556: Chapter 556 Zhou Mei's Worries

Mysterious Clarity Master set down his teacup and let out a soft sigh. His gaze drifted toward the shimmering ripples on the lake's surface, his voice carrying the weathered weight of a thousand years.

"The Ascension Realm is about to open once more. In the blink of an eye, a thousand years have already passed."

He paused, withdrawing his gaze to look directly at Zhou Mei's charming and seductive face, and spoke slowly.

"A thousand years ago, before the Li Family's Old Ancestor departed for the Ascension Realm, he entrusted the Tianqi Dynasty to my Revered Master. Eight hundred years have passed since then. I took over this heavy burden from my Revered Master's hands and have guarded this world for two hundred years."

Hearing this, Zhou Mei also gave a soft sigh, her eyes flickering with genuine emotion and sentiment.

The Li Family's Old Ancestor was a figure from her great-grandfather's generation. She had never met the Immortal Master in person, only reading about his legendary deeds of sweeping through the four directions and stabilizing the Li family's territory in the royal chronicles.

That Old Ancestor had single-handedly established the thousand-year Foundation of the Tianqi Dynasty. Before leaving, he entrusted the Dynasty's lifeblood to Mysterious Clarity Master's Revered Master. Such trust was heavier than Mount Tai, and Mysterious Clarity Master's steadfast protection was even more rare.

"For two hundred years, we have troubled the State Preceptor to guard Tianqi. This kindness is remembered by everyone in the Li family."

Zhou Mei's tone was sincere. As she spoke, she lowered her eyes slightly, a flash of shame appearing in them as she continued.

"It is only that I am of dull Aptitude, stuck at the Mid Golden Core Stage Bottleneck for many years, unable to break through the shackles and advance to the Nascent Soul stage. If I could have made a Breakthrough sooner, I could have taken over for the State Preceptor, so you wouldn't be confined to this small Tianqi Dynasty and could go to the broader cultivation world to pursue the Great Dao."

Mysterious Clarity Master waved his hand and smiled indifferently.

"A little hard work is nothing. I have only guarded Tianqi for two hundred years; compared to those Cultivators who go into seclusion for decades, I am quite free. Moreover..."

He paused, his gaze toward Zhou Mei softening a bit, and his tone became more earnest.

"Having stayed here for two hundred years, I have long developed deep feelings and a sense of belonging for the Tianqi Dynasty and the people of this land. Seeing the people live in peace and the country stable brings solace to my heart."

Zhou Mei's heart stirred slightly. Her red lips parted as she was about to say something, but Mysterious Clarity Master's tone suddenly shifted. His previously peaceful voice became incredibly solemn, and his aura grew heavy.

"However..."

"However what?"

Zhou Mei's heart suddenly tightened. Her previously lazy and seductive expression vanished completely as she hurriedly looked up at Mysterious Clarity Master, her eyes filled with unease.

Mysterious Clarity Master glanced at her indifferently and said in a deep voice:

"While I have not reached the peak of the path of divination, I can still glimpse a thing or two when it comes to discerning fortune and misfortune or judging destiny. Lately, the Sovereign has been neglecting state affairs, instead frequently deploying the palace's hidden guards in secret, making constant moves and layouts. I performed a divination specifically for this, and the hexagram was dark and unclear, showing that the Foundation of the Tianqi regime is unstable, with signs of a great disaster looming and court turmoil."

"What?!"

Zhou Mei's face changed drastically. Her lazy posture vanished as she suddenly stood up, her slender fingers clenching tightly. Her pale purple skirt swayed gently due to her abrupt movement, even causing the stone stool beneath her to shift half an inch.

There was no longer a trace of a seductive smile on her face. Her eyes were full of urgency and fear, and her voice could not help but tremble.

"State Preceptor! You have reached the pinnacle of creation and possess great divine abilities. You must step in to save Tianqi, to save my Li family's territory!"

To her, Tianqi was her home, her son's domain, and the very Foundation of her life.

If the Dynasty became unstable and the throne changed hands, she, the Empress Dowager, would ultimately be unable to escape a miserable end. Her three hundred years of stable life would vanish completely like a bubble.

