We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 392: These Young People Will Do Better Than Us

Xiao Shi and Xiao Mo arrived at the imperial palace.

Following the Qin Kingdom’s ruler’s bestowal of rewards to Xiao Mo and Xiao Shi in accordance with established customs, his conversation shifted to the numerous strategic matters concerning the battlefield.

Even though the Qin Kingdom had, at this juncture, annexed the Jin Kingdom, seized control of nearly half the Zhao Kingdom’s territories, and strategically fractured the alliance between the Qi and Zhao Kingdoms, thereby placing them in an overwhelmingly advantageous position, arrogance was still a luxury they could not afford.

The outcome remained uncertain until the very final moment, particularly given an enigmatic pact that had formed between the Chu Kingdom and the two major powers of the Demon Realm.

This situation necessitated an even greater degree of circumspection.

Any lapse in vigilance, it was understood, would render all prior endeavors utterly futile.

After deliberation amongst the three individuals, a consensus was reached: the immediate priority was to consolidate the existing gains, followed by a gradual advancement.

Regarding the transgression of Bai Qi, it was decreed that his family would be spared repercussions. Furthermore, recognizing Bai Qi's unwavering loyalty and service unto death, he would still be honored with a state funeral. His noble title, it was decided, would eventually pass to his sister’s offspring.

Three hours thereafter, Xiao Shi departed from the royal study, while Xiao Mo was requested to remain by the Qin Kingdom’s ruler.

"No particular matters," the Qin Kingdom’s ruler responded, brushing imaginary specks from his attire as he rose from the plush divan. "Simply accompany me for a brief stroll."

"As Your Majesty commands."

Xiao Mo inclined his head and fell into step beside the Qin Kingdom’s ruler, exiting the imperial study.

Dispensing with the presence of Eunuch Li, the Qin Kingdom’s ruler ambled companionably with Xiao Mo through the palace gardens, their pace unhurried.

"Xiao Mo, our success this time owes a profound debt to you. Had you not crushed the Jin Kingdom, the strategic landscape of the battlefield would undoubtedly be exceedingly disadvantageous for our Qin Kingdom."

A heartfelt sigh escaped the Qin Kingdom’s ruler.

"Your Majesty’s commendation is far too generous. My contribution was but a minor one. Had the Crown Prince not held the Jin Kingdom’s feudal lords at bay, and had the Qin Kingdom’s soldiers not been united in spirit and purpose, your humble servant would have been utterly incapable of assaulting the Jin Kingdom’s capital."

"You..." The Qin Kingdom’s ruler chuckled, shaking his head. "Now that it is merely the two of us, there is no need for such excessive modesty. My praise is genuine. Do you perhaps believe I am mistaken in my assessment?"

"This..." Xiao Mo quickly bowed, his voice earnest. "May Your Majesty temper his displeasure..."

"Enough, enough," the Qin Kingdom’s ruler sighed with a hint of exasperation. "Why must you always maintain such a guarded demeanor? You are but a young man, not yet advanced in years, yet you possess a gravity that surpasses even your esteemed father."

Xiao Mo offered no verbal reply, continuing his measured pace alongside the Qin Kingdom’s ruler, subtly maintaining a half-step of respectful distance.

After a period of quiet walking, the Qin Kingdom’s ruler cast a sidelong glance at his companion, a subtle smile gracing his lips. "Xiao Mo, do you perceive my physical condition to be robust, utterly unlike that of a man gravely afflicted by illness?"

"It is, naturally, most auspicious that Your Majesty enjoys good health," Xiao Mo responded diplomatically.

"Hahaha, it would indeed be fortunate if that were the case, but alas, it is not so," the Qin Kingdom’s ruler declared, clasping his hands behind his back. His voice, as he spoke, was laced with a profound gravity. "To be candid, my remaining years are few."

Xiao Mo subtly appraised the Qin Kingdom’s ruler. The monarch’s outward appearance gave no indication of impending mortality; his complexion remained largely unchanged, perhaps only betraying a recent weariness, a consequence of the ongoing war and the tragic loss of his two sons in battle.

"You find my words difficult to believe?"

A faint smile touched the Qin Kingdom’s ruler’s lips. With a casual flick of his wrist, he dissipated the potent aura of ‘mountain and river fortune’ that enveloped his being.

