast power contained within.

"It seems to have a spirit, yet it's completely different from ordinary sentient divine weapons. Unable to recognize a master... Is it that the time is not right, or is there another mystery?"

He repeatedly studied the patterns on the sword's body, trying to uncover its secrets, but these patterns were incomplete and obscure, and with his current knowledge, he couldn't decipher them for a while.

After trying various methods without success, Li Shengyuan no longer forced the issue.

"Forget it, since I can activate its power now, it's enough for the time being. The secrets within it might require an opportunity, or perhaps... stronger power to unveil."

He no longer dwelled on it and put away the ancient sword.

With this sword's assistance, his strength for the journey to Jiangnan had increased by several points. Even if he truly encountered a first-rank expert, Li Shengyuan was eager to test himself against them!

In the following days, Li Shengyuan did not depart immediately.

The situation in Jiangnan was complex, requiring some arrangements, and with his departure from the capital imminent, he also needed to comfort those around him.

During the day, he spent most of his time in the palace accompanying Empress Female Emperor Mu Qingning.

In the Imperial Study, he was no longer a subject but meticulously analyzed the court situation for her, explaining one by one the potential changes that might occur after his departure and the corresponding countermeasures.

Although Female Emperor Mu Qingning was already capable of independently managing court affairs, listening to his detailed instructions and seeing him painstakingly worry for her filled her heart with warmth and a touch of sadness, but mostly, reluctance...

"With me and the Grand Academicians of the Cabinet, you don't need to worry about court matters. It's you, though..."

Female Emperor Mu Qingning dismissed her attendants, walked up to him, and straightened his uncreased collar, her phoenix eyes filled with concern.

"The waters of Jiangnan are murky, with undercurrents. While King Wei appears to be leisurely and not overtly involved, he has been operating secretly for many years, and it's certainly not a safe place."

"Although your cultivation is peerless and your strategies are exceptional, open attacks are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. You must be careful in all things."

Her voice carried a hint of an almost imperceptible choke, "I will be in the capital, waiting for your safe return."

Li Shengyuan held her hand, his smile warm and reassuring: "Sister, rest assured, the person in this world who can stop your junior brother hasn't been born yet. As for court affairs, I've troubled you, Sister."

Overwhelmed by emotion, Female Emperor Mu Qingning leaned down and kissed Li Shengyuan...

...

In the evening, as the lamps were lit, Li Shengyuan accompanied Shen Xinrong, Princess Pingyang, Yue Xiyan, and Yue Qingmeng on a tour of the capital, making the most of their time.

It seemed to be to dilute Shen Xinrong's sorrow and also for relaxation before their journey; the group truly seemed to be just out for a leisurely stroll.

They weaved through the bustling night market, sampling various snacks. Princess Pingyang was the most lively, wanting to buy a sugar figure and a dough figurine every time she saw one.

They boarded a painted boat and drifted on the lake, admiring the brightly lit banks. Yue Xiyan played the zither, Yue Qingmeng listened quietly, and Shen Xinrong leaned against the railing, the night breeze ruffling her hair, seemingly blowing away some of her worries.

They even went to the West Market to watch acrobatics and various performances. Princess Pingyang cheered loudly, clapping her hands enthusiastically, full of joy. With her there, everyone was much happier.

Yue Qingmeng, having played with her for a long time, had even improved her initial shyness around strangers, becoming more lively and prone to laughter.

Like good sisters, they walked hand in hand everywhere.

When they returned, telling Tangtang about these experiences would surely make her envious, and then she would pout and complain that her parents dragged her around to visit people...

What children hated most must be meeting unfamiliar uncles and aunts, right?

Li Shengyuan stayed by their side the entire time, either laughing and playing with Princess Pingyang or conversing softly with Xiyan and Qingmeng, his gaze more often falling on Shen Xinrong.

Seeing the knot of worry on her brow gradually loosen, and occasionally even a genuine smile appear, he felt a little relieved.

The capital in these few days seemed to become even brighter because of these beautiful women of various styles and that extraordinary young master.

No one knew that behind this seemingly leisurely outing was the calm before a storm, and they were about to head south to Jiangnan with the force of thunder...