Seeing this, Mysterious Clarity Master quickly raised his hand to signal her to stay calm, saying deeply:

"It is precisely for this reason that I came to see the Empress Dowager to explain the situation before I depart for the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty. The Sovereign is your biological son; a mother and son are connected. He might not necessarily take my advice to heart and might even feel some resistance, but as his mother, if you offer guidance and careful persuasion, he will surely listen to some extent."

Zhou Mei took a deep breath, forcing down the panic in her heart, and slowly sat back down.

Her previously relaxed hands were now folded neatly on her knees. Her posture was upright, and all traces of laziness were gone. Her expression became incredibly solemn as she spoke seriously to Mysterious Clarity Master.

"The State Preceptor need only give the word. For the sake of the Li family's territory and the people of Tianqi, I will certainly do my utmost to persuade Xuan'er."

Mysterious Clarity Master nodded slightly. He picked up his teacup and took another sip to moisten his dry throat before speaking word by word in a heavy tone:

"Regarding the matter of the former Empress Jiang Yan, the Empress Dowager is surely aware. The Sovereign's heart is filled with unresolved resentment, which I will not dwell on. However, his frequent deployment of hidden guards against the Northern Frontier and against the City Lord of the Northern Frontier, Situ Jun, is no small matter. One careless move will invite disaster upon himself and the entire Dynasty."

He stared intently at Zhou Mei, his tone becoming increasingly heavy:

"I only hope the Empress Dowager can persuade him well. He must prioritize the state, the Foundation of the Li family's rule, and the safety of the world's people. He must not, due to a momentary clash of pride or personal grudges, do something that will cause him eternal regret and lead the Dynasty to total ruin."

Zhou Mei's expression was extremely complex. She lowered her eyes and remained silent for a long time, her heart filled with a mix of emotions.

She was naturally well aware of the matters concerning Jiang Yan and Xia Wei.

Her son was the ruler of a nation, yet he had to watch as his Empress was sent to the Northern Frontier to 'pray for blessings' and was then forced to depose her and appoint another. Every single event was a profound humiliation.

Any man would find it difficult to let it go or swallow such a grievance.

She understood the frustration and resentment in Li Xuan's heart.

However, Mysterious Clarity Master's divination skills had protected Tianqi for two hundred years and had never been wrong. She did not dare to take them lightly.

Furthermore, Tianqi's Foundation was already shaken. If they were to become enemies with the Northern Frontier and Situ Jun now, it would undoubtedly accelerate the Dynasty's collapse.

"Rest assured, State Preceptor. I understand the stakes."

Zhou Mei took a deep breath and nodded solemnly, continuing:

"After the State Preceptor leaves the capital, I will summon Xuan'er and have a good talk with him. I will make him prioritize national affairs and not let personal matters interfere with his duties."

"That is for the best. With those words from the Empress Dowager, I can leave the capital with peace of mind."

Seeing this, the weight in Mysterious Clarity Master's heart eased slightly. He immediately stood up and bowed slightly toward Zhou Mei.

"I shall take my leave now. Take care, Empress Dowager."

"Safe travels, State Preceptor. Please forgive me for not seeing you out."

Zhou Mei quickly rose to see him off, her gaze toward Mysterious Clarity Master full of gratitude, though deep in her eyes, there was also a lingering heaviness and worry.

Mysterious Clarity Master said no more. He turned and stepped out of the lakeside pavilion. His body suddenly transformed into a streak of green light, surrounded by Spiritual Qi. He flew straight toward the opposite shore, vanishing behind the upturned eaves of the buildings in an instant.

Zhou Mei stood in the pavilion, watching the direction he had gone, not moving for a long time.

A cool lake breeze blew, gently tugging at her sleeves and loose strands of hair. The hair brushed against her neck, but she was completely oblivious to it. Her mind was filled with Mysterious Clarity Master's words, weighing so heavily on her that she could hardly breathe.

"Xuan'er, oh Xuan'er..."

She murmured to herself, her voice so low only she could hear, her tone full of helplessness and heartache.

"It is just one woman, one grudge. Just how long do you intend to stay obsessed? Do you really have to destroy the Li family's hundred-year Legacy for the sake of a moment's pride before you are willing to stop?"

...