Perceiving the flickering, tenuous life-force within the Qin Kingdom’s ruler, Xiao Mo’s heart constricted with a sudden jolt.

The ruler’s life flame resembled a candle caught in a gusty wind—precarious, yet not immediately extinguished. It was clear, however, that his time was exceedingly limited.

Following a brief pause, the Qin Kingdom’s ruler re-gathered the essence of ‘mountain and river fortune’ around himself. He then stepped forward, his tone imbued with a serene acceptance of fate. "Many years ago, approximately two decades past, I committed a grave error during my cultivation. My attempt to breach the Jade Simplicity realm ended in catastrophic failure. Only your father was privy to this mishap. Though I managed to preserve my life, my Dao foundation sustained severe damage.

Since that time, I have painstakingly sustained my remaining lifespan through the application of ‘mountain and river fortune’ and various potent elixirs.

Were I to dedicate myself solely to recuperation, I might conceivably extend my existence by another decade or two. However, I find such a protracted existence, lived in perpetual convalescence, profoundly unappealing!"

Years of worry and excessive effort have accelerated the dissipation of my essence. Nevertheless, I harbor no regrets.

All beings face the inevitability of death, whether it arrives as lightly as a feather or as weightily as Mount Tai.

For myself, a life lived with vigor and a clear conscience was sufficient, yet I have failed my two sons and my daughter...

As his pronouncement concluded, the ruler of the Qin Kingdom pivoted, directing a smile toward Xiao Mo.

"Xiao Mo, from your perspective, am I a heartless individual? One who would forsake all for the grand enterprise he champions, even placing his own son in peril?"

"..." Xiao Mo offered no reply.

One contributing factor to his silence was Xiao Mo's genuine uncertainty regarding an appropriate response.

A second, more significant reason was that, deep within Xiao Mo's heart, he did perceive the Qin Kingdom's ruler as possessing a degree of heartlessness.

"Your assessment is accurate; you are indeed correct..."

The Qin Kingdom's ruler offered no further explanation, merely lifting his gaze toward the distant trees rustling gently in the breeze.

"I estimate my remaining lifespan to be no more than three years. You are not to divulge this information to Siyao.

Regarding the subsequent ruler of the Qin Kingdom, I have deliberated for a considerable period and have developed plans, though I cannot yet reveal them to you. However, Xiao Mo, should the individual chosen to lead the Qin Kingdom falter, you may assume the mantle."

"This subordinate would never dare! This subordinate pledges to exert their utmost to provide assistance, ensuring Your Majesty's trust is not misplaced!" Xiao Mo bowed swiftly in deference.

"You..."

A sigh escaped the Qin Kingdom's ruler.

"Do you truly believe I am still subjecting you to scrutiny? Historically, your ancestor, from the Xiao family, alongside the former emperor, secured the territories of the Qin Kingdom. Across five generations, and particularly in your era, the majority of our expanded domain bears connection to your esteemed Xiao family.

The Qin lineage has held dominion over this realm for an extensive duration. Why, then, should your Xiao family be precluded from ascending to the throne?"

"I implore Your Majesty, please refrain from uttering such words," Xiao Mo stated with gravitas.

"Alas, let it be, let it be. I have conveyed what was necessary. Whether to accept it as truth or dismiss it rests solely with you..."

The Qin Kingdom's ruler waved a dismissive hand.

"I desire solitude for a period. Xiao Mo, you are dismissed. During this time, endeavor to spend more moments with Siyao and pay frequent visits to the empress. Furthermore, I am aware of the considerable distance between you and your father.

However... your father, that fellow Xiao Shi, is, in reality, a rather decent individual, certainly more so than I.

Engage in more conversation with your father."

"Understood, Your Majesty. This subject takes his leave," Xiao Mo bowed once more and turned to depart.

Following Xiao Mo's exit, the Qin Kingdom's ruler resumed his solitary walk, arriving at a nearby pavilion where he slowly took a seat.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

The Qin Kingdom's ruler emitted a few coughs, glancing in the direction Xiao Mo had departed, a subtle shake of his head accompanying the gesture.

"Converse more with him. In the future, such opportunities will cease to exist..."

With his words concluded, the Qin Kingdom's ruler tilted his head upwards and softly addressed the direction of the Xiao Manor, "Rest assured. Once the both of us have departed, these younger individuals will undoubtedly surpass our achievements."